Considering everything the development of Skullgirls has gone through since its release in 2013, it's surprising to see announcements still being made. Yet Skullgirls 2nd Encore is in perhaps the best and most stable position it's ever been in. That's great for players, because it means a reliable cadence of updates and content. The latest example is a teaser from Hidden Variable Studios for Skullgirls 2nd Encore's newest character, the small but powerful Umbrella.
Despite appearances, Umbrella is not an umbrella. Rather, with Skullgirls' sense of humor on full display, Umbrella is the small girl who wields an umbrella. The umbrella isn't even an umbrella, but rather a living weapon by the name of Hungern. In terms of new gameplay for the fighting game, Hungern uses a hunger mechanic where "Starving" leads to slower normals but more powerful "devouring" attacks, and "Overstuffed" leads to bonus effects when pulling something from his stomach. Suffice it to say, Umbrella and Hungern will offer a unique experience.
Umbrella is unfortunately a ways away from being fully released, however. The new character is tentatively planned to launch Q4 2021. To try and make the wait less burdensome, Hidden Variable is going to start a special Umbrella alpha in around two months just for Steam Season 1 Pass holders. A broader early access period will follow in Q3.
Skullgirls fans likely that this is the next release in Skullgirls 2nd Encore's Season 1 Pass. Umbrella will be the second character in the pass, with two remaining yet to be revealed. To make the two months before Umbrella's alpha a little less of a wait, a Season 1 exclusive set of pallettes is coming for all of Skullgirls 2nd Encore characters. For everyone else, Skullgirls 2nd Encore and its Season 1 Pass are now on sale for 40% through May 12.
Skullgirls 2nd Encore is available now on PC, PS4, Switch, and mobile devices.