The Guilty Gear franchise completes more than two decades as one of the most creative and striking struggle series of video games. Created by Daisuke Ishiwatari in 1998, the heavy rock mixture saga, magic, science fiction and electrifying duels with iconic characters. Now, about to win his first anime, “Guilty Gear Strive: Dual Rulers”, which opens in April 2025 at Crunchyroll, old and new fans wonder: Where to start?
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To follow the story without getting lost, it is important to understand the chronological order of the main games of the franchise, in addition to what each brought of novelty. Next, we explained the plot of the main titles and their contributions to the evolution of the Guilty Gear universe.
The Birth of Magic and Gears
It all starts in the 1990s, when a global technological collapse paralyzes communication and sinks the world in chaos. A man known only as the original presents magic as a solution to the crisis. With this, a new era is born, in which magic energy replaces conventional technology.
In 2015, the Gear project emerges: a scientific initiative that aimed to create magical forms of life. The plan ends up generating modified biological beings, the gears, programmed to obey human orders. However, the first conscious Gear, Justice, rebels and declares war on humanity, starting the crusades - a conflict that lasts a hundred years.
Guilty Gear (1998): The beginning of the journey
Five years after Justice's alleged defeat, a tournament is held to find new members of the Holy Order of the Knights Santos. Sol Badguy, protagonist of the series, wins the dispute and confronts a weakened justice. Thus, the game marks the debut of the Air-dash system and the dreaded blows that eliminate the opponent with a single attack.
With frantic gameplay and striking visual style, Guilty Gear gained space by combining manga elements with intense fights.
Guilty Gear X (2000): The emergence of Diszy
The plot is complicated by the appearance of Diszy, the daughter of Justice. Although peaceful, she is hunted for representing a risk to humanity. Ky Kiske, rival of sun and knight leader, falls in love with her, starting a forbidden romance.
In terms of gameplay, the title introduces mechanics that became standard in the series, such as Roman Cancel and the Dust button, as well as the first ports and revisions.
Guilty Gear XX (2002): conspiracies and revelations
Two weeks after the events of Guilty Gear X, the mysterious I-NO, a servant of "That Man," manipulates several characters, including Sol and Ky. The plot deepens with the kidnapping of Diszyy and the rise of secret organizations.
The XX version has become known for the various editions released over the years and the addition of Mom mode, which awards players by creative combos and strategic use of items.
Guilty Gear 2: Overture (2007): The Leap for 3D Action
Breaking the traditional format, Overture bets on real -time battles with territory defense elements. The story takes place years later, with Ky already king of Illyria and Sin's father, raised by Sol. The plot revolves around Valentine's emergence, Aria Clone (Justice), and a new global threat.
However, despite the gender change, the game expanded the franchise universe, featuring Backyard, an alternative dimension where reality laws are shaped.
Guilty Gear Xrd (2014–2015): The War against Valentines
Divided into Sign and Revelation, this arc takes place in the late 2180s. Ramlethal Valentine declares war against humanity, followed by Elphelt and other "sisters." Behind them is the universal will, an entity that manipulates the direction of history since the beginning of the magic era.
With innovative 3D Cel-Shading graphics that simulate 2D animation, XRD redefined the look of fighting games. They transformed the story mode into an interactive movie and introduced new characters, such as Jack-O ', an essential piece of the current plot.
Guilty Gear -Strive- (2021): The climax of the saga
Strive concludes the main arches of the series. Sol confronts his past, while Asuka R. Kreutz (that man) tries to correct the errors of the Gear project. The White House invasion by Happy Chaos creates the scenery for decisive battles and emotional resolutions.
In addition to the refined look, the game brought the Wall-Break system, allowing transitions between areas during combat, and mechanics adjustments to attract new players without losing strategic depth.
Dual Rulers (2025): The anime that follows the story
Situated after Strive's events, the anime Guilty Gear Strive: Dual Rulers begins with Ky abdicating the throne of Illyria to govern Vialattea alongside Demazy. The couple decides to officialize the marriage between human and gear, which generates tension between extremist factions. Then comes Unika, a mysterious figure who opposes the union and promises new conflicts.
Sanzigen studio will produce the anime and adapt the visual style of the television franchise.
Make the most of Guilty Gear
To make the most of Guilty Gear Strive: Dual Rulers, it is worth revisiting the main games of the series, either through the up -to -date versions or watching the history modes available in the latest editions. The complexity of the plot may seem like a challenge, but rewards players with a rich narrative, full of twists and captivating characters.
With over 20 years of trajectory, Guilty Gear remains one of the most original fighting franchises, combining style, striking soundtrack and innovative mechanics. Now, with the premiere of the anime, it is the perfect time to head in this universe.
