Summary
Rivals of Aether 2, orRivals 2, is a platform fighting game similar toSuper Smash Bros.involving clashes between unique characters.Rivals 2enhances its predecessor with 2.5D graphics, smoother gameplay, and a returning roster of characters and a few new ones. This game catapulted into popularity and is an example of a high-qualityfighting game with original charactersand support for competitive gameplay.
Like with other fighting games, there are many characters to pick from, each with their own set of special combos and mechanics. What setsRivals 2apart from other fighting games is how each character’s mechanics are so distinct they practically shape the stages to their will. Due to the depth of each character, it may be hard to pin down which character is easiest to start with. The following will showcase the best beginner-friendly characters to try first.
1Orcane
The Bubbling Stage Controller
Orcane is a returning character fromRivals of Aether, a catlike orca creature capable of manipulating puddles and bubbles to quickly attack opponents and master the stage. Orcanemay be the most challenging to learnout of these listed characters, but once players get a feel for his puddle teleportation and bubbling moves, they can be unstoppable. Orcane creates a puddle with his neutral special or down special, then up special to teleport and absorb the puddle, which increases the range, knockback, and damage of Orcane’s next attack.
Orcane’s ground attacks are simple and can hit at close to mid-range, especially down tilt which sweeps his tail and knocks enemies up a little bit. His aerial attacks involve a lot of flipping around and timing pushback with his bubble stream that helps evade backward while dealing damage. Orcane’s strong attacks involve shooting bursts of water which pack enough of a punch to K.O.
2Ranno
The Poisonous & Slippery Martial Artist
Ranno was introduced as DLC inRivals of Aether, and returns as a base game character inRivals 2. Ranno is a poisonous dart frog martial artist with two main methods of approach; attacking opponents with short-ranged aerials, or poisoning and trapping enemies through his toxic trap techniques. He makes for aslightly challenging but excellent beginner character, as once players utilize his poison moves effectively, they can shred the health of their opponents before getting those strong moves in.
Ranno’s basic moves involve a lot of close-range smacking, with combos that end with dealing poison damage, like poison spin or getting a few stacks of poison in with poison darts. Poison stacks up to four times, with poisoned opponents taking 1% damage for each stack every time they attack. This effect lasts until opponents parry Ranno or land a hit to remove a charge. The bulk of Ranno’s damage comes from grabbing opponents with his forward special toxic tongue, swallowing them, and spitting them out into a poisonous bubble.
3Loxodont
The Massive Molten Elephant
Loxodont is a newcomer toRivals 2, a villain from the spin-off gameDungeons of Aether. He’s a fire-based elephant wielding a massive two-handed axe. His axe can pull opponents in or swipe them away. Loxodont has a range in terms of attack distance and maneuvering around the stage. Similar to Kragg, Loxodont is massive and hits like a train,making him a viable starter character.
Loxodont’s Molten Boulder move is an amazing neutral special that is flung at one of three angles and can be charged to increase the distance and power of its shot. Loxodont can also leave behind lava pools using his down special, which he can stand inside to gain a molten charge. He can gain up to three stacks of molten charge, and upon using a strong attack, will use up the charges and deal massive damage.
4Zetterburn
The Burning Combo-Hitting Beast
Zetterburn is another original character coming fromRivals of Aether, a beast with a flaming mane and moveset to match. He makes for a great beginning character due to his deadly close-range combos paired with long-range fire projectiles. Zetterburn’s fiery moves set his opponents aflame, dealing damage over time while getting combos in.
Zetterburn’s strength lies in his combinations, like starting with his up tilt to sweep around him with his claws and launch opponents up and continue getting hits in. His neutral air makes him do a cartwheel, and down air will slam him and anyone he hits straight down. Zetterburn’s specials involve throwing fire and slamming his opponents with fiery bursts.
5Kragg
The Immovable Pillar
Kragg is a returning character inRivals 2, known for his hulking weight and presence that allows him to survive longer than other characters. He’s greatfor beginners who want to stay on stage for longerand learn how to edgeguard. Kragg’s moveset deals a ton of damage and knockback upon successful combos.
Kragg’s specials can manipulate the stage in a series of ways; his down special shoots three rock spikes in the ground in front of him, his up special summons a pillar of earth beneath him, and his neutral special digs up a square rock from the ground that he can toss. These thrown rocks can be shattered to deal even more damage to nearby enemies. Kragg can also curl up into a ball and roll across the stage, forcing opponents to jump out of the way.
6Clairen
The Stunning & Quick Black Panther
Clairen was originally introduced as DLC inRivals of Aetherand now returns as a base-game character. Clairen is a black panther witha flaming swordand possibly the easiest character to learn and master. On top of the speed and versatility of her sword, the tip of the sword does extra damage, stuns, and knocks back opponents. Clairen’s reach with her sword makes it easy for anyone new toRivalsor fighting games to put up a fight.
Clairen’s up special swings her and her bursting sword upwards and can be activated twice, with the second swing having a shorter trajectory. This move has great recovery and damage, making it an essential move when returning to the stage or throwing people off. Her side special dashes through opponents, stunning anyone within for a second and then throwing them upwards, setting up an opportunity to get a combo in.
