Galvan is the first Robo-Dino to enter the Rivals of Aether universe — and the first brand-new fighter added since the game’s release. His unique magnetism, drill mechanics, and platform control make him one of the most technical characters in the roster. If you’re looking to master this mechanical powerhouse, here are Rivals of Aether 2 Galvan Guide to unlock his full potential — divided into beginner, advanced, and expert levels.
Rivals of Aether 2 Galvan Update Guide
1. Understanding the Galvanized State
Galvan gains the Galvanized buff after landing a physical hit (excluding throws). While Galvanized, many of his moves gain stronger knockback — especially his forward air. However, getting hit removes this state, and special moves don’t trigger it. Always keep the pressure to stay charged.
2. Drill Creation and Control
When Galvanized, Galvan can spawn drills using:
- Forward Strong
- Down Strong
- Up Strong
- Down Air
Each attack spawns a drill in its respective direction. These drills can push enemies toward blast zones or serve as setup tools. Drills persist until they’re hit or collide with an opponent, consuming themselves on impact.
3. Magnetized Pummel
Galvan’s special pummel applies a Magnetize effect that pulls enemies toward him during hitstun. This makes follow-ups almost guaranteed since opponents can’t DI away effectively. If you get grabbed, mash special — fast.
4. Neutral Special + Drill Synergy
Galvan’s neutral special fires a metallic scale. When it passes through a drill, it gains extra range and velocity in that drill’s direction. This can disrupt recoveries or even punish opponents offstage. You can also use this interaction on enemy drills in Galvan dittos.
5. UFO (Up Special) Mechanics
Galvan’s Up Special spawns a UFO platform — which functions as a droppable platform (unlike Crag’s rock). You can:
- Jump through it freely.
- Press Up Special again to drive it.
- Use Down Special in the air to raise it.
There’s a maximum height limit, and the UFO will float back down if you exceed it. Interestingly, in dittos, you can also control your opponent’s UFO.
6. Angled Forward Strong
Galvan’s Forward Strong can be angled:
- Normal
- Slightly Upward
- Slightly Downward
Each version spawns drills at different angles, allowing you to tailor your setups. The downward variant launches drills almost straight, ideal for combo extensions.
7. Angled Forward Tilt
You can also angle his Forward Tilt, though it doesn’t spawn drills. The upward angle makes it a great anti-air, while the downward version sweeps ledge positions effectively.
8. Down Tilt Spike
Galvan’s Down Tilt spikes opponents — excellent both on stage edges and while standing on his UFO. It’s an essential reversal tool for punishing aggressive recoveries.
9. Drills Without Galvanized State
Normally, only Galvanized attacks spawn drills — but a fully charged Strong Attack can create drills even without being Galvanized. This allows pre-setup before respawns or neutral resets.
10. Command Grab at Ledge
His Down Special is a command grab — and so is his Ledge Special. This punishes shield-holding opponents at ledge, but beware: it’s parryable. Good players can bait it by shielding then reacting to your animation.
11. Cancelling Up Special’s Platform
If you’re Galvanized but don’t want to spawn a UFO platform, hold the Shield button while doing Up Special. This executes the un-galvanized version, avoiding accidental saves when edge-guarding.
12. Side Special Jump Cancel
Galvan’s Side Special can be jump-canceled on hit, allowing creative combo routes. A strong confirm is:
Side Special → Jump Cancel → Up Strong
This also works on enemy drills in dittos for flashy conversions.
13. Angled Side Special
You can slightly angle Side Special upward or downward, useful for recovering or ledge mix-ups. It’s limited, but worth mastering since Galvan’s recovery is weak.
14. Recovery Mix-Up Trick
Despite his poor recovery, Galvan can reset his Side Special by wall-jumping. Do an upward-angled Side Special, wall-jump to reset cooldown, then use it again near ledge to mix up recoveries.
15. Reactive Neutral Special Return
If you throw your scale while un-galvanized, it lingers briefly. If you gain the Galvanized state before it disappears, the projectile will suddenly become active and return with a hitbox — creating surprise pressure mid-combat.
16. Down Special Spike (Offstage)
Galvan’s Down Special spikes offstage — devastating against linear recoveries like Etalus. It’s disjointed, letting you spike without trading, but note that missing puts you into special fall.
17. Up Strong Spike
Galvan’s Up Strong actually spikes on its downward arc. It’s niche and hard to set up, but can steal early stocks when timed on platforms or edge-guards.
18. Shield Break UFO Trap
If you break a shield on your UFO, you can move the UFO away, leaving your opponent stuck in the shield break animation — falling helplessly to their doom. It’s situational but hilarious when pulled off.
19. Neutral Special Wall Interaction
Throwing Neutral Special against a wall makes it bounce off, then phase through walls on the return path. You can use this to strike opponents through floors or walls unexpectedly.
20. Drill Immunity and Setup Strategy
Galvan’s drills are immune to projectiles, meaning they’re hard to clear from a distance. You can set up a drill far off-stage or under platforms between stocks, creating traps that might save you later in the match. Combine this with UFO setups for layered stage control.
21. Midair Reverse Trick
Using Neutral Special again before it returns lets you reverse Galvan midair with almost no lag. This allows precise turnaround back-airs or mix-up aerial spacing without committing to a full turnaround.
Galvan is one of Rivals of Aether 2’s most creative and technical fighters. His success depends on momentum control — keeping the Galvanized buff active, managing your drills effectively, and using the UFO platform to manipulate stage positioning.
Mastering him means juggling mechanics while predicting your opponent’s movements — but once mastered, Galvan can dominate the stage like no other.