Pyra is the next Super Smash Bros. Ultimate DLC character, alongside Mythra, with fans able to switch between the two mid-battle. If you're not a huge JRPG fan, her arrival may have been bit of a head-scratcher.
They hail from Xenoblade Chronicles, a series that already has one character in Smash through Shulk. Rex, the main protagonist from Xenoblade Chronicles 2, was expected to be the next Xenoblade character in line, but the reveal trailer instead showed Pyra just pipping him to the post. Now, let's dive into who Pyra and Mythra actually are and why they're important.
Origin
Pyra and Mythra are both from the fan-favorite Xenoblade Chronicles 2, which released exclusively for the Nintendo Switch in 2017. Pyra's ultimate goal is to find a sanctuary called Elysium. Rex, being the kind and adventurous soul he is, promises to take her up there after she saves his life. The characters are beloved within the community for their vibrant personalities and to some, their attractive appearances. The characters have somewhat revealing costumes, partially leading to the community's love of the duo, but Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has covered them up slightly to make them appeal to the good "boys and girls."
Pyra is a polite and kind character in Xenoblade Chronicles 2, though she doesn't think much of herself. She think she's a liability to Rex and the party, but has a strong will to protect whoever intends to harm her friends. Mythra, on the other hand, is quite the opposite. She's not afraid of anything and goes into fights without hesitation. She's also pretty rude to her friends and can be abrasive. For story reasons, they can switch at will, making their appearance in Smash make complete sense.
The funny thing is that Pyra and Mythra are "blades," or weaponized lifeforms, and they're particularly special cases. They're a part of a legendary weapon called the Aigis that was formed from part of the Trinity Processor, the machine which helped create the universe that Pyra and Mythra stand on. Its renown is pretty similar to Shulk's Monado. What is important to know is that these blades give their human companions special abilities like elemental powers and different stats. If the human dies, they are turned into a Core Crystal and wait for another master.
Significance
The Xenoblade Chronicles series has been a mainstay for Nintendo fans since the first game was localized in North America and Europe. It initially took a lot of convincing from a campaign called Operation Rainfall to finally bring the original game to the West, but now the franchise is prospering. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 sold over two million copies worldwide (via Nintendo Everything), and the series has only been growing since then as Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition's physical verson sold double than its Wii counterpart during its launch.
We spoke to Mythra superfan and hype master Fadel from TheGamesCage in the aftermath of the reveal. He said, "Pyra/Mythra are really special characters that TO THIS DAY receive so much fan art & love, not only because they have amazing designs, but the story of the game really does an amazing job of highlighting their characters beyond the main protagonist Rex."
According to Fadel, there are story moments that carry an emotional weight between Pyra/Mythra and the main villains that have history and meaning behind them.
Fadel also claims that Sakurai wanted these characters in the original release of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, but the development team didn't have time to implement them. As a recompense, a Mii costume of Rex was included as an incentive to buy the first Fighters Pass. However, with this recent addition to the roster, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 fans are getting the characters they've been asking for. "I'm happy to finally see it happen," Fadel said.
Positives
Pyra and Mythra are, yes, anime swordfighters, but don't worry, they seem to be offering a different playstyle to Smash players. Pyra can wield the power of flame, while Mythra uses lightning attacks to knock out her opponents. Pyra can throw her sword at opponents and twirl in place with her weapon Aigis to make an inferno around her. Mythra has a thrilling flurry of slashes called Photon Edge and a diagonal bolt attack Chroma Dust. Pyra and Mythra can switch out instantly during gameplay, offering up some unpredictability in the bout.
The Gramps stage will also offer an exciting addition to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate fans. Soaring through the skies on Gramps' back while seeing other Titans flying in the background will likely make up for a grand battleground. Other characters from Xenoblade Chronicles 2 like Nia will be watching over the fight.
Pyra and Mythra might not be as well known as Sephiroth, but the fans who played Xenoblade Chronicles 2 will certainly love this inclusion. Let's be happy for them as they've waited a long time for another Xenoblade character to make the roster!