Blue Archive Launches Main Story Update and Summer-Themed Events, Including Free Pulls and Mini-Game

Nexon’s anime RPG expands its narrative and adds limited-time swimsuit recruits, tower defense mode, and 100 free gacha pulls.

Nexon has rolled out a major update for Blue Archive, its tactical RPG set in the academy city of Kivotos, featuring a new chapter in the main story, seasonal events, and a tower defense mini-game. The update, released January 24, 2025, advances the ongoing saga of the Foreclosure Task Force while introducing summer-themed content timed for in-game festivities.

What’s New in the Update?

1. Main Story: Vol. 1, Chapter 3 – “Traces of a Dream” Part 5
   The Foreclosure Task Force faces a fresh threat to their school, continuing the game’s blend of strategic combat and character-driven storytelling. Players take on the role of SCHALE’s advisor, guiding students through tactical battles and relationship-building interactions.
2. Fest Recruitment (Jan. 23–29)
   • Double rates for 3★ students: Hoshino (Armed), a flexible tank who swaps between offensive and defensive stances; Shiroko*Terror, a drone-summoning damage dealer; and Mika, a rerun attacker who deals higher damage to enemies with full HP.
   • Unused recruitment points convert to Keystone Pieces after the event.
3. Swimsuit Student Recruitment (Jan. 29–Feb. 7)
   • Saori (Swimsuit): Deals area-of-effect Chill damage.
   • Hiyori (Swimsuit): Fires precision shots that reward focused targeting.
4. ‘Sheside outside’ Event (Jan. 23–Feb. 7)
   • Unlock Atsuko (Swimsuit), a healer, by completing the ‘Beachside Road’ story.
   • Play the new Hi-Lo Ha-Lo mini-game, a tower defense mode where players deploy students to block enemy waves. Earn Credits and Artifacts as rewards.
5. 100 Free Pulls Event (Jan. 29–Feb 7)
   daily to claim up to 100 free gacha recruitments.

Blue Archive has carved a niche in the crowded gacha RPG market with its vibrant anime aesthetic, tactical combat, and emphasis on student relationships. This update leans into seasonal trends—swimsuit variants, limited-time recruits—common in live-service games, while advancing its overarching story. The inclusion of a tower defense mini-game also offers a fresh break from standard gameplay loops.

While Blue Archive is far from a super popular gacha game, Nexon has steadily ed the title since its 2021 launch, with frequent story expansions and events reinforcing its popularity in Japan and among global anime RPG enthusiasts.