Continuing the style of frantic fighting action from previous games, the game is now presented in cel-shaded graphics, which use limited animation to replicate the feel of 2D sprites whilst allowing for more dynamic camera movement. The game is set in 2187, one year after Guilty Gear 2: Overture. The arcade version of the game features thirteen playable characters. Sol Badguy, Ky Kiske, Millia Rage, May, Chipp Zanuff, Potemkin, Venom, Axl Low, I-No, Faust, Slayer, and Zato-1 return from previous installments, while one new character, Bedman, has been added. The game also features a new boss character known as Ramlethal Valentine, who was added to the playable roster.