Rivals of Aether II
Action
Indie
Multi-player
PvP
Online PvP
Shared/Split Screen PvP
Shared/Split Screen
Steam Achievements
Full controller support
In-App Purchases
Remote Play Together
Family Sharing

Rivals of Aether II is the sequel to the hit indie fighting game, Rivals of Aether. Play as both new and returning elemental fighters in the next generation of platform fighters.

Developers: Aether Studios
Publishers: Aether Studios offbrand games
Release Date: Oct 23, 2024
Price (USD): $14.99
Current Players: 913

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Mostly Positive(80%)
fluid movement
unique characters
great soundtrack
frequent updates
competitive depth
character balance
mechanic changes
casual appeal
lack of content
difficult matchmaking
performance issues
high skill barrier
The general sentiment around Rivals of Aether 2 is a mix of enthusiasm for its character design and mechanics, alongside criticisms regarding its lack of content for casual players and performance issues. While the game excels in providing a polished experience for competitive players, it struggles with accessibility for newcomers and balancing the desires of its diverse player base.

Positive Points

  • The game has a wide and well-designed roster with unique characters each having their own distinct mechanics and styles.
  • The game is highly praised for its fluid movement, responsiveness, and mechanics that provide a great deal of depth and replayability.
  • Rivals of Aether 2 is considered by many to be the best platform fighter available, often compared to or even preferred over Super Smash Bros.
  • Free DLC updates and characters are planned, and the game is consistently updated and supported by attentive developers.
  • The art style and soundtrack are well-received, adding to the overall appeal of the game.
  • Negative Points

  • The game is currently lacking in single-player content, which can make it less appealing to casual players who are not interested in competitive play.
  • There are criticisms of the matchmaking and online experience, particularly regarding the difficulty for new players to find evenly matched opponents.
  • Some players feel that the game leans too heavily toward competitive, high-level play, making it hard for beginners to enjoy.
  • Performance issues on some systems, particularly the Steam Deck, are noted, with complaints about lag and crashes.
  • Mixed Points

  • The addition of mechanics like shielding and grabbing receives mixed feedback; some appreciate the depth it adds, while others miss the unique aspects of the original game.
  • There is a divide in opinion regarding the character balance; while some appreciate the variety, others believe certain characters are overpowered or unbalanced.
  • Common Themes

  • Players often compare the game to Super Smash Bros., noting both similarities and differences, with many appreciating its unique take and improvements.
  • The game's art design and character animations are frequently mentioned as standout features.
  • The barrier to entry due to advanced mechanics and the skill level of the existing player base is a common concern, especially for new players.
  • Updated 4/8/2026, 12:01:43 AM UTC