Update: Gameplay trailer & starter guide added. 

The leaks and rumours are true, Guilty Gear lore and 2D fighting game fans: Elphelt has returned.

Elphelt Valentine, arguably the most popular character in Guilty Gear Xrd (or notorious, if you’re fighting against her), is Guilty Gear Strive’s next DLC character for Season 3 (via Bandai Namco Southeast Asia). And they’re available for download later today (8th December).

For those who don’t know, Elphelt Valentine is a Gear in the Guilty Gear lore. They are also a notorious top pick in Guilty Gear Xrd for her insane versatility, with the catch being a high-skill ceiling and that some of their moves can damage themselves.

Elphelt Valentine

Profile:

• Name: Elphelt Valentine
• Height: 5’6″ (168 cm)
• Weight: Dreamy
• Blood Type: Unknown
• Date of Birth: December 25
• Origin: Backyard
• Hobbies: Romantic discussions, pretending to be a bush dog, impromptu singing
• Values: Smiles, her bush dog-shaped coin bank, anything sweet
• Dislikes: Creepy insects, killing, loneliness

Elphelt can overwhelm the opponent with an arsenal of mix-up tools, while remaining simple enough for players to pick up and play.

Elphelt is one of the Valentines created by the Universal Will.

She loves animals and nature and can’t bear to see anyone alone. She will charge into any problem head-first, shielded by impenetrable optimism.

After the battle with the Universal Will, she takes on a position within Illyria Castle, but is not able to keep up well with the work. Although no one blames her for making mistakes, this very fact weighs on Elphelt, and she runs off.

What can she do to bring smiles to people’s faces? Elphelt finds the answer to her quandary in the form of a microphone.

It seems that the Bandai Namco Southeast Asia blog post may have been prematurely out, as the game trailer is still set to “private”. The date for the release is 8 December, so we’re guessing it’ll be ready after its announcement on The Game Awards 2023 later in a few hours.

In addition, today’s new update will add new special moves for characters Axl Low and Potemkin. Axl has a mini-projectile while Potemkin has an anti-air of sorts.

There will also be a brand-new 3-versus-3 mode where 6 players are simultaneously fighting on-screen, but that’s only available in 2024.

Guilty Gear Strive Season 3 DLC Pass is available right now for US$24.99. Right now, Johnny is available with Elphelt coming soon later today in the roster. [Update: 8/12/2023 @ 7:50pm] If you like more Elphelt, do check out her Special Taunts, her reactions to certain Overdrives, and other animations and Story mode content.