Gab Hernandez 
Arc System Works revealed Slayer as the final DLC fighter for Guilty Gear Strive Season 3 at EVO Japan, and confirmed his release date.
Guilty Gear Strive’s success continues unabated in 2024. Ever since its 2021 release, the title has been breaking records for the franchise. In June 2021, Guilty Gear Strive beat the all-time concurrent player count of contemporaries Street Fighter 5 and Tekken 7 and went on to main event Evo 2022.
In August 2022, Strive sold over 1 million units, cementing it as the best-selling title in the franchise’s history. Strive’s unique look and gameplay mechanics set it apart from other fighting games, and established fans saw it as a return to form after Guilty Gear Xrd. Arc System Works continues to support Guilty Gear Strive through DLC fighters and gameplay updates, and Slayer ends this third batch of fighters.
When is Slayer’s release date for Guilty Gear Strive?
Slayer will arrive in Guilty Gear Strive on May 30, 2024.
Following Accent Core’s ABA, the lovestruck bloodsucker Slayer makes an explosive return to the franchise. The dandy vampire is a fan favorite in the Guilty Gear franchise, and his presentation here remains as excellent as ever.
The English voice acting, provided by JB Blanch, evokes a Sean Connery vibe befitting the elegantly dressed Slayer. Slayer’s wife, Sharon, also returns and may or may not get bled dry at the start of every match anymore.
In sharp contrast to most of the Strive cast, Slayer fights with his bare hands in a bob-and-weave style. His teleports and heavy-hitting attacks are the perfect setups for violent combos. Gameplay-wise, Slayer boasts many of his most familiar moves including his biting command grab, looping overheads, and explosive Mappa. Unlike other rushdown styles, which focus on relentless attacks, Slayer specializes in punishing opponents and traditionally does huge damage in shorter combos.
Slayer also retains his impressive mobility through short-range dashes, letting him close in or dash out of danger quickly. He also looks to be completely distinct from Nagoriyuki, despite the vampire samurai’s moveset being partly based on Slayer.
Alongside Slayer’s release date, Guilty Gear Strive adds a new snow-themed stage, new extra colors, and a tease for Season 4. Guilty Gear Strive’s third season has seemingly been a major success for Arc System Works, and Season 4 will keep Guilty Gear Strive alive for another year at the very least.
