Guilty Gear Strive: Beta, release date and everything we know

Arc System Works has become the go-to developer for anime fighting titles, ranging from Blazblue to recent title Granblue Fantasy Versus.

Their magnum opus is arguably the Guilty Gear franchise, which has become known for its steep difficulty, complex mechanics and stunning visuals.

The upcoming sequel Guilty Gear Strive has the potential to be the franchise’s biggest crossover moment. So if you’re considering trying out the fighter, here’s what you need to know about Guilty Gear's latest instalment.

What is Guilty Gear Strive?

Guilty Gear Strive is the seventh mainline entry in the Guilty Gear franchise, following Guilty Gear Xrd: Revelator released in 2015 which received an updated sequel in Guilty Gear Xrd Rev 2. 

Strive however marks a completely new entry in the Guilty Gear series, confirmed by game creator Daisuke Ishiwatari when it was announced at EVO 2019. 

The first Guilty Gear title was released in 1998 for the original PlayStation, and has since spawned manga adaptations, novels and drama CDs. 

Guilty Gear Strive is the seventh main instalment in the series (Picture: Arc System Works)

Is there a beta for Guilty Gear Strive?

A closed beta for Guilty Gear Strive will take place on PlayStation 4 between 16-19th April. If you were hoping to take part, unfortunately sign-ups closed on 6th April with codes already sent out. 

The beta will feature seven characters in total, including Sol Badguy, Ky Kiske, May, Axl Low, Faust, Chip Zanuff and Potemkin. You'll be able to play in online matches and against enemy AI. 

It’s unclear if Arc System Works is planning an open beta in the future, although with the game set to be released later this year, there’s plenty of time for one to be announced. 

Why are people excited about Guilty Gear Strive?

Aside from being a new instalment in the series, Guilty Gear Strive is possibly the biggest fighting game to be released this year - with many hoping 2020 will be a breakout year for the franchise.

Among the FGC, Guilty Gear Strive is also attracting positive attention for utilising a rollback netcode. Previous instalments in the series have all used a delay-based netcode for online matches which delays inputs so it can match what your opponent sees on screen. 

A delay-based netcode can impede your ability to respond quickly during online matches, something which a rollback netcode promises to help rectify for a smoother experience.

It’s important to note however the rollback netcode will only be released with the full game, with the Guilty Gear Strive beta set to still use a delay-based netcode. 

When does Guilty Gear Strive release?

Guilty Gear Strive is set to be released on PlayStation 4 later in 2020, although Arc System Works have yet to announce a specific release date.

The game will be published by Bandai Namco Entertainment in Europe and Asia, following their partnership on Dragon Ball FighterZ.