In the ego-driven world of Blue Lock, one player stands out for his selfless precision and unparalleled game vision: Yo Hiori. With the latest major update, the Hiori Style in Blue Lock Rivals has undergone a complete refresh, transforming his kit with new abilities, stunning visuals, and a redefined role on the field.
This guide has been entirely updated to be your definitive resource on the new Hiori. We will break down his reworked abilities, analyze the community’s mixed reactions, detail the changes still to come in the next patch, and determine his new place in the ever-evolving meta.
Who is Yo Hiori? (The Blue Lock Connection)
Before diving into the game mechanics, let’s appreciate the source. Yo Hiori, in the Blue Lock manga and anime, is known for his incredible calmness, analytical mind, and almost supernatural passing accuracy. He reads the game’s flow and delivers passes exactly where they need to be, often creating opportunities others wouldn’t even see. The Hiori Style translates this “puppet master” archetype into a unique gameplay experience.
The most crucial thing to understand about the Hiori refresh is that it is a work-in-progress. The developers released an initial set of changes, with more abilities slated to be added or revamped in the very next in-game patch. This has led to the current version feeling powerful in some ways, but incomplete in others.
Reworked & New Abilities (Live Now)
- Lazer (C Key): Hiori’s signature auto-pass has been visually overhauled with beautiful new animations and effects. It now also applies a “Blizzard Effect” to opponents near the ball’s path, adding a minor debuff/control element to this precision pass.
- Frostbite (V Key): This ability replaces the old Ice Dribble. It allows Hiori to create a large “Ice Domain” on the ground that freezes and drastically slows any opponent who enters it. While incredibly potent for controlling space, this move has been heavily criticized by the community for its intense visual effects, which are described as “blinding” for both teammates and enemies, often making it hard to see the action.
- Ice Shot (V Key Secondary): A brand new addition, this secondary skill gives Hiori a dedicated shooting option. This has been a controversial change, with many players questioning the decision to give a pure playmaker a shot, especially one seen as less effective than those of dedicated strikers.
The Revamped Awakening
Hiori’s Awakening sequence is now much more cinematic, featuring a brand new cutscene, updated visual effects, and new animations that give him the flair many players felt he deserved.
Coming in the Next Patch: The Missing Pieces
The developers have confirmed the following additions are coming soon to complete the refresh:
- Haze Skill (Lazer Double Press): This will be a new feint pass. Hiori will fake the pass, causing the ball to return to him, adding a much-needed individual dribbling tool to his kit.
- Curved Pass (B Key) Revamp: This existing pass is scheduled for a full visual and animation overhaul to bring it up to the quality of the rest of the new kit.
Even with a work-in-progress kit, Hiori’s role remains that of a midfield controller. Your goal is to use your vision and new tools to dictate the pace of the game.
- Your New Game Loop: Use Frostbite to create zones of control, slowing down aggressive opponents and creating openings. From there, use Lazer for quick, precise passes to teammates. The Ice Shot should be used sparingly as a surprise attack when defenders don’t expect it.
- Anticipate the Future: The upcoming Haze Skill will become your primary tool for beating individual defenders. It will allow you to fake out opponents and create space for yourself before choosing your next move.
The refresh has changed Hiori’s pros and cons significantly.
Strengths:
- Excellent Area Control:
Frostbiteis one of the most powerful slowing abilities in the game, capable of shutting down an entire offensive push. - Enhanced Visuals: The new animations and cutscene for
Lazerand the Awakening are top-tier. - Future Potential: The upcoming
Haze Skillpromises to fix his current lack of individual dribbling moves, making him a much more complete playmaker.
Weaknesses:
- Problematic Visuals: The “blinding” effect of
Frostbiteis a major issue that can hinder gameplay clarity for everyone on the field. - Loss of Old Utility: Many players miss the fluid “dribble-to-pass” combo of the old
Ice Dribble, feeling the new kit is less focused on pure playmaking. - Feels Incomplete: Without the Haze Skill, the current Hiori can feel vulnerable and lacking options when pressured directly.
- Low Scoring Threat: Despite the
Ice Shot, his personal scoring ability remains far below that of dedicated strikers.
The Verdict: Is the New Hiori Worth Mastering?
The Hiori refresh is a bold and ambitious rework that is still a work-in-progress. In his current state, he is a powerful but flawed character with a high skill ceiling. The potent area control of Frostbite is balanced by its disruptive visual effects.
However, the true verdict on Hiori will come after the next in-game patch. The addition of the Haze Skill is poised to solve his biggest current weakness and elevate him into a top-tier playmaker who can both control the field and create his own space.
For now, mastering the new Hiori is an investment in future potential. He is a character for patient, strategic players who can see the bigger picture—both on the field and in the game’s development cycle.
