Servers will be temporarily offline for an estimated time of 4 hours on Tuesday, December 23rd from 2 AM to 6 AM (UTC) to update Patch 9.6.
Eternal Return x GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE-
Our highly anticipated collaboration with GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- is coming to Eternal Return!
Meet Eternal Return characters reimagined with Guilty Gear’s signature stylish flair.
Jack-O' Dailin (Epic) skin will be available.
“Raaawr! How was that? I scared you, didn’t I? Hehe...”
Some motions we weren’t able to include with the Jack-O’ Dailin (Epic) skin for its release tomorrow were revisited thanks to your passionate feedback and the strong support from our collaboration partners. After additional discussions over the weekend, we’ve decided these motions will be added to the game in a follow-up patch after the skin’s release.
We want to sincerely thank you for your enthusiastic support, and also extend our gratitude to Arc System Works for their positive and swift cooperation, always keeping players in mind. More details on the timing and how these updates will be delivered will be shared later through a Dev Journal.
Ky Aiden (Rare) skin will be available.
“The only difference between us was the strength of our resolve.”
*Ky Aiden is a Rare skin with some voicelines adjusted.
Elphelt Aya (Rare) skin will be available.
“Love! and! Music!”
*Elphelt Aya is a Rare skin with some voicelines adjusted.
The three collab skins can be obtained through the GGST Token Exchange Store and the GGST Quest Book.
GGST Tokens Exchange Store
Jack-O' Dailin Epic Skin
Jack-O' Dailin Profile Item
Jack-O' Dailin Emote
GGST Drone, Telephoto Camera, Tombstone, and more
*You can obtain GGST Tokens through our GGST Token Boxes available for purchase in the Store.
GGST Quest Book
Ky Aiden Rare Skin
Elphelt Aya Rare Skin
20 Level Quest Book that includes a GGST Lobby Background and more
*Since this is a special collab, this item is only available for purchase through your Steam Wallet.
*Additional information will be available through a separate announcement at a later date.
Story Content: Archive
The doors to Archive, a new story content feature that records the tales of Eternal Return, are now opening!
Click the image button on the right side of the lobby to open the Archive menu.
In Archive, you can enjoy collaboration event stories, with more story content planned for future updates.
Changes due to Archive Menu
Lobby UI Update
The fixed “Daily missions” menu will be removed and a new “Mission” button will be available.
Achievement System Renaming
'Achievements' → [Experiment Records]
'Archive’ → [Destroyed Records]
Achievements, who previously was the main source of the experiment stories, will also migrate to Archive in future updates.
Event Episode with Guilty Gear -Strive-
The first Archive event episode, ER x GGST featuring our collaboration with Guilty Gear -Strive- will be released with Update 9.6.
Experience 4 scenarios that explore how characters from Guilty Gear -Strive- arrive on Lumia Island. Special rewards will be granted for completing each scenario, as well as for completing the full episode.
'ER X GGST' Episode Availability
Free Event Period
Tuesday, December 23rd 2025 to Thursday, January 22nd before maintenance (UTC)
Unlock Notes
If all scenarios are completed during the event period, the episode will be permanently unlocked.
If any scenarios are not completed during the event, the full episode can be unlocked afterward for 4,000 A-Coin.
New Emotes
New Eleven emotes will be available.
System
Ranked Games Cell Phone Verification (Asia 1 Server)
A Cell Phone verification system will be introduced for Ranked Matches on the Asia server.
Each cell phone number can be linked to only one account.
Accounts required to verify their accounts and that do not complete verification will be restricted from joining Ranked Matches on the Asia 1 server.
Even after successful verification, accounts may be asked to re-verify at random for security purposes.
Re-verification is only possible using the same previously verified phone number. If you need to change your phone number, please contact our Customer Support Center for assistance.
Verification Methods
There are two verification methods available:
SMS Verification: A text message containing a verification code is sent to the phone number you enter.
Voice Verification: You receive a phone call to the entered number, where the verification code will be provided through a voice guide.
By default, the SMS verification method is used. However, in some overseas regions, voice verification may be set as the default method depending on local carrier policies.
Cancellation and Changes to Verification
Verified cell phone numbers can be changed or unlinked at the player’s request. However, once a phone number is changed, additional changes will be restricted for 3 months from the time of the update.
Rollout Plan
With the 9.6 update, the system will first be applied to accounts with a history of sanctions and accounts that meet certain criteria in Ranked Matches.
During the 9.6 update period, the scope of application will be gradually expanded. The goal is to apply the system to all Ranked Matches on the Asia 1 server by the 9.7 update.
In principle, the cell phone verification system will later be expanded to Ranked Matches on other servers outside Asia. However, depending on player and community conditions for each server, the rollout schedule may be delayed or adjusted.
Since the cell phone verification system is affected by local laws and carrier policies, exceptions may occur and timelines may change. System improvements will continue to increase verification success rates and prevent circumvention, with the long-term goal of integrating KRAFTON’s unified verification system.
Implementation of ML Bots in Lower Tier Ranked Matchmaking
Ranked matches are intended to be a field for intense competition. However, we deemed that the tiers below Gold, where major ranked rewards are first eligible, would serve as a preparatory stage for that journey.
To improve low tier matchmaking, we are introducing Machine Learning (ML) Bots to lower-tier ranked matches.
ML Bots will have a maximum rank of Silver and can appear on all servers.
If wait times become excessively long due to a lack of players, bots will automatically join the queue for a smoother experience.
ML Bots are strictly intended to improve matchmaking within the lower ranked tiers and we have no plans to introduce them into high-tier ranked matches. While they can appear on all servers, they will be deployed under much stricter conditions than in Normal Matches. As a result, their presence will be focused primarily on regions experiencing matchmaking difficulties to keep queue health and player experience in line across global servers.
Illegal Program Ban Wave Enforcement
During one of the Season 9 updates, we implemented technical security upgrades related to illegal program detection. To maintain security effectiveness, we do not disclose the exact timing of enforcement. As a result, there may have been intentional delays between detection and penalties being applied.
Using the strengthened tracking system, we carried out a large-scale ban wave against confirmed illegal program users. A total of 354 accounts were permanently banned.
We will continue to reinforce our security systems moving forward. However, due to security concerns, we are unable to share detailed implementation information. Please note that using illegal programs is not merely a violation of game rules but can constitute a criminal offense subject to legal penalties, and we strongly urge all players to refrain from such behavior.
Matchmaking Improvements
Asia 1 Server
The top-tier queue will have stricter matchmaking, with the highest tier restricted to players with 8700 Mythril or higher.
The Mythril tier queue for players below 8,700 RP is divided into multiple brackets. While these brackets merge if wait times become excessively long, we are tightening the merging criteria to reduce the frequency of this happening.
North America Server
The top-tier queue will have stricter matchmaking, with the highest tier restricted to players with Meteorite+.
Stricter AFK Detection and Early Surrender System
Previously, when a teammate disconnected due to unstable internet connections or forced termination, the team’s Ranked entry fee was protected, but players were often left stuck in an unpleasant match until it ended. With the introduction of the early surrender system, teams can now move on to their next match more quickly.
In Lumia Island (Normal/Ranked), if a player disconnects due to connection issues and does not reconnect within 120 seconds (or 90 seconds from Day 5 onward), they will automatically be classified as having permanently abandoned the match.
When a teammate enters this permanent abandonment state, a Surrender Vote will appear for the remaining team members.
Choosing to surrender in this situation will not apply a give up penalty, unless the disconnected player was part of the same pre-made team.
As with existing AFK/Give Up rules, if your final placement grants more points than the entry fee, those points will be granted as normal. If fewer points are earned than the entry fee, the entry fee will be waived.
The In-game Refund System is Back!
You can now immediately process refunds without contacting the Customer Support Center when you meet conditions for refunds.
You can find the newly added refund function in Store > Top-Right Menu > Refund Icon.
The refund page shows your purchase history of the last 30 days.
Items on your purchase history that fulfill all the following conditions, are eligible for refund.
Items that were purchased within 7 days.
Items that weren’t with Free NP or Event NP only.
Items that are refundable according to our Refund Policy.
Items that were not already retrieved from Mailbox > Season Pack.
Items that are not immediately opened upon purchase.
*Only Paid NP is refundable. Free NP and Event NP are non-refundable.
*Only items that were purchased with NP are refundable, items purchased with real money are non-refundable.
*This function may be restricted if irregularities are detected.
You can check the refund conditions in-game via the refund function, or by visiting our Refund Policy link.
Hyperloop - Join Allies Keybind
You can now immediately hyperloop to your allies using a preset shortcut key!
Use the ally camera shortcut keys (default: F2, F3)
Daily Missions Display Changes
The Daily Missions list, which was previously fixed on the lobby screen, will be removed and consolidated into a dedicated menu button.
You can now open or close the mission list panel by clicking the new [Missions] button.
If there are unclaimed mission rewards, a green reward notification will appear on the [Missions] button.
A new button that lets you claim all completed mission rewards at once will be available.
Gameplay
Mobile Kiosk
Since the Mobile Kiosk can be used anywhere, reviving allies with it needs to carry a bit more risk. To address this, we’re increasing the cast time when reviving teammates via the Mobile Kiosk, encouraging more careful positioning and decision-making when using it.
Mobile Kiosk Casting Revival Time: 2s → 3s
Normal Kiosk revival time will remain as usual (2s).
Augments
Havoc
Frailty Infliction
Defense Reduction 7(+Level*0.5)% → 10(+Level*0.5)%
Chaos
Red Sprite
Damage 10(+Level*2)(+Extra Attack Power 20% or Skill Amplification 22%) → 10(+Level*2)(+Extra Attack Power 40% or Skill Amplification 25%)
Tactical Skills
The Strijder
Movement Speed Increase Duration 4s → 5s
Character
We’re adjusting the price for some characters!
Mirka
9,900 A-Coin → 8,020 A-Coin
Hisui
650 NP → 350 NP
8,020 A-Coin → 4,340 A-Coin
Nadine
Nadine has been consistently performing well. We are reducing the damage of R - Wolf Assault to keep her ability of accumulating high burst damage in line.
Wolf Assault(R)
Damage 100/150/200(+Extra Attack Power 90%)(+Skill Amplification 80%)(+Wild Stacks Damage) → 100/150/200(+Extra Attack Power 75%)(+Skill Amplification 80%)(+Wild Stacks Damage)
Lenox
Lenox's average damage is currently on the lower side. We are increasing the outer edge damage of Q - Recoil to allow stronger power for skilled play.
Recoil(Q)
Edge Additional Damage Max HP’s 3/5/7/9/11% → 4/6/8/10/12%
Rozzi
We are increasing the range of Rozzi’s R - Semtex Bomb Mk II to ease the difficulty of landing her ultimate when used proactively, allowing her to take more initiative when engaging.
Semtex Bomb Mk II(R)
Range 6m → 6.3m
Mai
Mai is exhibiting high durability in the late game once she acquires her late game items. We are nerfing W - Shawl Veil to keep her late-game durability in line.
Shawl Veil(W)
Damage Taken Reduction 32/34/36/38/40% → 31/32/33/34/35%
Magnus
We are increasing the current HP-based damage of R - Bike From Hell to allow him to break through the enemy front line more effectively.
Bike From Hell(R)
Damage 100/250/400(+Extra Attack Power 150%)(+Skill Amplification 90%)(+ 25% of Target's HP) → 100/250/400(+Extra Attack Power 150%)(+Skill Amplification 90%)(+30% of Target's HP)
Sua
We are increasing the HP recovery of P - Bookworm to provide better sustain during melee combat.
Bookworm(P)
HP Recovery Damage Dealt’s 55% → 60%
Sissela
We are increasing the Skill Amplification provided by P - Agony to empower her when playing aggressively.
Agony(P)
Skill Amplification Increase 4/7/10 ~ 20/31/42 → 4/7/10 ~ 28/39/50
Free at Last(R)
Passive Enhanced Duration 4/6/8s → 6/7/8s
Adriana
Since the recent buffs to her melee combat, Adriana has been overperforming. We are reducing the damage of E - Fire Escape to reduce her ranged strength and lowering her Weapon Mastery scaling to keep her late-game power in line.
Skill Amp per Throw Mastery Level 4.0% → 3.9%
Fire Escape(E)
Fire Area Damage 28/36/44/52/60(+Skill Amplification 15%) → 26/32/38/44/50(+Skill Amplification 15%)
Aya
We are buffing the Weapon Mastery gains for Assault Rifle Aya to help her overall performance, as she has been underperforming.
On the other hand, Skill Amplification focused Aya has been showing excessive power in lower-tier lobbies. Therefore, we are reducing the damage of W - Steady Shot to keep her effectiveness in line.
Basic Attack Amplification per Assault Rifle Weapon Mastery Level 1.3% → 1.4%
Steady Shot(W)
Damage 30/40/50/60/70(+Attack Power 50%)(+Skill Amplification 30/35/40/45/50%) → 20/30/40/50/60(+Attack Power 50%)(+Skill Amplification 30/35/40/45/50%)
Isol
We are reducing Isol’s base Attack Power who has been recording above-average stats.
Basic Attack Power 41 → 37
Alex
We are increasing the damage of W - Dead Drop & Recognition Signal to allow for stronger impact during skill combos.
Dead Drop(Melee W)
Damage 40/75/110/145/180(+Attack Power 80%) → 40/80/120/160/200(+Attack Power 80%)
Recognition Signal(Ranged W)
Damage 45/75/105/135/165(+Attack Power 75%) → 45/75/105/135/165(+Attack Power 80%)
Aiden
We are changing Q - Lightning Strike so that it can hit multiple targets instead of just a single target, improving his overall utility and feel.
Lightning Strike(Q)
1 Target → All targets within the area
Effects are applied only to the first target hit.
Justyna
Following a series of consecutive nerfs, Justyna has been underperforming. We are increasing the damage of Q1 - Barrage to help with her lacking damage output.
Barrage & Annihilation(Q)
Barrage (Q1)
Damage 50/75/100/125/150(+Skill Amplification 35%) → 50/75/100/125/150(+Skill Amplification 40%)
Eva
Eva has been showing strong performance in high-tier play. We are decreasing the damage of E - Amethyst Flow to reduce her excessive damage output.
Amethyst Flow(E)
VF Light Damage 30/35/40/45/50(+Skill Amplification 20%) → 20/25/30/35/40(+Skill Amplification 20%)
Ly Anh
We are increasing the damage of W - Phantom Ripper to strengthen Ly Anh's combat capabilities while in her possessed state.
Phantom Ripper(Possessed W)
Damage 10/40/70/100/130(+Attack Power 65%) → 20/50/80/110/140(+Attack Power 65%)
Zahir
We are increasing the Weapon Mastery scaling for Throw Zahir, as he is currently showing relatively low performance.
Skill Amp per Throw Mastery Level 4.4% → 4.5%
Jackie
We are increasing the damage of Q - Hack & Slash to enhance her overall power. In particular, since Axe Jackie has been consistently underperforming, we are providing additional adjustments to her Weapon Mastery.
Basic Attack Amplification per Axe Weapon Mastery Level 1.7% → 1.9%
Hack & Slash(Q)
Damage 20/40/60/80/100(+Attack Power 55%)(+5% of Target's HP) → 30/50/70/90/110(+Attack Power 55%)(+5% of Target's HP)
Jenny
We are increasing Jenny’s base Attack Power to help her combat strength during the early game.
Basic Attack Power 32 → 35
Katja
We are increasing the damage of P - Ashen Reaper to allow her basic attacks after skill usage to pressure enemies more effectively.
Ashen Reaper(P)
Additional Damage 40/60/80(+Attack Power 30/45/60%) → 50/75/100(+Attack Power 30/45/60%)
Piolo
Piolo has been facing hardships in surviving due to insufficient durability in both melee and ranged combat. We are increasing his Base HP to allow him to engage in combat more reliably.
Base HP 920 → 960
Hart
We are increasing Hart's Attack Power per level to supplement her damage output.
Attack Power per Level 4.1 → 4.3
Hyunwoo
We are increasing the Weapon Mastery scaling for Glove Hyunwoo to help with his damage output. Additionally, we are buffing the Defense increase of W - Bluff to allow him to absorb more damage when the skill is used timely.
Basic Attack Amplification per Glove Weapon Mastery Level 2.1% → 2.2%
Bluff(W)
Defense Increase 12/20/28/36/44(+1 per 10 Defense) → 12/21/30/39/48(+1 per 10 Defense)
Weapon
Glove
White Claw Punch
Attack Power 62 → 59
Rapier
Flamberge
Attack Power 55 → 57
Dual Swords
Hook Swords
Attack Power 50 → 52
Armor
Chest
Elf Dress
(NEW) Skill Amplification 10
The General's Robe
Attack Speed 20% → 25%
Head
Cowboy Hat
Attack Power 25 → 27
Fallen Pegasus
Attack Speed 20% → 22%
Cyberstalker
Skill Amplification 75 → 78
Sultan's Turban
Skill Amplification 75 → 77
Twilight
Attack Power 40 → 38
The Star of the Wilds
Attack Power 33 → 35
Arm / Accessory
Dice of Destiny
Attack Speed 33% → 35%
Cube Watch
Attack Power 17 → 18
Cobalt Protocol
Cobalt System Improvements
Credits
Naturally Earned Credits 1 per 1.6s → 1 per 1.5s
Cobalt Protocol Adjustments
Mai
Whip
Damage Taken 100% → 98%
Echion
VF Prosthetic
Damage Dealt 96% → 98%
Emma
Shuriken
Damage Taken 92% → 90%
Eleven
Hammer
Damage Taken 104% → 102%
Karla
Crossbow
Damage Dealt 97% → 98%
Cathy
Dagger
Damage Dealt 98% → 100%
Fiora
Two-handed Sword
Damage Taken 90% → 88%
Lone Wolf
Lone Wolf System Improvements
Game Phases
Day 1 Duration 110s → 120s
Wild Animals
Bear Spawn 110s → 120s
Lone Wolf Adjustments
Daniel
Dagger
Damage Dealt 96% → 97%
Magnus
Bat
Damage Dealt 97% → 95%
Sua
Bat
Damage Taken 102% → 104%
Hammer
Damage Taken 101% → 103%
Shoichi
Dagger
Damage Taken 100% → 102%
Isaac
Tonfa
Damage Dealt 99% → 100%
Jan
Glove
Damage Taken 101% → 103%
Zahir
Shuriken
Damage Dealt 98% → 97%
Throw
Damage Dealt 100% → 99%
Camilo
Dual Swords
Damage Dealt 98% → 97%
Kenneth
Axe
Damage Dealt 101% → 100%
Felix
Spear
Damage Dealt 96 → 95%
Damage Taken 102% → 104%
Hyunwoo
Glove
Damage Dealt 99% → 97%
Bug Fixes & Improvements
Gameplay Improvements
In Normal Matches, players who move beyond the AI matchmaking range will no longer be placed back into that range, even after losing a match.
AI players appearing in vs AI matches, Custom Games, new account’s first Normal Match, etc will now properly scale their equipment as the match progresses.
Drone summons will now always deploy at a fixed angle regardless of the player’s facing direction.
A pop up message will now appear when attempting to Hyperloop to an ally located in the Combat Lab.
Mana Seed item skill stacks will now be correctly granted during day and night transitions while gliding with a vertical launch device (VLS).
The correct item icon will now display in alternative item recommendations when obtaining a VF Blood Sample.
Using the window shortcuts Alt + Tab will no longer cause the camera to be locked to the current position.
Moving through the replay timeline will no longer trigger an error popup or force a return to the lobby.
Character & Weapon Improvements
Voicelines will now play correctly while using skins.
Additional damage will no longer be unintendedly applied after cc are removed using Tactical Skill Nullification.
Right-clicking an enemy immediately after using charging skills will no longer cause unintended movement toward the target.
Skill indicators will now display correctly when Display Skill Targeted Direction Trajectory is disabled.
Markus: Smash to Smithereens (R) will now correctly apply Warrior’s Grit (P) Rattled separate damage while fighting on the Rift.
Mirka:
Will now display smoother animations when moving immediately after a basic attack.
Backstep Rush (E) will now correctly synchronize cc duration and icon display when Power Strike - Enhanced (E2) hits.
Xiukai: Santa Xiukai skin voicelines will now display correct spacing.
Adina: Fated Horizon (E)’s Star Conjunct HP recovery will now apply correctly.
Aya: Japanese voicelines for the default skin and Midsummer Festival Aya skin have been updated to a new voice actor.
Isaac: Hound / Arrest (E) will now correctly pull targets protected by Sua’s The Curious Case (W) shield.
Aiden: Dissipation (W) damage area effects have been clarified to improve visibility of the skill’s hit range.
Ly Anh: Run Away! (Q) will now correctly update ground effects when Ly Anh’s position changes during the skill.
Felix: Tempest Hydra (R) will now be fired into the intended direction when charging it right after using Crescent Wave! (E).
Priya: Portamento (W)’s Bloom shield will no longer be removed when an ally is hit by Isaac’s Hound / Arrest (E).
Lobby Improvements
Voice and dialogue in the Attendance event tab will now correctly follow the Operator language setting.
Attendance tabs have been reordered so pages with unclaimed rewards are shown first.
Season Collection notifications will now appear when rewards are ready to be claimed, rather than when fragments are obtained.
In the Game Preparation Phase, unselected Tactical Skills will now appear dimmed, making your current selection easier to identify.
Collectibles > Announcer Pack, BGM: Item grouping and the maximum number of visible detailed selections have now been expanded from 4 to 5.
Skins will now be correctly granted when matchmaking is completed while the Claim Skin pop up is open.
Forging > Box: Boxes will now display correctly in the right preview panel when opening certain boxes.
Saving an edited memo on the match history page while viewing another player’s Info will no longer trigger an error popup.
Selecting Mileage currency in the Store will now play the correct visual effects.
The Esc key and button inputs in the team lobby will now respond correctly.
Voice subtitles for certain achievements will now display properly in all language settings.
Cobalt Union: Team Records will now correctly display all characters that participated in a match.
Voice Update
Li Dailin’s English voice has been recast due to scheduling delays. Voicelines for some of her skins and other related items will be added in a future update.
Li Dailin
Jack-O’ Dailin’s voice will be added with the release of the skin during the 9.6 Update on Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025.
The English voice for her default skin and other existing items will be updated to the new voice in a later update.
