SNK Corporation has announced a grand patch for the 2D-fighting The King of Fighters XV. The reveal came along with a new trailer, which hints at the significant gameplay changes and improvements. The 2.50 version aims to improve online experience by refining matchmaking filters, enhance character viability through buffs and refine gameplay balance. The update launches on July 2, 2026.
The King of Fighters XV – Version 2.5 Overview
System and General Changes
- Matchmaking and Online: Improved filtering by connection speed for Ranked and Casual matches to help find opponents matching your search conditions. You will no longer be matched with players you have blocked. Resolved online matchmaking issues for the Xbox Series X|S version.
- Gameplay Mechanics: Adjusted combo scaling for “Jumping Blow Back” (increased) and “Advance Strike” (reduced). Resolved several minor bugs.
- Trials: Adjusted certain trials to reflect character balance changes. Previously cleared trials will remain marked as complete.
Key Character Changes
- Kyo Kusanagi: Expanded attack hitboxes, reduced recovery, and improved cancel options on several moves.
- Iori Yagami: Reduced jump frames, faster standing heavy kick startup, and reduced recovery on his fireball.
- Elisabeth Blanctorche: Significant buffs including faster normals, expanded hitboxes, and improved special move properties.
- Krohnen: Faster standing and crouching heavy punches, adjusted jump heavy punch (now hits 3 times), and modified special move properties.
- Kula Diamond: Expanded hitboxes, faster projectile startup, and improved projectile speed on “Falling Snowman”.
- Terry Bogard: Faster close standing heavy punch, reduced recovery on “Power Charge,” and adjusted startup frames.
Other Notable Adjustments
- Shun’ei: Expanded hitbox on jumping heavy kick and improved cancel options for “Thruster Vision – Under.”
- Benimaru: Multiple adjustments to normals and special moves, including faster startup for “Rai-Kou Ken” and improved invulnerability.
- Isla: Expanded hitbox on close standing light kick, reduced recovery on certain moves, and adjusted hit properties.
- Heidern: Reduced recovery on “Cross Cutler,” adjusted hit properties for “Storm Bringer,” and modified “Stinger” (no longer forces hard knockdown).
- Ash Crimson: Expanded hitboxes, reduced recovery, and improved cancel options.
- Kukri: Faster startup on “Fussa Ken” and improved movement options for “Air – Bossa-Shougeki.”
- Angel: Improved pushbox, reduced recovery, expanded hitboxes, and increased travel distance on “Circle – Feint (Forward).”
- Whip: Expanded hitboxes, faster normals, and improved special move properties.
- Leona Heidern: Faster normals, expanded hitboxes, and adjusted “V-Slasher” properties.
- Ryo Sakazaki: Reduced recovery on “Kitami Duki,” increased follow-up window for “Ko-Ou Ken,” and improved “Zametsuken” travel distance.
- Mai Shiranui: Expanded hitboxes, increased projectile speed, and improved invulnerability on “Kagerou no Mai.”
- Geese Howard: Improved cancel windows, reduced recovery, and expanded throw range.
- Haohmaru: Improved normals, expanded hitboxes, and increased chip damage.
- Nakoruru: Expanded hitboxes, increased active frames, and improved “Mamahaha” behavior.
- Goenitz: Expanded hitboxes and reduced recovery on “Blow Back.”
- Najd: Improved cancel options and buffed “Retribution of the Unknown” state (now persists across rounds).
For more details check out official patch notes.
