Emerging from the scrapyard with a high-risk, high-reward design, Forgore has established himself as one of the most explosive and unique characters in the platform fighter Rivals of Aether. This brawling machine, introduced as part of the Workshop Character Pack, revolves around a central resource management system that pushes players to walk a fine line between calculated aggression and self-destruction. Understanding his core mechanics—the Scrap Meter and the powerful Overheat mode—is the first and most crucial step for any aspiring player looking to master this fan-favorite fighter.
The Story Behind the Scrapyard Brawler
Unlike other characters in the Rivals of Aether roster who are native to its world, Forgore has a unique meta-origin. He is presented as a guest character from a fictional indie fighting game, also titled "Forgore," created by a fictional developer. This backstory pays homage to the vibrant indie game development scene and the very real-world origins of the character himself. Forgore was one of four characters chosen from the massive library of fan-made creations on the Steam Workshop to be officially balanced, polished, and added to the base game.
This transition from a community project to official content is a testament to his compelling design. His aesthetic is that of a cobbled-together fighting robot, a brawler built from scrap metal and raw power. Every animation, from his weighty punches to the venting of steam, reinforces this theme of a powerful but unstable machine. This design philosophy is not just for show; it is deeply integrated into every aspect of his gameplay.
Core Mechanics: Mastering the Scrap and Heat
To play Forgore effectively, one must first become a master of his two interconnected resources: the Scrap Meter and Overheat Mode. These systems dictate the flow of a match, determining when Forgore is a moderate threat and when he becomes an overwhelming force of destruction.
The Scrap Meter: Fuel for the Fire
Located above Forgore's damage percentage is the Scrap Meter. This gauge is the engine that powers his most dangerous abilities. It fills under two conditions:
- Dealing Damage: Every successful hit Forgore lands on an opponent will add to the Scrap Meter.
- Taking Damage: Forgore also builds scrap by taking hits, turning his own disadvantage into a future opportunity.
Managing this meter is a fundamental skill. Aggressive play that leads to landing hits or trading blows will fill the meter quickly, rewarding an in-your-face strategy. Conversely, a passive or defensive player will struggle to build the resources needed to unlock Forgore's true potential. The goal is to fill this meter as efficiently as possible to gain access to his game-changing Overheat mode.
Overheat Mode: High Risk, High Reward
Once the Scrap Meter is completely full, it begins to glow, signaling that Overheat is available. By pressing Down Special, Forgore unleashes his stored energy and enters this powerful state. The benefits are immense, but they come at a significant cost.
Advantages of Overheat:
- Enhanced Special Moves: All of Forgore's special attacks are significantly upgraded. His mine becomes a larger, more potent explosion, and his command grab gains incredible range and follow-up potential.
- Increased Damage and Knockback: Many of his standard attacks gain new properties, hitting harder and launching opponents further.
- Unrelenting Pressure: The sheer power and utility of his enhanced moveset allow Forgore to create suffocating offensive sequences that can overwhelm even the most composed opponents.
The Drawback:
Overheat is not a free win condition. While in this mode, Forgore constantly takes a small amount of damage, ticking up his percentage. The mode also has a limited duration, represented by the Scrap Meter draining. This self-damage means that activating Overheat is always a calculated risk. Using it at a high percentage could put you in danger of being knocked out by a single stray hit from your opponent. The key is to use this mode decisively to extend a combo, secure a KO, or mount a comeback, ensuring the damage you deal far outweighs the damage you inflict upon yourself.
A Breakdown of Forgore's Special Moves
Forgore's specials are the tools he uses to control the stage, start his combos, and recover. Understanding their standard functions and their enhanced Overheat properties is essential for success.
Neutral Special: Mine
Forgore places a small, circular mine on the ground. It can be used for stage control, forcing opponents to navigate around it. If an opponent steps on it, it detonates, launching them for a follow-up attack. In Overheat, the mine is larger, deals more damage, and has a significantly bigger blast radius, making it a formidable trap.
Side Special: Piston Grab
This is Forgore's signature command grab and the cornerstone of his combo game. He lunges forward with his arm extended. If it connects, he grabs the opponent, and the player can then choose a follow-up by pressing an attack button, allowing for combos, stage positioning, or kill setups. In Overheat, the Piston Grab has a massively increased range, turning it into a terrifying threat that can punish opponents from nearly mid-screen.
Up Special: Jetpack
For recovery, Forgore uses a jetpack to propel himself upwards. It provides good vertical distance but offers limited horizontal movement, making his recovery somewhat linear and predictable. Experienced opponents will try to intercept Forgore during this vulnerable state. There is no major change to this move in Overheat, so players must remain cautious when returning to the stage.
Down Special: Vent / Overheat Activation
This move has a dual purpose. If the Scrap Meter is not full, using Down Special will "vent" steam, emptying a portion of the meter. This has very niche uses and is generally avoided. Its primary function is to activate Overheat Mode when the meter is full, unleashing the character's full power.
General Strategy and Game Plan for Beginners
With his mechanics understood, a new Forgore player can begin to form a coherent game plan. His strategy can be broken down into the three main phases of a match.
The Neutral Game: Closing the Distance
Forgore is a brawler who wants to be close to his opponent. His primary challenge in the neutral game is closing the gap, as he lacks a projectile and can be kept out by characters with long-range attacks (zoners). Players should focus on using his solid ground speed and aerials to approach safely. The goal is to get within range to apply pressure with his fast normal attacks or to threaten with a Piston Grab.
The Advantage State: Unleashing the Pressure
Once Forgore lands a hit, his advantage state begins. This is where he truly shines. His Piston Grab can lead into extended aerial combos, and his powerful smash attacks can secure early knockouts. When Overheat is active, his advantage state becomes terrifying. A single hit can be converted into a long, high-damage sequence that can KO an opponent from center stage. A simple beginner combo to practice is landing a Piston Grab, throwing the opponent upwards, and following up with a string of up-air attacks.
The Disadvantage State: Surviving and Resetting
Forgore can struggle when put on the defensive. He is a large, heavy character, making him susceptible to long combos. As mentioned, his recovery is exploitable. When knocked off-stage, it is crucial to mix up recovery timings and angles to avoid being edge-guarded. The best defense is a good offense; focus on finding an opening to land a hit, build scrap, and turn the tables back in your favor.
As a character born from the creativity of the community, Forgore represents a bridge between fan passion and official game design. He is a complex and rewarding fighter who encourages an aggressive, all-or-nothing playstyle that is as thrilling to watch as it is to execute. While the learning curve can be steep, mastering his resource management and explosive offense offers one of the most satisfying experiences in Rivals of Aether. For players who love high-octane brawlers and the strategic depth of a unique power-up mechanic, Forgore is an essential character to pick up and learn.
