Strikeborn First Update Guide: New Move Variants for Gon and Guts Revealed

The community is buzzing because the strikeborn first update has finally arrived, bringing a wave of fresh content to the burgeoning Roblox battlegrounds title. Just three weeks after the game entered its early access phase, the developers have delivered a significant patch that expands the move sets for two of its most popular characters. Many players were eager to see how the strikeborn first update would shape the meta, and the results suggest a focus on high-skill variants and complex combo potential.

For those who have been following the game since its inception, this update serves as a roadmap for what to expect in the future. Rather than just adding new characters, the development team has opted to deepen the existing roster, giving players more tools to express their skill in the arena. From the introduction of Gon’s "Janken Scissors" to the devastating new ultimate for Guts, there is a lot to unpack.

Gon’s Expanded Arsenal: Janken Scissors and Beyond

One of the most significant highlights of the update is the attention given to Gon. While he was already a formidable force, his kit now feels much more complete. The addition of his second move, Janken Scissors, introduces a verticality to his gameplay that was previously lacking.

Based on player experience, Gon is now one of the most versatile characters in the game due to the sheer number of variants available for his moves. Every ability in his kit seems to have a secondary or tertiary function depending on how the player interacts with the controls.

Janken Rock Variants

Janken Rock remains Gon’s bread-and-butter punch move, but the update has highlighted just how much depth this single skill possesses. Players can now utilize several different versions of the move to catch opponents off guard.

The New Janken Scissors

The new move, Janken Scissors, adds a mid-range slicing attack that serves as an excellent combo extender. Community reports indicate that this move is particularly effective for launching enemies into the air, setting them up for a follow-up air slam or a teammate’s intervention.

Guts: New Ultimates and Ironclad Thrust Variants

Guts, the heavy-hitter of the roster, also received substantial attention in the strikeborn first update. While his raw power was never in question, his mobility and utility have been tuned to make him feel more fluid in high-stakes combat. Some players have noted that his basic M1 attacks feel noticeably faster, allowing him to keep pace with more agile characters like Gon.

Mastering Ironclad Thrust

The move "Ironclad Thrust" has been reworked to include several hidden variants that reward players for precise timing and movement. It is no longer just a simple forward dash; it is now a multi-functional tool for both offense and defense.

According to community reports, the back-dash variant of Ironclad Thrust is a game-changer for defensive play. By dashing backward before the thrust, Guts performs a low sweep that, while not damaging, provides a significant tactical advantage by repositioning the user while maintaining the threat of a follow-up strike.

The Devastation Ultimate

The most visually impressive addition for Guts is his new third move, "Devastation," which is accessible during his awakening state. This move is a multi-hit cleave that can be aimed mid-air. If the initial uppercut connects, Guts follows through with a series of massive sword swings that can delete a significant portion of an opponent's health bar.

Player experiences suggest that Devastation is best used as a finisher. The move has a wide area of effect (AoE), making it difficult to dodge if the opponent has already burned their stamina. Furthermore, Guts’ ultimate now allows him to literally pick up opponents on the back of his massive blade, leading into a slam that feels incredibly rewarding to land.

General Balance and Quality of Life Changes

Beyond character moves, the strikeborn first update addressed several technical aspects of the game. The developers introduced "Private Server Plus," a feature aimed at community creators and competitive players who want more control over their training environments.

Balance changes have also been implemented to address the "hyper armor" meta. Previously, some moves allowed players to power through almost any attack, leading to repetitive gameplay. The update has tuned these frames to ensure that while heavy hitters still feel powerful, they are not invincible.

Update Feature Summary

Strategic Insights: How to Combo in the New Meta

With the introduction of new moves and variants, the combo game in Strikeborn has evolved. Players can no longer rely on simple M1 spam to win matches. Instead, the strikeborn first update encourages the use of "feints" and "cancels" to open up an opponent's guard.

For Gon players, a popular new sequence involves landing three M1 hits, followed by a Janken Scissors launch. While the opponent is in the air, the player can jump and use the Janken Rock air slam variant to bring them back to earth for a final M1 string.

Guts players, on the other hand, are finding success using the Ironclad Thrust upward variant to set up the Devastation ultimate. Because Devastation requires an initial hit to trigger the full animation, launching the enemy first ensures the move connects reliably.

Recommended Combo Strings

The Future of Strikeborn

Many fans are comparing the development speed of Strikeborn to other major titles on the official Roblox platform. The fact that a substantial content update was released only three weeks after the early access launch is a positive sign for the game’s longevity.

While the strikeborn first update is relatively small in terms of the total number of new characters, the depth added to the existing ones suggests that the developers value quality and mechanical complexity over a bloated roster. The introduction of move variants allows for a high skill ceiling, which is essential for any competitive battlegrounds game.

Community sentiment remains high, with many players praising the "versatility" of the new moves. As the game continues to grow, fans are looking forward to seeing which characters will be added next and how the existing ones will continue to evolve through future patches.

Mastering the New Mechanics

To truly excel after the strikeborn first update, players need to spend time in the training dummy area practicing the "Spacebar Cancel." This mechanic is universal across many of the new move variants and is the key to high-level play. By canceling a charged Janken Rock, you can force an opponent to use their dodge, leaving them vulnerable to a full combo.

Furthermore, understanding "Hyper Armor" is crucial. Some of Guts' new moves provide frames where he cannot be staggered. Learning when these frames are active will allow you to trade damage effectively against faster opponents who try to interrupt your animations.

Combat Tips for Success

• Watch for the Sparkle: If you see a yellow or white sparkle during an opponent's wind-up, the move is unblockable. Do not try to hold your guard; instead, use a side-dash or a back-dash to escape the area of effect.
• Use the Environment: With the new air slam variants for both Gon and Guts, knocking opponents off ledges or into walls is more viable than ever.
• Manage Your Stamina: Canceling moves and using dashes for variants consumes stamina quickly. If you run out, you become a sitting duck for a Devastation ultimate.
• Experiment with Timing: The difference between a tapped Janken Scissors and a held one can completely change your combo follow-up. Practice both to remain unpredictable.

The strikeborn first update has set a high bar for future content drops. By focusing on mechanical depth and character expression, the developers have created a combat system that feels rewarding to learn and even more rewarding to master. Whether you are a Gon main looking to slice through the competition or a Guts enthusiast ready to unleash devastation, there has never been a better time to jump into the arena.

FAQ

What are the main features of the Strikeborn first update?

The strikeborn first update primarily introduced new moves and variants for Gon and Guts. Specifically, Gon received the "Janken Scissors" move, while Guts received the "Devastation" ultimate skill. Additionally, the update included balance changes to M1 attack speeds, "Private Server Plus" features, and various bug fixes to improve the early access experience.

How do I use the variants for Gon's moves in the update?

Gon's move variants are activated by different inputs. For example, holding down the move key for Janken Rock or Janken Scissors will charge the attack, making it more powerful or changing its trajectory. You can also press the jump button (Spacebar) while charging to cancel the move, which is a great way to bait out an opponent's defensive maneuvers.

Is Guts stronger after the latest update?

Many players feel that Guts has become more viable in the competitive meta following the strikeborn first update. While his raw damage was always high, the new variants for Ironclad Thrust and the addition of the Devastation ultimate give him better tools for catching mobile opponents and finishing off high-health targets. The slight buff to his M1 speed also helps him compete with faster characters.

How can I access Private Server Plus?

Private Server Plus is a new feature introduced in the update that provides additional tools for players who own private servers. You can usually access these settings through the server menu, allowing you to customize the combat environment, which is perfect for practicing the new move variants and combos introduced in this patch.

Official Strikeborn experience