The anime adaptation of the renowned fighting game Guilty Gear Strive, called Dual Rulers, is set to hit screens soon, and fans have a new date to mark on their calendars.
So, are you more of a “heaven” or “hell” kind of person? If you find yourself in either camp, chances are you’re already a fan of Guilty Gear. In that case, you’ll be thrilled to know that the anime spin-off of this beloved gaming series is finally landing in April 2025. Arc System Works has dropped a trailer showcasing this anime adventure, essentially transforming Strive’s signature 3D style into a full-fledged TV series, and it’s set to air on Crunchyroll. While the trailer reveals April as the release window, the anime’s website has narrowed it down a bit more to April 5. Whether or not it will land immediately on Crunchyroll in a simulcast, your guess is as good as mine, but stay tuned for updates!
The trailer is packed with familiar faces from the series. Mainstays like Sol Badguy and Ky Kiske are back, along with favorites like Bridget, Baiken, Dizzy, Jack-O’, Johnny, Leo, Elphelt, and Ramlethal. A fresh face named Unika is also making an appearance; while her role in the anime remains somewhat mysterious, she’s expected to join the game as a playable character, possibly before the year is out.
According to the show’s official webpage, the plot dives into a transformed world where magic has replaced former technological advances as the leading energy source. This shift led to the creation of Gears–forbidden biological weapons now standing in defiance of humanity. After the intense battles known as the Crusades, humanity emerged victorious, but at a heavy price that left deep, lasting scars. Enter Sin Kiske, a child born of both human and Gear lineage, who attends his parents Kyr and Dizzy’s wedding. This union represents a groundbreaking, though controversial, milestone.
The world may be at peace, but getting to this union took years of emotional upheavals. Despite mixed feelings from all sides, the ceremony is laden with blessings. Suddenly, a mysterious girl crashes the wedding. She possesses a deep-rooted hatred for Gears, setting the scene for a world-altering encounter with Sin Kiske, the child carrying Gear blood.
It may sound like a whirlwind of drama, but let’s be honest, would Guilty Gear ever be anything else?
Get ready for a thrilling anime adventure that promises to be as intense and intricate as the games themselves!