Blue Lock: Rivals Gagamaru

Before diving into the mechanics, let’s talk about the immediate changes:

• New Awakening Animation: Gone is the simple hand-slap. Gagamaru now boasts a dynamic, intense Awakening cutscene (complete with cyan fists/eyes and a powerful pose) that truly captures his primal energy. It feels way better and more impactful, as many players have noted.
• Enhanced Ability Effects: Moves like Fast Reactions now feature slick after-image effects, making Gagamaru look faster and providing better visual feedback on his movements during high-speed saves.

These aren’t just cosmetic; they improve the gameplay experience and immersion, making playing Gagamaru more satisfying than ever.

When you’re playing Gagamaru anywhere on the field except inside the penalty box, these are your core non-Awakened abilities:

Scorpion Kick (C Key – 60s Cooldown)

• Mechanic: Performs an acrobatic flip, kicking the ball forward only if the ball is currently uncontrolled (loose ball).

• Use Cases:

  • Clearing: Quickly get a loose ball out of a dangerous area.
  • Passing: Knock the ball towards a teammate.
  • Initiating Dribbles: Can set up for a header dribble (see Techs section).
  • Contesting High Balls: Can be angled upwards to intercept passes or challenge opponents in the air (useful against moves like Shidou’s Dragon Drive if timed perfectly).
• Key Detail: Requires a loose ball. You can’t use it to steal directly from an opponent holding the ball.

Diving Header (V Key – 60s Cooldown – Field Mode)

• Mechanic: Lunges forward, executing a powerful header. Can sometimes result in diving and catching the ball if positioned correctly relative to it.

• Use Cases:

  • Offensive Headers: Use it to shoot on goal, aiming for power and placement.
  • Long Clears: Send the ball far downfield.
  • Reaching Distant Balls: Covers ground quickly to connect with a pass or loose ball.
  • Mobility: Can be used without the ball for a quick dash, potentially hurdling opponents if aimed low (see Techs).
• Synergy: Can be chained after a Scorpion Kick for significant distance or a surprise shot. (Scorpion (C) -> Diving Header (V))

Activating Awakening (Ultimate Mode) takes Gagamaru’s goalkeeping to another level, granting access to his most powerful, game-changing abilities while inside the penalty box. Remember the awesome new animation plays here!

Handstand (V Key – One-Time Use per Awakening – GK Mode – Awakened)

• Mechanic: Replaces Fast Reactions while Awakened. Creates a brief golden aura around Gagamaru. If an opponent shoots while this aura is active and you fail to manually block it, Gagamaru performs an automatic handstand save, catching the ball.

• Use Cases:

  • Last Resort Save: A safety net for perfectly placed or unexpectedly fast shots.
  • High-Pressure Situations: Use it when you anticipate a powerful shot you might struggle to react to manually (e.g., facing an Awakened opponent).
• CRITICAL Timing: This move is highly timing-dependent. You need to activate it just before the opponent shoots. Activate too early, and the aura fades; too late, and it won’t trigger. It only works for a few seconds upon activation.

Bear Claw (B Key – One-Time Use per Awakening – GK Mode – Awakened)

• Mechanic: This is Gagamaru’s signature “OP” move. Upon activation:

  1. A cutscene triggers (“Jump, synapses!”).
  2. You gain a brief window (around 5 seconds, during which you must secure possession of the ball, either via a save or pickup).
  3. Once you secure the ball, another cutscene plays (“Here’s my Super Reaction!”).
  4. Gagamaru automatically throws the ball with incredible force and accuracy to the farthest teammate downfield.

• Use Cases:

  • Ultimate Counter-Attack Starter: Instantly turn a defensive save into a potent offensive opportunity. The sheer distance catches opponents off-guard.
  • Clearing Under Pressure: Guarantees the ball gets far away from your goal, even if teammates aren’t immediately visible.

• Why it’s “OP”: The ability to launch the ball almost the entire length of the field immediately after a save is unprecedented and incredibly powerful for controlling game flow.

Now, let’s put it all together. How do you actually play him effectively?

As Goalkeeper (His True Calling)

This is where Gagamaru shines brightest.

• Master Positioning: Stay within the box to maintain access to Fast Reactions, Handstand, and Bear Claw.
• Leverage Fast Reactions: Use it proactively when opponents enter shooting range. Anticipate and use the speed boost to cut down angles and the hitbox increase to snag difficult shots.
• Time Your Awakening: Activate Awakening when facing significant threats (multiple attackers, opponent Awakening).
• Handstand for Emergencies: Use Handstand when you predict a shot you might miss – think of it as insurance.
• Bear Claw for Momentum: After a key save during Awakening, immediately look to use Bear Claw if available. That instant long-range pass can dismantle the opponent’s offense and set up your team.
• Scorpion Kick for Cleanup: Use C to quickly clear loose balls near the goal line.

As a Field Player (Situational & Fun)

While less optimal than dedicated strikers or midfielders, Gagamaru isn’t useless outside the box.

• Surprise Attacks: Use the Scorpion Kick -> Diving Header combo for powerful shots or long passes.
• Aggressive Clearing: Both C and V are excellent for getting the ball out of your defensive half.
• Aerial Challenges: Use Scorpion Kick angled upwards to contest high balls or interrupt opponent skills.
• Mobility: Diving Header provides a decent dash even without the ball.

Why It’s Less Optimal: You lose access to his best defensive tools (Fast Reactions, Handstand, Bear Claw). Playing him purely as a field attacker can feel like “trolling,” though his improved base moves make him more capable than before if needed.

Advanced Techs & Pro Tips (Beyond the Basics)

Consolidating insights from the Wiki, comments, and gameplay observation:

• Scorpion Header Dribble: Use Scorpion Kick to pop the ball up slightly, then immediately follow with jumps/headers to maintain possession while moving. Requires practice.
• Scorpion Steal (Anti-Air): Time Scorpion Kick aiming upwards as an opponent initiates a high-ball skill. If timed right, you can get airborne and potentially knock the ball away or dive sideways to intercept. Difficult but high reward.
• Diving Header Hurdle (Mobility): Aim Diving Header slightly downwards towards the ground in front of an opponent. The invincibility frame and lunge can let you hurdle over them or dodge tackles.
• GK Scorpion Self-Pass (Possession/Stall): Inside the box, if you shoot the ball straight down and immediately use Scorpion Kick, Gagamaru might keep possession and gain slight height, potentially dodging steals or buying time. (May be inconsistent.)
• Striker Scorpion Shot (Potential Bug Tech): Outside the box, shooting down then immediately using Scorpion Kick sometimes causes the ball to teleport upwards before shooting out fast. (Unreliable but potentially surprising.)