By now, you may have heard that WayForward is hard at work on RWBY: Arrowfell, an action-adventure-platformer that lets you embark on an all-new, canonical tale starring the daring quartet of fan-favorite Huntresses. But just what is RWBY, and why is it perfect for a video game? Millions of fans around the globe already know the answer, but if you’ve never had the chance to watch an episode of the hit animated series, don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Read on for an introduction to the wonderful world of RWBY.

In short, RWBY is a fantasy adventure series set in the world of Remnant. Since time immemorial, mankind has struggled to fight back against soulless monsters known as the Creatures of Grimm, but has persevered and overcome adversity due to technological advancements with a power source known as Dust and the dedication of heroic warriors known as Huntsmen and Huntresses. When the RWBY series begins, Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna, and Yang Xiao Long have just enrolled at the Kingdom of Vale’s Beacon Academy – one of four similar institutions found throughout Remnant – to receive the training necessary to become the next generation of peace-protecting Huntresses. 

Despite some initial personality clashes and differences in upbringing, Ruby, Weiss, Blake and Yang soon come together as the inseparable, irrepressible Team RWBY, using their already formidable combat skills to overcome the Grimm and other threats. Aided by their professors, friends, and fellow students, Team RWBY is poised to make their dream of becoming Remnant’s guardians come true. However, something far more sinister has been lurking behind the scenes – an ancient evil known as Salem – and when it makes its presence known, nothing is the same for team RWBY ever again.

Higher-education hijinks give way to a life-or-death battle for survival in a heartbeat, and following major sacrifice, the members of Team RWBY find themselves traveling across the continents of Remnant, leaving Beacon behind to visit other Kingdoms and other schools such as Haven Academy, with the goal of uniting the world against the looming threat of Salem. Eventually, Team RWBY finds themselves in the Kingdom of Atlas on the frigid northern continent of Solitas. Though there has been suffering and loss, there is strength and hope as well, and Ruby, Weiss, Blake, and Yang even achieve their goal of becoming fully licensed Huntresses. It is shortly after this monumental occasion – which occurs early in RWBY Volume 7 – where the story of RWBY: Arrowfell begins.

With that in mind, here are a few of the key characters and concepts you’ll want to know before diving into the adventure:

Characters:

Ruby Rose: Determined, optimistic, and enthusiastic, Ruby Rose is the leader of Team RWBY and Yang’s younger sister. Has silver eyes. Weapon: Crescent Rose (High-Caliber Sniper-Scythe). Semblance: Petal Burst.
Weiss Schnee: Former heiress to the Schnee Dust fortune, Weiss is a refined and elegant fighter. Very opinionated but always there for her Team RWBY teammates. Weapon: Myrtenaster (Multi Action Dust Rapier). Semblance: Glyphs. Blake Belladonna: This quiet, serious member of Team RWBY likes to think things through before jumping into action. Blake is a Faunus, a race with animal-like characteristics. Weapon: Gambol Shroud (Variant Ballistic Chain Scythe). Semblance: Shadow.Yang Xiao Long: Yang is physically the strongest member of Team RWBY and is very protective of her younger sister, Ruby. She’s fiery and impulsive, yet also quite responsible. Weapon: Ember Celica (Dual Ranged Shot Gauntlets). Semblance: Burn.Qrow Branwen: Qrow is an experienced, highly skilled Huntsman and the uncle of Ruby and Yang. Though he’s not without faults, his protection and guidance have been invaluable to Team RWBY.Penny Polendina: Powerful, inquisitive, and somewhat naive, Penny is an advanced AI with very humanlike qualities. She’s best friends with Team RWBY (Ruby especially) and is considered the Protector of Mantle.General Ironwood: The headmaster of Atlas Academy and leader of the Atlas military, General James Ironwood has taken Team RWBY under his wing. He’s prepared to do whatever it takes to protect the world from Salem and other threats.Winter Schnee: Weiss’s older sister, Winter, has left the family Dust business behind to help protect Remnant as a member of the Atlas military. A close confidant of General Ironwood; adored by Weiss.
The Ace Operatives: This team of special agents, often known as the Ace-Ops, reports to General Ironwood to keep the peace in Atlas and beyond. The team consists of Clover Ebi (leader), Vine Zeki, Marrow Amin, Elm Ederne, and Harriet Bree.

Concepts:

Aura: An Aura is the manifestation of one’s soul. It allows individuals such as Huntsmen and Huntresses to draw on their inner strength to wield special abilities (Semblances) and protect themselves from harm.

Semblance: Semblances are superhuman abilities fueled by Aura, and are different for each person. Only skilled individuals can unlock and master their Semblances.

Dust: Dust is a crystal-based substance found throughout Remnant, mined and used as an energy source. There are numerous types – including Fire, Water, Lightning, and Wind – and it can be used to power weapons and cause phenomena resembling magic spells.

This is only a peek into what awaits in the world of RWBY! If you want to know more, check out RWBY Volumes 1-8 at www.roosterteeth.com, and prepare to experience the action and excitement firsthand when RWBY: Arrowfell launches on consoles and PC later this year.