Blue Archive: Gameplay, Characters and more

If you’re a fan of gacha tactical RPGs, Blue Archive offers a unique blend of school‑life narrative, strategy combat, and a large cast of colorful characters. In this article for ultimategacha.com, we’ll dive into the gameplay mechanics, lore, and standout characters that make Blue Archive shine.

What is Blue Archive?

Blue Archive is a real‑time strategy gacha RPG developed by MX Studio under Nexon Games. Initially released in Japan in February 2021, it later went global in November 2021, and more recently launched on PC via Steam in July 2025.

In the game’s setting, you play as a Sensei, summoned to the academic city of Kivotos, with the mission of restoring order, helping student clubs, and uncovering the disappearance of the GSC (General Student Council) President.

As a free-to-play game, Blue Archive uses a gacha system to recruit new students (characters), and progression involves leveling, equipping, and strategic deployment in battles.

Gameplay Mechanics

Battle System & Team Composition

• You form a team of up to 6 members: 4 Strikers and 2 Specials.
• Strikers are the frontline units that traverse a straight path, attacking automatically and using cover to reduce damage.
• Specials don’t directly fight; instead, they provide buffs, support, and tactical advantage from the backline.
• Combat is largely automated, but you can trigger skills that cost synergy points to alter the tide.
• Attacks and defenses follow a rock‑paper‑scissors triangle (types that each beat or lose to others) to encourage strategic matching.

Mission Types & Modes

Below is a quick comparison table:

Other features include events, scrimmages, commissions, lessons, and joint modes as you advance.

Players have noted that while gameplay is relatively repetitive, the team building, skill timing, and character interactions inject strategic depth.

Story & Setting

Blue Archive takes place in Kivotos, an academic metropolis made up of countless schools and districts. The city is governed (at least nominally) by the General Student Council, but each school often has autonomy.

In the narrative, the GSC President vanishes, crime surges, and you, as the Sensei, are summoned to assist. You become advisor to SCHALE, an extrajudicial task force.

Lores often revolve around school rivalries, secret organizations, rogue AIs, conspiracies, and personal backstories of students.

The main narrative is divided into Volumes (e.g. Vol.1, Vol. F) that focus on different school factions and plot threads.

Unlike many gacha titles, much of Blue Archive’s story is delivered via visual novel style segments, allowing players to follow character development and motivations with less gating by combat.

Key Characters and Factions

Blue Archive features a huge roster of students (playable characters) from various academies. You recruit them through gacha draws, events, or story rewards.

Here are a few notable names:

Each of these characters has unique skills, weapons, and roles (e.g. DPS, support, crowd control). Their interactions, side stories, and event arcs deepen the emotional investment for players