Key takeaways
- Rivals of Aether 2 introduces new characters like Loxodont and refines the graphics and gameplay of its predecessor.
- Clairen, Kragg, and Zetterburn are beginner-friendly characters with unique mechanics and combos in Rivals 2.
- Orcane offers little challenge to learn, but the timing attacks and movement make players unstoppable.
Rival of Aether 2or Rivals 2A platform fighting game is similar Super Smash Bros Featuring fights between unique characters. Rivals 2 Enhances its predecessor with 2.5D graphics, smooth gameplay, and a returning roster of characters and some new ones. The game gained popularity and is an example of a high-quality fighting game with support for original characters and competitive gameplay.

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Like other fighting games, there are many characters to choose from, each with their own special combos and set of mechanics. What sets Rivals 2 Unlike other fighting games how each character's mechanics differ they practically shape the stages to their will. Because of the depth of each character, it can be hard to pin down which character is the easiest to start with. The following will showcase the best beginner-friendly characters to try first.
1 Arcane
Bubbling stage controller
- Elemental Powers: Puddle Teleportation, Bubble Evaporation, Water Amp
- weight: Normal
- ground speed: Fast
- Powers: Super safe down tilt, good combo hitter, and great reach.
- Weaknesses: Few long-range aerial attacks, with virtually no recovery if a pod is used.
Orcane is a returning character Rivals of the AetherA cat-like orca creature capable of puddles and bubbles to quickly attack opponents and master the stage. Orcane may be the most challenging of these listed characters to learn, but once players get a feel for his pod teleportation and bubbling moves, they may be unstoppable. Orcane poodles with his neutral special or down special, then specials to teleport and absorb the puddle, increasing the range, knockback and damage of Orcane's next attack.
Orcane's ground attacks are simple and can hit at close to mid-range, especially the downward bend that extends his tail and knocks enemies up a bit. His aerial attacks include a lot of flipping and timing pushback with his bubble stream to help dodge back when dealing damage. Orken's strongest attack consists of shooting water bursts that pack enough punch to KO.
2 Rano
Toxic and slippery martial artist
- Elemental Powers: poison pile, poison trap, poison spin
- weight: Normal
- ground speed: Normal
- Powers: Poisonous webs enable deadly combos, effective forward aerials, and excellent long-lasting attack hitboxes.
- Weaknesses: Can be trapped in one's own bubble, and some moves are slowed down, giving room for punishment.
Rano was introduced as DLC Rivals of the Aetherand returns as the base game character Rivals 2. Ranno is a poison dart frog martial artist with two main methods of approach; Attacking opponents with short-range aerials, or poisoning and ensnaring enemies with his poison trap techniques. He makes for a slightly challenging but great beginner character, as once players use their poison moves effectively, they can chip away at their opponents' health before they get those stronger moves.

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Ranno's basic moves include very close smacking, combos that end up dealing poison damage, such as poison spin or poison darts to get some stacks of poison. Poison stacks up to four times, taking 1% damage for each stack each time poisoned opponents attack. This effect lasts until opponents parry Rano or land a hit to dispel the charge. Rano's major damage comes from grabbing opponents with his special poisonous tongue in front of him, swallowing them, and spitting them out in a poisonous bubble.
3 Loxodont
A giant molten elephant
- Elemental Powers: Molten boulder, Molten charge
- weight: Heavy
- ground speed: Normal
- Powers: Ax swings are unusually fast, have decent ranged damage, and tend to destroy molten charges.
- Weaknesses: Has some slow recovery after basic attacks, and a large hitbox.
Loxodont is a new arrival Rivals 2A villain from the spin-off game Dungeon of the Aether. He is a fire-based elephant who wields a large two-handed axe. His ax can pull opponents in or swipe them. Loxodont has range in terms of attack distance and maneuverability around the stage. Like Kragg, Loxodont is large and hits like a train, making him a viable starter character.
Loxodont's Molten Boulder Move is an amazing neutral special that can be thrown at one of three angles and charged up to increase the distance and power of its shot. Loxodont can also release lava pools using his down special, which he can stand in to receive a molten charge. He can gain three stacks of molten charge, and when using a strong attack, will use the charges and deal massive damage.
4 Zetterburn
The Burning Combo-Hitting Beast
- Elemental Powers: Burn Damage, Wild Fire, Fire Amp
- weight: Normal
- ground speed: Fast
- Powers: Awesome combo game, high damage across the board, and extremely useful forward special.
- Weaknesses: Easily parrable projectiles, poor recovery, and weak neutral attacks compared to other characters.
Zetterburn is another original character coming up Rivals of the AetherA beast with a flaming mane and a chalset to match. He makes for a great starting character due to his deadly close-range combos paired with long-range fire projectiles. Zetterburn's fiery moves set his opponents on fire, dealing damage over time while landing combos.
Zetterburn's strength lies in his combinations, such as his ability to sweep around with his claws while leaning upwards and continuing to launch and hit opponents. His neutral air will cartwheel him, and down air will slam him and anyone he hits directly. Below Zetterburn's specials include throwing fire and slamming your opponents with fire bursts.
5 the crag
immovable column
- Elemental Powers: Rock Hurl, Defense Ball, Earth Pillar
- weight: Heavy
- ground speed: Late
- Powers: Super heavy and hard to hit, strong attacks and aerials hit stupidly hard.
- Weaknesses: Falling fast, most attacks are a bit slow, weak to rock grabs.
Cragg is a returning character Rivals 2He is known for his great weight and presence which allows him to live longer than other characters. He's great for beginners who want to stay on stage longer and learn how to edgeguard. Crag's moveset deals a lot of damage and knockback on successful combos.
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Crag's specials can manipulate the stage in a variety of ways; His down special shoots three rock spikes into the ground in front of him, his up special summons a pillar of earth below him, and his neutral special digs a square rock out of the ground that he can throw. These thrown rocks can be shattered to deal even more damage to nearby enemies. Crag can curl into a ball and roll across the stage, forcing opponents to jump out of the way.
6 Clarence
Amazing and fast black panther
- Elemental Powers: ionized tip, plasma echo, energy field
- weight: Normal
- ground speed: Normal
- Powers: Creates a force field to destroy projectiles, strikes cannot be punished by parries, large attack hitboxes, and stun ability.
- Weaknesses: Many moves leave you open to being punished, and sometimes struggle to kill at high percentages.
Clarence was originally introduced as DLC Rivals of the Aether And now returns as a base-game character. Clairen is a black panther with a flaming sword and is probably the easiest character to learn and master. On top of her sword speed and versatility, the sword tip deals extra damage, stuns, and knocks back opponents. Clarence's reach with his sword makes it easy for anyone new Rivals Or fighting games to fight.
Claren's Up Special spins her and her bursting sword upwards and can be activated twice as the second swing has a short projectile. This move has great recovery and damage, making it an essential move when returning to the stage or throwing people. His side special dashes through opponents, stunning anyone for a second and then throwing them up, setting up the opportunity to get in a combo.


- issued
- October 23, 2024
- developer(s)
- Aether Studio