Random is, as the name implies, a set of generated levels while Weekly is a set of "static gauntlets" that refresh each week. The mode has two variations: Random and Weekly. Two randomized perks to choose from after each level can grant stackable bonuses to fighters, powering them up to brave the waves of enemies. When you combine these abilities together, you have a truly terrifying trickster that can steal the outcome of any fight.The new Survival mode allows players to take on an endless onslaught of foes while earning various perks for completing levels. Don’t be afraid to spike enemies when they have been hit offstage as Arsene’s recovery is very safe and protects Joker from incoming damage, making him rather difficult to counter. This will often force players into making reckless attacks that you can punish with Arsene’s deadly counter. As a result, you’ll need to ensure you’re constantly keeping your enemies on their toes by zoning them with ranged attacks from Gun and Eiha/Eigaon.
While Arsene may empower Joker’s attacks, the Phantom’s Thief’s new-found strength doesn’t last forever – in fact, Arsene’s duration is drastically reduced whenever Joker takes any forms of damage.
Grab your foe and send them flying upwards before following up with a well-timed up air to launch them into the skies above. Once you have access to Arsene, you’ll want to go on the offensive and constantly bully your opponent with your empowered attacks. By doing this, you’ll be able to dish out some decent early-game damage and set up decent KO opportunities for when you unveil your game-winning Persona plays. Try to use Eiha alongside your gun in order to rack up a few quick ticks of damage before weaving in standard attacks, grapples, and aerials.
The Phantom Thief’s overall win condition is largely based on gaining access to his powerhouse Persona, so it’s imperative that you stay alive long enough to gain the full benefits of Arsene’s empowered moveset. In the early stages of the fight focus on using Rebel’s Guard to rack up large amounts of Rebellion Gauge charge, as this will allow you to unleash Arsene much quicker. Joker’s high mobility allows players to rush down their opponents with lightning-fast attacks, pummelling them with a combination of grabs and aerial attacks. This move is incredibly forgiving and the animation has a fairly long duration, so don’t be afraid to brace and counter enemy moves whenever you see an opportunity to do so. Once Arsene is active, use this move to counter enemy moves and send them reeling with a deadly blow. If Joker is hit when using Rebel’s Guard, he will gain charge for his Rebellion Gauge. Grappling Hook and its empowered form offer some fantastic recovery options, especially when you happen to find yourself tumbling off the stage. When Arsene is active the grappling hook is replaced with Wings of Rebellion and allows Joker to fly upward using his Persona’s wings. Throws a grappling hook to grab nearby edges and opponents. Zone your opponent and make them wince whenever they get within range of Eigaon. Eiha’s overall impact may seem rather minimal when compared to his other moves, but once Joker has access to Arsene this move becomes one of the best projectiles in the entire game. While Arsene is active, both the speed and power of the spell increases. Joker Unleashes a bolt that explodes and deals continuous damage for the spell’s duration. When your enemy tries to block the incoming ranged poke from your gun, simply run in and grab them to set up some lethal aerial combos. Try to use Joker’s gun to constantly barrage your foes with a hail of deadly bullets and force them to keep on the defensive. While Arsene is active, the power and number of shots that can be fired from Joker’s gun increases. Unleash a barrage of bullets with Joker’s Neutral Special.