Do I need to know the plot?

[Guvenoren]

So I assume the plot is deep AF. I intend to game this singleplayer, so how utterly confused will I be?

[Masuo15]

I dont think you need to know it, is a fighitng game, you should only get invested/interested on it if you want to know the characters and world better. Strive's singleplayer is literally a movie storymode, arcade that have some lore/plot interacctions, and survival mode.

The plot is not just deep, its convoluted AS F*.
On youtube, you can find ArcSystemWorks series of Mayexplanations, recapping the story so far till the start of Strive (gotta enable English subtitles).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5se8C9QoOo&list=PLLWZFlhTKgf1_t6BX1j8z0G5ZD6Ug-Ewt

Arcys also sponsored a youtuber to do a more detailed recap of each game and a bit of the character's arcade modes lore's incorporated within the mainplotline. I would personally recommend this one if you want a bit more of a detailed catchup.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIjtNL7Pfqw&list=PLiSdC6Lp8c7OkrBhzdQsQhGL_7jT0cSTv

I personally watched both of those series and watched both XRD storys to feel comfortable; since I only knew a fracction of GG's lore back on the XX days on arcades.

[DLOZanma]

The gallery sheds some light on what happened in past titles, but at minimum you should watch both Xrd's story modes on youtube.

[Morty2989]

One of the most nonsensical stories in all of fighting games. Dig into it if you want but by all means don't worry too much otherwise.

[K-Prime]

We've also compiled the entire story prior to Xrd into a short manga.
https://www.guiltygear.com/ggst/en/story/

[Guvenoren]

Tons of thanks!!

[Ɑ͞ ̶͞ ̶͞ ﻝ]

the game has no single player. I don't recommend it if you are not interested in competing online

[Vassago Rain]

Originally posted by Covid Bryant:

the game has no single player. I don't recommend it if you are not interested in competing online

It has a ten hour anime movie, and the same style of branching paths arcade mode as X2, though with less dialogue. Saying it has no single player isn't fair to the game.