Spring 2025 Anime: Everything You Need to Know About “GUILTY GEAR STRIVE: DUAL RULER”

1. Introduction
2. Where to Watch?
3. Trailers & Early Reception
4. Basic Information
5. Story Overview (Spoiler-Free)
6.Main Characters
7. About the Original Work
8. Highlights & Key Points
9. Summary & Anticipation

1. Introduction

Premiering in April 2025, “GUILTY GEAR STRIVE: DUAL RULER” is one of the most anticipated anime adaptations of the season.

Based on the immensely popular fighting game series “GUILTY GEAR” by Arc System Works, this marks the first time the series has been adapted into a TV anime.

Combining top-tier 3DCG animation by SANZIGEN and a stellar voice cast, the series is already generating buzz among both game enthusiasts and anime fans.

Looking for more Spring 2025 anime? Don’t miss these upcoming titles:

2. Where to Watch?

Broadcast Information

You can catch the show on the following channels in Japan:

TOKYO MX: Starting April 5, 2025 (Saturdays at 10:30 PM JST)
ABC TV: From April 9, 2025 (Wednesdays at 2:45 AM JST)
BS Shochiku Tokyu: From April 16, 2025 (Wednesdays at 11:00 PM JST)
AT-X: From April 10, 2025 (Thursdays at 9:00 PM JST, with repeat broadcasts)

Streaming Platforms

d Anime Store (Main, Niconico Branch, for Prime Video): Streaming starts April 5, 2025, every Saturday at 11:00 PM JST.

For international viewers, platforms like Netflix or Crunchyroll are expected to announce streaming plans. Stay tuned for official updates.

Streaming Platform and Availability:

Crunchyroll: The anime will be accessible to subscribers worldwide, including regions such as North America, Europe, and Asia.

Release Date and Time:

Premiere Date: April 5, 2025.
Streaming Time: Specific release times may vary by region. It’s advisable to check Crunchyroll’s schedule closer to the premiere date for exact timings.

Subtitles and Dubbing:

Subtitles: The series will be available with English subtitles. Information about additional subtitle languages, such as Spanish, has not been confirmed yet.
Dubbing: Details regarding dubbed versions in English or other languages have not been announced at this time.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official “GUILTY GEAR STRIVE: DUAL RULERS” website and Crunchyroll’s announcements.

Note: Availability and release details are subject to change. It’s recommended to verify the latest information on official platforms as the premiere date approaches.

3. Trailers & Early Reception

Criteria	Score (out of 10)	Reason
Story	8	An original storyline expanding on the game’s universe, intriguing but slightly conventional in structure.
Characters	9	Well-developed, charismatic characters with strong relationships, plus fan-favorite returning figures.
Animation	9	Top-tier 3DCG animation by SANZIGEN, beautifully replicating the game’s intense battle visuals.
Music	8	Energetic opening theme and solid background score, though some viewers may wish for more standout tracks.
Worldbuilding	8	The unique fusion of magic and technology creates an immersive setting, with deep lore rooted in the original game.
Action	9	Dynamic, fast-paced action sequences faithful to the game’s mechanics, appealing to both anime and game fans.

Ahead of the premiere, the anime’s official YouTube channel released a non-credit ending sequence, giving fans a taste of the high-quality animation and atmosphere.

Watch the non-credit ED here

Social media platforms are buzzing with excitement.

Character quizzes, countdown campaigns, and teaser visuals have sparked lively fan discussions, with many praising the stunning visuals and intriguing storyline.

Comments from the production staff and voice actors further reflect the passion and dedication poured into this project.

4. Basic Information

Title: “GUILTY GEAR STRIVE: DUAL RULER”
Premiere Date: April 5, 2025 (Saturday)
Studio: SANZIGEN
Director: Shigeru Morikawa
Series Composition & Script: Norimitsu Kaiho
Character Designers: Takuya Chanohara, Yuka Hachimori, Joseph Shin
Music: Ryo Takahashi
Associate Producer: Seiji Mizushima

Main Cast

Sin Kiske (VA: Kazunari Miyazaki)
Sol Badguy (VA: Jouji Nakata)
Unika (VA: Yui Ishikawa)
Ky Kiske (VA: Takeshi Kusao)
Dizzy (VA: Kazue Fujita)
Jack-O (VA: Hiromi Igarashi)
And more prominent characters voiced by a talented lineup

Official website and official Twitter(X)

5. Story Overview (Spoiler-Free)

Set in a world where science has declined and magic-based energy known as “chi” prevails, humanity once created living weapons called “Gears.”

These Gears eventually rebelled, leading to a long, devastating war known as the Holy War. Though humanity emerged victorious, society remains scarred by the conflict.

Sin Kiske, the child of a human and a Gear, embarks on a journey to attend his parents’ wedding.

Along the way, he encounters the mysterious girl Unika. Their meeting sets off a chain of events that will once again tip the balance of the world.

6.Main Characters

Sol Badguy (Voiced by Jouji Nakata)

Character Overview: Sol Badguy, one of the most iconic characters of the GUILTY GEAR franchise, returns in this anime adaptation.

As a former scientist turned bounty hunter, Sol is a hardened warrior with a complex past.

He was originally involved in the creation of Gears and carries the burden of his decisions.

Stoic, sarcastic, yet fiercely determined, Sol is a character who keeps his emotions in check but never hesitates to act when needed.

Role in the Anime: In DUAL RULERS, Sol acts as a seasoned mentor and protector, offering guidance to Sin while dealing with remnants of his own history.

His deep connection to the Gear project and past wars makes him integral to understanding the world’s current state.

Sol’s cool-headed combat skills and sharp dialogue bring a grounded presence to the fast-paced narrative.

Unika (Voiced by Yui Ishikawa)

Character Overview: Unika is a mysterious girl who suddenly appears before Sin during his journey.

She is an anime-original character, not featured in the original game, adding freshness to the narrative.

Unika’s quiet, enigmatic demeanor hides a complex background tied to the larger world of Gears and humans.

Role in the Anime: Unika plays a key role in triggering the new storyline. Her presence brings secrets and tensions to the forefront, challenging the status quo of the fragile peace between humans and Gears.

Through her interactions with Sin and the other characters, viewers gradually uncover her true intentions and the past she carries.

Unika’s character arc is essential in driving the emotional and narrative depth of the series.

Sin Kiske (Voiced by Kazunari Miyazaki)

Character Overview: Sin Kiske is the son of Ky Kiske and Dizzy, making him a unique hybrid of human and Gear.

As a result, he possesses extraordinary physical abilities and resilience, inherited from his Gear lineage.

Sin is characterized by his energetic, straightforward personality, often displaying a reckless but sincere attitude.

Despite his immaturity, he has a strong sense of justice and loyalty, especially toward his parents and allies.

Role in the Anime: In DUAL RULERS, Sin serves as one of the central protagonists.

His journey to attend his parents’ wedding becomes the catalyst for the story, and through his encounter with Unika, he is drawn into new conflicts that challenge both his physical abilities and emotional growth.

Sin’s internal struggle—balancing his human and Gear identities—adds a compelling layer to his development.

7. About the Original Work

Original Source: “GUILTY GEAR” series by Arc System Works
Reception: Since its debut in 1998, the series has captivated fans with its beautiful 2D/3D animations, rich lore, unique characters, and rock-inspired music.
Previous Adaptations: This is the first full-length TV anime adaptation, though the franchise has seen OVA and manga projects in the past.

8. Highlights & Key Points

Animation: SANZIGEN’s expertise in 3DCG animation ensures a faithful and exhilarating depiction of the game’s iconic battles.
Story: Featuring an original storyline, the anime introduces new characters like Unika, making it fresh even for long-time fans.
Music & Themes: The opening theme “AXCLUSION” by ulma sound junction delivers a high-energy rock vibe. The background score, composed by Ryo Takahashi, further enhances the emotional and action-packed scenes.
Direction & Staff: With a strong creative team including Director Shigeru Morikawa, Writer Norimitsu Kaiho, and Associate Producer Seiji Mizushima, viewers can expect top-notch storytelling and direction.

9. Summary & Anticipation

“GUILTY GEAR STRIVE: DUAL RULER” is shaping up to be a must-watch not just for fans of the game but also for anyone who loves action-packed, sci-fi fantasy anime.

Its visually stunning animation, captivating characters, and high-quality production are sure to attract a broad audience.

Before the premiere, consider brushing up on the “GUILTY GEAR STRIVE” game storyline or previous entries in the series for deeper enjoyment.

Don’t forget to mark your calendar!