Characters
Discover the unique fighting styles of each Rival and learn the histories that shaped them.
Zetterburn
The Fire's Roar
Profile
Zetterburn, a son of the ruling family of the Firelands, is an experienced and hardened warrior. He has fought many wars for the Fire Capital, a bellicose nation that constantly seeks to expand its influence over neighbouring lands. His courage in battle has made him a hero among his people.
However, his straightforward character and unquestioning allegiance to the Fire Nation blind him at times. He is a reliable general on the field, but naive to the larger politics of Aether. In battle, Zetterburn is equally forthright; he uses no weapons except for his razor-sharp claws and ability to control flame.
Elemental Powers
- BURN DAMAGE - Zetterburn's special attacks can set opponents on fire, causing them additional damage over time.
- WILD FIRE - Zetterburn's Down Special places flames on the stage. These flames stay for a period of time, burning any opponents who come in contact with them.
- FIRE AMP - When an opponent is burning, Zetterburn's Strong Attacks can absorb the flames and launch the burned enemy twice as far, making for an effective killing blow.
Orcane
The Puddle Jumper
Profile
When he first arrived in Water Town, the merchant capital of Aether, Orcane was considered a dangerous nuisance and a criminal. Orcane is a playful trickster, notorious for escaping even the most precarious of situations.
However, while the Water Merchants denounce Orcane in public, they do not hesitate to call upon him when they need a situation dealt with quietly. Orcane is sly and can infiltrate even the most secure strongholds. He can transform into water and confuse enemies with a spray of bubbles, making him the perfect candidate for stealth assignments.
Elemental Powers
- PUDDLE TELEPORTATION - Orcane creates a puddle with his Neutral Special or Down Special. He can then teleport to his puddle using his Up Special as a powerful vertical blow or an effective recovery when launched off the stage.
- BUBBLE EVAPORATION - Orcane can turn his puddle into a pillar of bubbles with his Down Special to trap enemies above the puddle.
- WATER AMP - When standing on top of his puddle, Orcane can consume the water underneath him to perform powerful Strong Attacks with far greater range and knockback.
Wrastor
The Wind's Fury
Profile
The youngest trainee in the history of the Air Academy, Wrastor has never lived by anyone's rules but his own. After graduating at the top of his class, he joined the Air Armada, the military force of Air Nation.
Within a year, Wrastor became renowned not just in Air Nation but across Aether as a fierce and unpredictable figher. However, among his superiors, he is more infamous for his brashness and arrogance than for his daring deeds. Currently an Aerial Ace for the Air Armada, Wrastor is wrecking havoc among the Armada's enemies and generals alike.
Elemental Powers
- WINGED FLIGHT - Wrastor can jump 4 times, making him incredible at controlling the air and recovering from the toughest falls even when things look grim.
- WIND CURRENT - Wrastor can create a Wind Current with his Forward Special, allowing him to move faster within it and chase his targets more effectively.
- AERIAL ACE - Wrastor performs his charged Strong Attacks in the air instead of on the ground, a first for this genre.
Kragg
The Earth's Bastion
Profile
Kragg is a defender of the colossal Aetherian Forest. Deliberate and loyal, he is one of the infamous Wall Runners who patrol the Rock Wall. From their position atop the Wall, Kragg and his fellow Runners defend both sides of the rock face and the forest below.
While normally slow because of their massive bodies, Wall Runners can curl up into balls and traverse the Wall at high speeds. Unlike other Wall Runners, Kragg has the legendary ability to control the earth with his will. When in peril, Kragg can summon the earth to aid him, and he repairs the Wall when it is under siege.
Elemental Powers
- ROCK HURL - Kragg can pull a rock out of the ground and hurl it at opponents. After it leaves his hands, the rock becomes a solid piece of stage that either Kragg or other players can break.
- DEFENSE BALL - Kragg can curl into a ball and roll toward enemies. Although he can be damaged while in ball form, he cannot be knocked away.
- EARTH PILLAR - Kragg can summon a pillar of earth to his feet regardless of where he is. If Kragg is about to fall to his death, this move can quickly turn his situation around.
Forsburn
The Exiled Flame
Profile
Forsburn is the disgraced, eldest son of the Firelands' ruling family. While his brother Zetterburn served the kingdom through leadership on the battlefield, Forsburn was the Firelands' chief diplomat. Forsburn was the right hand of the Fire King, and he could be relied upon both to broker treaties and to quietly take care of threats to the kingdom.
However, after years of unquestioning service, Forsburn began to smell corruption simmering beneath the surface of the Fire Council. Before Forsburn could expose the conspiracy, his father was discovered slain with Forsburn's own dagger protruding from his heart. Assumed to be the assassin, Forsburn was condemned by his brother and barely escaped the Capital with his life. Left wounded and nationless, he wandered for months before meeting a groups of rebels on the outskirts of the Firelands. These outsiders of the kingdom had rejected flame and mastered the way of smoke, a philosophy of truthful deception. Forsburn joined the smoke tribe, soon becoming their leader. He plots to reclaim the Fire Capital from the Fire Council and their unsuspecting pawn, Zetterburn.
Elemental Powers
- SMOKE SCREEN - Forsburn can use his Neutral Special to obscure the battlefield allowing Forsburn to remain hidden inside a cloud of smoke.
- DECOY - Through his Forward Special, Forsburn can create a smoke facsimile of himself that can attack opponents. The illusory Forsburn breaks into smoke after being hit by a single attack.
- CONSUME/COMBUST - By using his Down Special, Forsburn can consume his smoke clouds back into his body. After consuming three clouds, Forsburn is charged up and can use Down Special again to combust: knocking opponents away at high speed.
Maypul
The Sylvan Watcher
Profile
Maypul is the self-appointed Guardian of the Aetherian Forest. Her fellow tree-dwellers live in insular strongholds in the forest canopy - the quarrels of Aether quite literally beneath them.
Yet Maypul senses something rotten in the world of Aether. Only she listens to the whispers of distress amongst the trees. And so, Maypul patrols the forest seeking out threats to her home. She parlays with the surface dwellers, much to the dismay of her treetop clan. However, she commands fearful respect throughout the forest for her unhesitating vigilantism. She uses her agility to trap any unknown intruders before they even realize she is there.
Elemental Powers
- WATCHER'S MARK - Maypul can use her Seeds or her Watcher's Dash to mark opponents, making them susceptible to her following attacks.
- WRAPPED UP - After marking her targets, Maypul can use her Strong Attacks or her trusty Plant to wrap marked opponents in place allowing her to follow up with another attack.
- SLING SHOT - Maypul can use her vines to sling toward marked opponents, allowing her to elude attacks and quickly close distances.
Absa
The Storm Architect
Profile
Absa is a famed engineer and secret martialist of the Elders of the Air Alliance, who live high above the cloudline in the Archai Mountains. Before the Air Armada, winged citizens of the Alliance would fly between the high trees of the Aetherian Forrest and the mountaintops of Archai. The Elders of Air dispensed wisdom and law from the Archaian mountaintops, and Air society flourished under a peaceful neutrality.
However, after the Fire Kingdom burnt down the Aetherian Forrest, the winged citizens began to question the peaceful policies of the mountain-dwelling Elders. A rift formed between the Air citizens who could fly and those who could not. Soon the winged Air-dwellers built the Air Armada and declared war on the Fire Nation... leaving the Air Alliance in tatters.
Absa was only a young girl when half of the Air Alliance left with the Armada. However, young Absa, math prodigy and wunderkind inventor, perceived the vulnerability of her mountaintop civilization. She studied the world of Aether and developed a defense to protect the mountains from war. She mastered weather patterns and harnessed the power of lightning to create a permanent electrical storm at the base of the Archai Mountains. This storm barricade has hidden the mountains so well that the Air Elders consider themselves impervious to the turmoil of Aether. Yet, Absa, the inventor of the storms herself, fears that the barricades may prove insufficient. Despite the laws of the Elders, Absa secretly developed her storm techniques for offensive use. In martial arts societies hidden in the caves of the Archai mountains, Absa honed skills that she hoped to never need.
Elemental Powers
- CLOUD CONTROL - Absa can place a cloud using her Neutral or Forward Special. This cloud hangs in the air until Absa bursts it by tapping her Neutral Special and knocking enemies away.
- THUNDER BOLT - Absa can charge her Neutral Special to create a powerful lightning blast that connects her to her cloud. All opponents caught between the two will be knocked away at high speeds.
- CONDENSED STORM - Absa focuses the power of a lightning bolt to the tip of her hoof. If she can line up one of her aerial kicks perfectly, she unleashes great power.
Etalus
The Glacier's Might
Profile
Etalus is a legendary warrior in his native land, the northern continent known as the Ice Barrens. He is one of the last surviving members of the Harbor Guard, an elite battalion that once defended the Hyperboreans, the peoples of the Ice Barrens.
The Harbor Guard battled other elemental factions on land and sea in order to protect their coast and keep trade routes open to the Water Merchants in the south. However, in the past two decades, few from the southern continent of Aether have had any contact with Harbor Guard or any other representative of the north. Most people assume that the Harbor Guard was defeated, and the Hyperboreans had to retreat further inland.
In reality, Etalus and the Harbor Guard left their posts to battle a deadly threat from the northern reaches: the Black Ice. While the Harbor Guard were focused on their southern harbors, creatures of ice and shadow descended on the Hyperboreans in a sudden onslaught of slaughter and destruction. The Harbor Guard rushed, too late, to defend this new northern front. Many brave ice warriors fell. Etalus now hunts alone, stalking the northern reaches for Black Ice. The remaining Hyperboreans have pushed deeper into the tundras to the west, looking for a safe place to rebuild their homes.
Elemental Powers
- HOME ICE ADVANTAGE: Etalus can use his Forward Special or Forward Tilt to freeze the ground beneath him in order to slide across on the icy surface.
- ARMORED UP: When standing on ice, Etalus can use his Neutral Special to absorb the ice and create ice armor around his body.
- AVALANCHE: Etalus can use his Down Special to shatter all nearby ice, instantly freezing any enemies who are standing on it.
Ranno
The Poisonous Pacifist
Profile
Ranno was known as a feared martial artist who trained under wise monks. But now he prefers to peacefully protect his swampy homeland. When he has no other option, you can see glimpses of his rapid and deliberate strikes. Combine his training with his poisonous nature and you have a real threat on your hands.
Elemental Powers
- POISON STACKS - Ranno’s Specials, Strong Attacks, and Jab Combo apply up to four poisonous stacks on his opponents.
- TOXIC TRAP - Ranno’s Forward Special and Down Special can place his opponents in a Toxic Bubble Trap that makes it easier for Ranno to combo.
- POISON SPIN - Ranno’s recovery onto stage has three options. He begins it with a Poison Lunge that is quick and knocks opponents away. After the lunge he can quickly Poison Kick down onto the stage or he can use the Posion Spin to fire out an array of Posion Darts.
Clairen
The Flame's Salvation
Profile
Clairen is a seasoned warrior from a distant future where both Zetterburn and Forsburn have vanished and never return. In her time, Loxodont grew to become a powerful emperor and expanded his domain over nearly all of Aether. Through the years the fire people lost their connection with the flame and could no longer control it. To offset this, their soldiers were issued plasma weapons as the Fire Empire became reliant on technology to retain its power.
One young girl realized she could still control the flame and plasma. After enlisting in the Imperial Guard, she hatched a plan to destroy the endless Loxodont hoping that it would return the flame to the people. But Loxodont had grown invincible over time and his corporeal form was replaced with fortified machinery. Clairen was defeated in the throne room and was set to be executed. But there were others who also despised Loxodont, and Clairen’s bravery motivated them. An unlikely ally helped Clairen escape using a machine to go back to a time when Loxodont was still vulnerable. Now Clairen is on a mission in the past. To find the missing heroes that inspired her resistance and to destroy the endless emperor before he become invincible.
Elemental Powers
- IONIZED TIP - Clairen can manipulate her blade to be two-toned, allowing her to stun enemies who are hit precisely with the tip.
- PLASMA ECHO - Clairen dashes forward with her Side Special to quickly escape. The deadly plasma resonance left behind can damage enemies and even KO opponents with its sweet spot.
- ENERGY FIELD - Performing a Down Special right before an attack hits Clairen will trigger her energy field. This field damages and pushes other Rivals away while nullifying all projectiles.
Sylvanos
The Heart of the Forest
Profile
Sylvanos is the heart of the Aetherian Forest. A rageful deity, Sylvanos has only a single goal - to expand the forest over all of Aether. Unfortunately, the great Rock Wall traps the spirit as he patrols the forest’s floor. Sylvanos leads the plant life in the forest looking for ways to expand his dominance.
Elemental Powers
- UNTAMED GROWTH - Sylvanos spreads grass as he runs around. He can use Down Special to call Plants Rise and damage any opponents standing on grass.
- SEED SHOT - Sylvanos’ Neutral Special fires a deadly seed into the air. If it hits an opponent it will lock them in place, but if it reaches the ground it will plant a flower that maintains grass until it's destroyed.
- BURROW - Sylvanos can dig into solid ground and reappear by digging out from a different position. If he digs under grass he can pop out with a strong bite attack to KO enemies off the top of the screen.
Elliana
The Aerial Arsenal
Profile
Elliana is a snake from the burrows in the Eastern Wastelands who has always dreamt of flying. After her dreams of joining the Air Armada were crushed by an intolerant captain, she sought the aid of Ayala, a brilliant engineer. Together they built a steam-powered flying machine and with it, Elliana now plans to destroy the armada that rejected her.
Elemental Powers
- OVERHEAT - Elliana’s ship heats up when she uses specials or her unique double jump that allows her to hover. Once overheated she can no longer use specials or hover.
- LETTING OFF STEAM - Elliana can perform Strong Attacks to expel steam from her ship, lowering her Overheat bar. When she is overheated, her strong attacks let off a powerful explosion instead that can KO opponents.
- ABANDON SHIP - Elliana can use her Up Special to abandon ship even when overheated.
Ori and Sein
from Ori and the Blind Forest
Profile
Ori and Sein bring their abilities learned throughout Ori and the Blind Forest and put them to the test in Rivals of Aether. While Ori works to Bash, Stomp and Glide their way to victory, Sein can use the Spirit Flame or the Charged Flame to put enemies between a rock and a hard place.
Elemental Powers
- SPIRIT FLAME – Sein follows Ori around the battlefield. Ori can tap Neutral Special to have Sein quickly fire a Spirit Flame from wherever Sein is. Ori can hold Neutral Special to have Sein use the Charged Flame.
- BASH – Ori can use Down Special to Bash nearly anything in Rivals of Aether – from characters to projectiles to rocks and plants.
- TAG TEAM – When Ori and Sein are close enough, Ori can use Strong Attacks to initiate tag team combos. These Strong Attacks have more powerful properties as Sein assists Ori for a more devastating blow.
Shovel Knight
Shovel of Hope
Profile
Shovel Knight has learned a lot during his titular adventures and he brings those skills with him to Rivals of Aether. Shovel Knight swings, digs and shovel drops his way through the Rivals roster. He does it all while collecting treasure which he can use to purchase upgrades to give him the upper hand on the battlefield.
Elemental Powers
- TREASURE HUNTER – Shovel Knight’s attacks knock coins and gems out of his opponents. He can collect these to increase his treasure. By taunting, he summons Chester and can use his treasure to purchase either Relics or Armors to improve his fighting ability.
- SHOVEL DROP – Shovel Knight’s signature ability is his Down Air in Rivals of Aether. With this attack he can strike his opponents from above and bounce off their heads. Hold the attack button to keep the Shovel beneath him. He can also bounce off objects and projectiles!
- EXPERT FISHERMAN – Shovel Knight’s down special is the Fishing Rod. Use it off the side of the stage to fish up some treasure. Time it correctly and fish up a Treasure Rock, but time it perfectly and get a Golden Fish.
Mollo
The Smoldering Rage
Profile
Mollo is a rebel from the distant future. When Clairen traveled to the past, she left the future behind, unchanged. Now in this doomed timeline, she is presumed dead, and riots have broken out across Neo Fire Capital. Driven by the embers of his rage and extensive knowledge of explosives, Mollo seeks to snuff out the Fire Capital once and for all in a last desperate fight.
Elemental Powers
- FIREWORK BOMBS – Mollo carries a variety of handcrafted bombs with him, ranging from a multi-hit Firecracker to a powerful Finisher. He can swap out which one he throws with Neutral Special, and throw them with Strong attacks. Be careful, though - explosives are dangerous to the user as well.
- TOOLS OF THE TRADE – Mollo's Special attacks synergize with bombs to detonate them instantly, catching opponents off guard.
- FIREWORK ROCKET - Mollo focuses his rage skywards, leaving a trail of sparklers and using a held bomb to clear out the ground below him.
Hodan
The Hot Springs Sage
Profile
Hodan is an aging sage, hidden away in the mountains bordering the Ice Barrens in his own private hideaway. There, he practices Elementalism, where all elements come together peacefully. Zetterburn and Forsburn were both sent to him to train their combat skills and harness the elements, but the lessons of harmony were sadly forgotten. Still, Hodan fights with an ever-present grin and an aura of carefree spirit...or maybe it's just sweat.
Elemental Powers
- FEEL THE HEAT - Hodan combines Fire and Water to charge up certain attacks whenever Down is held.
- THAT'S THE SPIRIT - Hodan can create whirls of steam with his Forward Special, which turn into 'Sweat Spirits' of himself. Teaming up with these spirits can enhance his special attacks.
- MUD BATH - Hodan's Down Special can bury opponents in mud, forcing them to jump out into a followup attack.
Pomme
The Superstar Songstress
Profile
In the dark future ruled by Emperor Loxodont, the lights shine bright in Neo Julesvale, the City of Greed. And no one shines brighter there than Pomme. She's a star on and off the stage with a presence that cannot be denied. Her control over Sound not only makes her every performance a knock-out, it gives her the edge over anyone foolish enough to get in her way. In a city driven by fame and fortune, she has to fight to stay on center stage!
Elemental Powers
- ELEGANT HOVER - Pomme shapes the air around her when holding Jump and Down in the air, floating effortlessly off the ground. She can perform aerial attacks while hovering as well.
- HARMONY - Pomme sings a chord with Down Special, creating a field of vibrant harmony to enhance her hovering and musical abilities.
- HIGH NOTE - Pomme can sing an aetherial high note with Up Special, sending her skywards and pushing opponents away. Combining her High Note with the Harmony will prevent falling and continue her Elegant Hover.
Olympia
The Amethyst Fist
Profile
Olympia is a traveling fighter from the secluded Crystal Oasis. The settlement hosts the descendants of both the original founders and those who were exiled from the Aetherian Forest by the creation of the Rock Wall. Hidden from the world, Olympia and her people trained diligently to master their control over crystals and gemstones.
She has a warrior spirit tempered with focus and discipline and is always eager for a good fight. While she searches for clues on her personal mission, guided by ancient knowledge, she tackles each adversary and obstacle with legendary gemstone power.
Elemental Powers
- BRILLIANT DIAMOND - Olympia can create a shining gemstone in the air with Neutral Special, which will crystallize opponents when she chooses in a flash of light.
- EMERALD FOCUS - Olympia's Down Special braces herself, shrugging off an incoming attack and returning with a stunning Unbreaking Palm or dodging out of harm's way with a quick dash.
- ZIRCON STRAIGHT - Olympia's Side Special builds up speed within her gauntlets, unleashing it with a burst of speed forwards and slamming into opponents.