Guilty Gear Strive: Dual Rulers Episode 1 premiered on April 5, 2025, at 10:30 p.m. JST, continuing the legacy of the acclaimed fighting game series, Guilty Gear -Strive-. The narrative unfolds in a magical realm where formidable beings known as Gears threaten humanity after being engineered through arcane powers.
The episode kicks off with the highly anticipated wedding of Ky Kiske, a renowned champion of mankind, and Dizzy, a half-Gear whose lineage has long been a source of controversy. Just as the ceremony is about to commence, an unexpected attack by Unika, a young girl filled with animosity toward Gears, turns the joyous occasion into chaos.
In the midst of the turmoil, Ky and Dizzy become trapped within a mystical barrier. This startling development motivates their son, Sin Kiske, to embark on a quest to discover Unika’s underlying reasons for her rage against Gears.
Exploring Sin Kiske’s World in Guilty Gear Strive: Dual Rulers Episode 1
The first episode, titled “Ceremony,”immerses viewers in a fantastical world where Law Power replaces conventional technology. This realm has birthed Gears – bioengineered warriors that turned against their creators, triggering a devastating conflict known as the Crusades. Although humanity emerged victorious, peace remains tenuous.
We meet Ky Kiske, now the Chief of the International Police Force and humanity’s protector. Once a staunch adversary of Gears, his perspective shifted after meeting Dizzy, a half-Gear with a heritage linked to the Gear King.
Rescuing her from the clutches of her volatile abilities, Ky eventually grows fond of Dizzy. Their love culminates in the birth of Sin Kiske, while Ky ascends to the throne of Illyria, determined to safeguard those he cherishes.
The narrative then shifts to focus on Sin, who trains under Sol Badguy, a legendary figure from the Sacred Order of Holy Knights known for his prowess against Gears. A pivotal moment arises when Sol sends Sin to confront a troublesome bear near their village. However, Sin realizes the bear is simply defending her cubs and opts for non-violence. Sol advises him that they must hurry to the wedding.
Unika’s Disruption at Ky and Dizzy’s Wedding
The setting transitions to Illyria Castle, where Ky and Dizzy’s long-awaited wedding is about to take place. Once dismissed as taboo, their marriage symbolizes the reconciliation between humans and Gears, facilitated by Ky’s resolved efforts. Despite lingering prejudices, the populace chooses to honor their commitment.
Before the vows are exchanged, Johnny, Dizzy’s former protector and the head of the Jellyfish Pirates, comes to offer his congratulations. Not long after, U.S. Senator Nerville Hammer, a vocal leader of the Anti-Gear movement, arrives, signaling potential danger.
Johnny cautions Ky about Nerville’s potential motives. Their conversation quickly turns confrontational as Nerville questions Ky’s integrity for marrying a Gear. Despite this, Ky asserts their pursuit of peace, backed by Dizzy’s desire for harmony as well. While Nerville appears to relent, a glimmer of suspicion lingers as he departs, indicating he may have taken something from the ceremony.
Amidst these tensions, Johnny spots the enigmatic Unika sneaking into the event. When he attempts to detain her, she attacks, revealing her formidable skills. As the confrontation escalates, Unika discloses her aim to eradicate Gears, launching an offensive toward Dizzy.
Initially shielded by her powers, Dizzy is supported by Ky, who joins the battle. Unika employs golems to distract Johnny and Ky, relentlessly targeting Dizzy, hoping to push her powers to a breaking point. As anticipated, chaos ensues when Dizzy’s latent necro abilities culminate in a massive eruption.
Meanwhile, Sin grows increasingly alarmed while racing towards his parents at the castle, sensing the mounting danger. Upon arrival, he witnesses the explosion as Ky envelops Dizzy in a protective barrier, both of them becoming trapped within a shimmering sphere.
Sin’s Journey Begins and the Introduction of Baiken
In the closing moments, a furious Sin confronts Unika, blaming her for destroying his parents’ wedding; he finds himself at a disadvantage in their encounter. Even Johnny attempts to intervene, but to no avail, as Unika escapes, proclaiming herself a warrior dedicated to humanity’s salvation, swearing to rid the world of Gears.
The aftermath reverberates as Leo Whitefang, the second king of Illyria, discusses the incident with U.S. President Vernon. They conclude that the attack signifies more than mere terrorism and agree to keep a lid on further developments until they grasp the identity and intentions of this new adversary.
As the scene shifts, Ramlethal and Elphelt Valentine investigate the mysterious barrier, recognizing it as a product of Thunderseal magic. Meanwhile, Sin returns to Sol, who reassures him that the barrier is a protective mechanism crafted by Ky, ensuring their safety. Calmed by this revelation, Sin redirects his focus onto Unika.
Yet, instead of seeking mere revenge, Sin is motivated by a deeper curiosity regarding Unika’s intentions. Sensing complexity in her character, he resolves to pursue answers alongside Sol.
The episode wraps up by introducing a formidable woman named Baiken, who appears to have her sights set on Unika as well, hinting at future confrontations.