Rivals 2

Rivals 2 is an upcoming platform fighting game that serves as a direct sequel to Rivals of Aether (2017). Unlike its predecessor, it is played in 2.5D and utilizes 3D models—additional mechanics are also added, including the ability to shield and grab, while mechanics such as the parry return from Rivals of Aether.

The game is intended to have improved single-player and casual-oriented content compared to Rivals of Aether, though appealing to competitive players is the primary focus of development—several mechanics were added to make the game feel more familiar to veteran players. The sequel is scheduled for a late 2024 release on "as many platforms" as possible.

Gameplay
Rivals 2 is a platform fighting game. Unlike its predecessor, Rivals of Aether (2017), it is played in 2.5D and uses 3D models as opposed to being played in 2D and using pixel art sprites.

The game adds several new mechanics—including the ability to generate a shield able to block incoming attacks, the ability to grab others, even while they are shielding, and the ability to "pummel" during a grab with either a short attack or a slower attack with a stronger attack with a unique secondary effect for each character. Further mechanics include the ability to grab ledges and attack while hanging from them and the ability to attack while knocked down. Mechanics such as parries also return from the first game.

Characters
Rivals 2 is set to feature 10 playable characters at launch. Seven returning characters from Rivals of Aether have been announced, including Zetterburn, Ranno, Wrastor, Kragg, Maypul, Clairen and Orcane. Two newcomers have also been announced: Fleet, who previously appeared as one of the four selectable protagonists of the spinoff game Dungeons of Aether; and Loxodont, who appeared as a non-playable character in the first game. In July 2024, Aether Studios announced that all future post-launch fighters will be free.

Roster

 * Clairen
 * Fleet
 * Kragg
 * Lexodont
 * Maypul
 * Orcane
 * Ranno
 * Wrastor
 * Zetterburn

Development
Announced in April 2022, Rivals 2 is intended to have improved single-player content compared to Rivals of Aether that aims to allow casual players to transition into more dedicated players, though competitive play is the priority of the designers—they intend to have the game be prominently featured at Evo.

The addition of the shield mechanic was added to make the game feel more familiar to those who play platform fighting games, and the grab was likewise added as a counter to the shield. Ledges were also added to Rivals 2 because the developers felt that it would make the game feel more familiar to veterans in addition to making it more approachable for newcomers.

At Evo 2024, Aether Studios announced that all future fighters post-launch beyond the base 10 combatants would be available as free updates.

Marketing and release
Rivals 2 was announced on April 1, 2022, during an annual April Fools' Day "Rivals Direct". The game is scheduled to be released in 2024, on "as many platforms" as possible. A closed beta testing period was originally planned for 2023, but was pushed back to early 2024.

In November 2023, a Kickstarter campaign was launched, seeking to crowdfund US$200,000 to increase the development team's size and ensure a 2024 release on PC. Initial funding was reached very shortly after launch, and the Kickstarter went on to raise over US$1.07 million, adding four additional characters to the launch roster as stretch goals.