Overview
- The public open beta began Friday, July 24 and runs for roughly 72 hours to test servers, netcode, localization and match systems ahead of the August 6 PlayStation 5 and PC launch.
- Arc System Works premiered an anime‑style opening cinematic produced by Sanzigen and directed by Daisuke Suzuki that features the theme song “Stronger as One” and credited vocalists and composers.
- Phoenix Cyclops was announced at San Diego Comic‑Con as the first Year 1 DLC fighter, voiced in English by Ray Chase and scheduled to arrive in fall 2026 as part of the Year 1 Characters and Stage Pass.
- The game is a four‑versus‑four tag fighter with distinguishing mechanics: teams start with two of four characters unlocked during a match and all teammates share a single health bar, changing how players manage substitutions and damage.
- The Steam beta requires a PlayStation account to play and multiple outlets report that PlayStation Network sign‑up limits leave the title unavailable in dozens of countries, a distribution issue that could constrain player access and reception after launch.