Completing the Awakening Process in Bleach: Rebirth of Souls

Bleach: Rebirth of Souls introduces a variety of mechanics that set it apart from traditional fighting games. Each mechanic, while unique, works seamlessly together to create an intense and thrilling gameplay experience, where every move and button press counts. A notable feature is the Awakening mechanic, a powerful comeback ability that can shift the outcome of a match.

This move is nearly universal, available to almost every character in the game, and provides a similar reactive boost. However, it’s crucial not only to understand how to activate Awakening but also to know the optimal moments for its use to gain maximum advantage.

What Is Awakening?

In Rebirth of Souls, your Fighting Gauge (located below the Reishi Gauge) fills up as you deal or take damage. Once the gauge is full, you can simultaneously press the designated buttons to activate Awakening, leading to a transformation that boosts your offensive capabilities. A large “EVOLUTION” label will show up beneath the Fighting Gauge, indicating that you can awaken at any moment.

The Enhancements When Awakened

Your basic Quick and Flash Attacks receive nearly a 20 percent increase in damage when you are awakened. The most noticeable change, however, is to your Kikon Moves, as they often eliminate an additional Konpaku, meaning you typically take out three with a standard attack and four with a Soul Break. You can find the precise number of Konpaku each character can eliminate listed as “Awakened Kikon Move 1” in the Character Select screen.

Moreover, some characters unlock additional abilities or new moves entirely while awakened, such as Shinshui Kyoraku’s Children’s Game. This aspect not only adds depth but also challenges your opponent, as they may struggle to counter new tactics they haven’t seen before.

The Next Phases of Awakening: Kikon Channel, Spirit Drive, and Reawakening

Your Fighting Gauge keeps filling up even during Awakening. The first time it reaches full capacity after activation, you unlock Kikon Channel, introducing a second Awakened Kikon Move. This finisher usually takes out another Konpaku, bringing the total to five with a Soul Break.

In this state, you can potentially eliminate a full-health opponent using just two Kikon Moves, making it a considerable comeback opportunity.

Ultimately, when the Kikon Channel is fully charged, you attain your most powerful form — Spirit Drive. In this phase, your attacks receive a substantial damage increase, your movements quicken with reduced recovery times, and your Fighting Gauge halts completely.

However, certain characters, such as Uryu Ishida, Sosuke Aizen, Ulquiorra Cifer, and Ichigo Kurosaki (Bankai), instead enter a Reawakened state instead of activating Spirit Drive.

Like Awakening, Reawakening has to be manually activated and may require specific conditions to be met before it can trigger (such as Aizen losing all of his Konpaku). Nevertheless, the rewards are well worth it, as your basic and special attacks receive an upgrade, making them significantly more powerful, even compared to characters with Spirit Drive.