Guilty Gear Strive Update 1.29 adds Johnny, New Burst Mechanics

The patch notes for Version 1.29 of Guilty Gear Strive arrived. Arc System Works noted the update brings DLC character Johnny to the game as well as a host of other changes, including a faster filling Burst Gauge. The update is set to launch after maintenance on August 24, 2023 for the PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Series X/S.

The star of this update is Johnny, the new DLC character available to those players who purchased him alone or as part of the season pass. Johnny was revealed as the next character to be added at Evo 2023, following from previous character Asuka R. Kreutz.

You can watch Johnny’s reveal trailer below:

Also of particular note is the addition of two new burst gauge mechanics: Wild Assault and Deflect Shield. To take advantage of the changes to Burst Gauge gain, players will now have access to these new moves, each costing 50% of the full gauge. Wild Assault is an offensive lunge that drains the opponent’s burst gauge slightly if it hits, while Deflect Shield is a special block move that can be used to keep an opponent at arm’s length. Both moves sound uniquely powerful but have their own drawbacks and vulnerabilities.

Other changes coming with Guilty Gear Strive patch 1.29 include an African Network Region, a visual rework of the main menu screen, and various balance changes and bug fixes you can read about in the full patch notes. Guilty Gear fans can also check out the recent board game kickstarter and alt-color May figure.

Guilty Gear Strive is immediately available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Series X/S, with Johnny and the Ver. 1.29 update dropping on August 24, 2023.