# Under Night In-Birth
**Under Night In-Birth** (アンダーナイト インヴァース) is a 2D fighting game series developed by the Japanese studio French-Bread, in which wielders of a supernatural power called EXS duel one another during an event known as the Hollow Night[1](https://inbirth.info/system01.html) • [2](https://inbirth.wiki.gg/wiki/FRENCH-BREAD). The first installment reached Japanese arcades in 2012, and the series is regarded as the spiritual successor to French-Bread's earlier [Melty Blood](https://www.edgepedia.org/melty-blood) games[3](https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/arcade/621199-under-night-in-birth/data) • [4](https://as.com/meristation/2018/02/07/analisis/1518012000_172960.html). Its latest entry, UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes, was released on January 25, 2024 for [PlayStation 4](https://www.edgepedia.org/playstation-4), [PlayStation 5](https://www.edgepedia.org/playstation-5), Nintendo Switch, and PC[5](https://www.arcsystemworks.com/game/undernight-in-birth-sysceles/).
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Genre and developer | 2D fighting game series developed by French-Bread; later entries published by Arc System Works[2](https://inbirth.wiki.gg/wiki/FRENCH-BREAD) • [5](https://www.arcsystemworks.com/game/undernight-in-birth-sysceles/) |
| First release | Japanese arcades, 2012, published by Ecole; announced with a planned Winter 2011 release[3](https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/arcade/621199-under-night-in-birth/data) • [6](https://inbirth.wiki.gg/wiki/Development_Process) |
| Signature mechanic | The GRD (Grind Grid) tug-of-war gauge; winning the cycle grants the Vorpal state, which raises damage by 10% and enables Chain Shift[7](https://in-birth.fandom.com/wiki/System) |
| Chain Shift | Activated with D then D while in Vorpal; converts GRD into EXS meter and cancels the preceding action[8](https://www.arcsystemworks.jp/uniclr/manual-ps4/en/action/) |
| Latest title | UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes, 2024, the seventh title in the series and the first with rollback netcode[9](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m55Ju_OmSvU) • [5](https://www.arcsystemworks.com/game/undernight-in-birth-sysceles/) |
| Setting | Present-day Tokyo under the Hollow Night, where wielders of EXS power fight Voids and each other[10](https://gamecritics.com/jeff-ortloff/under-night-in-birth-exe-latecl-r-review/) |
| Competitive play | UNI2 is an Arc World Tour 2024 title and a main-stage game at Evo 2025[11](https://www.arcsystemworks.jp/awt2024/assets/pdf/AWT2024rules_ENG.pdf) • [12](https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/682804308af82aebdfc09ce9/682ec13ed9fde6179293af35_57391966872.pdf) |
## History
The game was officially announced with a first trailer that gave a planned release window of Winter 2011, and the first title of the series was subsequently released in Japanese arcades in 2012, developed by French-Bread and published by Ecole[6](https://inbirth.wiki.gg/wiki/Development_Process) • [3](https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/arcade/621199-under-night-in-birth/data). An arcade update later added Eltnum, a guest character from French-Bread's Melty Blood lineage, to the roster[6](https://inbirth.wiki.gg/wiki/Development_Process). Spanish outlet MeriStation describes the series as the spiritual successor to Melty Blood, which had established French-Bread as a studio of standing within the fighting game genre, particularly in Japan[4](https://as.com/meristation/2018/02/07/analisis/1518012000_172960.html).
**Console versions.** The first console adaptation, Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late, was released on [PlayStation 3](https://www.edgepedia.org/playstation-3), with NIS America acting as publisher in the United States[13](https://nisamerica.com/pressreleases/AH3_UNIEL_announce_08072014v2.pdf). The revised edition Exe:Late[st] followed on July 22, 2015, published by Arc System Works for PC, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation 4[14](https://criticdb.com/franchises/under-night-in-birth). Exe:Late[cl-r], released for PlayStation 4 and [Nintendo Switch](https://www.edgepedia.org/nintendo-switch) in 2020, added the ice-wielding Londrekia and was announced at EVO, where the series' previous entry UNIST had drawn renewed community attention in 2019[15](https://as.com/meristation/2020/02/19/analisis/1582136956_509924.html).
**Sys:Celes.** UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes was announced at EVO 2023 as the seventh title in the series, the first to carry a number, and the first to include rollback netcode[9](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m55Ju_OmSvU). It launched on January 25, 2024 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and [Steam](https://www.edgepedia.org/steam-service), and an arcade version runs on Sega's ALL.Net P-ras MULTI service[5](https://www.arcsystemworks.com/game/undernight-in-birth-sysceles/) • [16](https://apm.sega.jp/ver3/title/undernightinbirth/). Post-launch support has added downloadable characters, including Ogre on February 20, 2025, and balance updates such as version 1.35 in October 2025[17](https://www.arcsystemworks.jp/portal/post-27933/) • [18](https://www.arcsystemworks.jp/portal/post-30481/).
## The GRD system
The series' defining mechanic is the Grind Grid, or GRD, a gauge at the bottom center of the screen that measures which player holds the initiative[1](https://inbirth.info/system01.html) • [15](https://as.com/meristation/2020/02/19/analisis/1582136956_509924.html). GRD increases when a player is judged to have the advantage, through actions such as pressing forward, landing instant blocks, and using the Shield barrier, and decreases when a player is judged to be at a disadvantage[1](https://inbirth.info/system01.html) • [15](https://as.com/meristation/2020/02/19/analisis/1582136956_509924.html). The two players' gauges are connected, so gains for one come at the other's expense[15](https://as.com/meristation/2020/02/19/analisis/1582136956_509924.html).
**Vorpal.** A ring-shaped timer surrounds the GRD display, and when a full cycle completes, the player holding more GRD blocks enters the Vorpal state[7](https://in-birth.fandom.com/wiki/System). Vorpal raises the damage a player deals by 10% and makes Chain Shift available[7](https://in-birth.fandom.com/wiki/System). Chain Shift, performed by pressing the D button twice while in Vorpal, converts the player's GRD into EXS meter and cancels the recovery of the preceding action, leaving little opening for the opponent; it works in the air as well as on the ground[8](https://www.arcsystemworks.jp/uniclr/manual-ps4/en/action/). Using it outside Vorpal while the EXS gauge is over 100% consumes the entire gauge and triggers a GRD Break[8](https://www.arcsystemworks.jp/uniclr/manual-ps4/en/action/). Because Chain Shift can be used defensively, including on wakeup, community guides describe winning the Vorpal cycle as a way to buy an escape from pressure, and holding GRD to deny the opponent Vorpal is itself a strategic decision[19](https://fightinggameguide.com/uniclr.html). The GRD bonus from successful Shielding is reduced while a player is already in Vorpal state[20](https://inbirth.wiki.gg/wiki/System).
## EXS gauge and other systems
The EXS gauge is the series' super meter, filled to a maximum of 200%[8](https://www.arcsystemworks.jp/uniclr/manual-ps4/en/action/). It powers EX special moves when above 100%, and the Veil Off state, activated with A plus B plus C at over 100% EXS, which temporarily raises attack power and knocks the opponent back with a shockwave[8](https://www.arcsystemworks.jp/uniclr/manual-ps4/en/action/). Each character's Infinite Worth super can be used during Veil Off or at a full 200% gauge, and the stronger Infinite Worth EXS requires the player's vitality to be at 30% or lower with a full 200% gauge[8](https://www.arcsystemworks.jp/uniclr/manual-ps4/en/action/). The D button also drives character-agnostic actions: [Concentration](https://www.edgepedia.org/concentration), which trades time for GRD; Assault, a quick closing jump; and Shield, a barrier that greatly reduces damage and builds GRD on success[8](https://www.arcsystemworks.jp/uniclr/manual-ps4/en/action/).
**Combo structure.** The game uses a Passing Link system, also called reverse beat, that lets players chain normals without the weak-to-strong progression typical of contemporary fighters, moving from a light attack to a strong one and back, with the rule that a move already used in the sequence cannot be repeated[15](https://as.com/meristation/2020/02/19/analisis/1582136956_509924.html). A Smart Steer option automatically connects a simple combo when a grounded weak attack is followed by repeated A presses[20](https://inbirth.wiki.gg/wiki/System).
**Sys:Celes additions.** The sequel introduced Celestial Vorpal, entered when the GRD gauge holds six or more full nodes; the entire GRD becomes the player's, and attack power and more are greatly increased for a set time[5](https://www.arcsystemworks.com/game/undernight-in-birth-sysceles/). A new dodge called Creeping Edge rolls through an incoming attack with zero damage at the cost of GRD[21](https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/under-night-in-birth-ii-sysceles).
## Story and setting
The games are set in present-day Tokyo, where a cast of sword-wielders, some with magic powers, some unnatural abominations, and some simply skilled fencers, fight duels on the way to confronting the final boss of an evil organization[22](https://gamecritics.com/daniel-weissenberger/under-night-in-birth-exe-latest-review/). Most people cannot detect the Voids, monsters that feed on people, but those with access to EXS power can both detect them and fight back[10](https://gamecritics.com/jeff-ortloff/under-night-in-birth-exe-latecl-r-review/). Exe:Late[st] includes a [Chronicles](https://www.edgepedia.org/chronicles) story mode told in visual-novel style across 22 character stories, presented through text describing situations and character thoughts[4](https://as.com/meristation/2018/02/07/analisis/1518012000_172960.html). Sys:Celes presents itself as the final chapter of the Hollow Night storyline and added the playable characters Kaguya, Tsurugi, and Kuon, with Uzuki, Ogre, and Izumi released as downloadable content[5](https://www.arcsystemworks.com/game/undernight-in-birth-sysceles/) • [17](https://www.arcsystemworks.jp/portal/post-27933/).
## Reception and competitive play
Critics have received the series steadily. Exe:Late[st] holds a Metacritic critic average of 78 on PlayStation 4[23](https://videogamescritic.com/game/under-night-in-birth-exe-late-st-1000000102), and Sys:Celes an aggregate of 83[24](https://videogamescritic.com/game/under-night-in-birth-ii-sys-celes-2076010). Reviewers highlight the series' teaching tools: Sys:Celes ships a tutorial mode of 179 stages[25](https://ztgd.com/reviews/under-night-in-birth-ii-sysceles-pc/), and Nintendo Life writes that it cannot think of another fighter with more complete training modes and tutorials[21](https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/under-night-in-birth-ii-sysceles).
The series has a consistent tournament presence. UNIST's appearance at EVO 2019 marked a community resurgence for the title[15](https://as.com/meristation/2020/02/19/analisis/1582136956_509924.html), Sys:Celes is a named title in the Arc World Tour 2024 rules[11](https://www.arcsystemworks.jp/awt2024/assets/pdf/AWT2024rules_ENG.pdf), and it was a main-stage game at Evo 2025[12](https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/682804308af82aebdfc09ce9/682ec13ed9fde6179293af35_57391966872.pdf). Series characters also appear in the crossover BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle alongside casts from BlazBlue, Persona 4 Arena, and RWBY[26](https://theindianquest.com/admin/uploads/file/42703668318.pdf).
## References
1. [UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH official site, System (GRD/Vorpal)](https://inbirth.info/system01.html)
2. [FRENCH-BREAD, UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH Wiki](https://inbirth.wiki.gg/wiki/FRENCH-BREAD)
3. [Under Night: In-Birth Release Information for Arcade Games, GameFAQs](https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/arcade/621199-under-night-in-birth/data)
4. [Análisis de "Under Night In-Birth EXE:Late [st]", MeriStation](https://as.com/meristation/2018/02/07/analisis/1518012000_172960.html)
5. [UNDERNIGHT IN-BIRTH II [Sys:Celes], Arc System Works](https://www.arcsystemworks.com/game/undernight-in-birth-sysceles/)
6. [Development Process, UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH Wiki](https://inbirth.wiki.gg/wiki/Development_Process)
7. [System, Under Night In-Birth Wiki (Fandom)](https://in-birth.fandom.com/wiki/System)
8. [Actions & Battle System, UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH Exe:Late[cl-r] Software Manual, Arc System Works](https://www.arcsystemworks.jp/uniclr/manual-ps4/en/action/)
9. [『UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes』Teaser Trailer at EVO2023, Arc System Works (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m55Ju_OmSvU)
10. [Under Night In-Birth Exe: Late [cl-r] Review, Gamecritics](https://gamecritics.com/jeff-ortloff/under-night-in-birth-exe-latecl-r-review/)
11. [ARC WORLD TOUR 2024 Official Rules, Arc System Works](https://www.arcsystemworks.jp/awt2024/assets/pdf/AWT2024rules_ENG.pdf)
12. [Evo 2025 lineup](https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/682804308af82aebdfc09ce9/682ec13ed9fde6179293af35_57391966872.pdf)
13. [NIS America press release, Under Night In-Birth EXE:Late announcement](https://nisamerica.com/pressreleases/AH3_UNIEL_announce_08072014v2.pdf)
14. [Every Under Night In-Birth Game Ranked by Critics, CriticDB](https://criticdb.com/franchises/under-night-in-birth)
15. [Under Night In-Birth Exe: Late [cl-r]: dos años seguidos en el EVO no son casualidad, MeriStation](https://as.com/meristation/2020/02/19/analisis/1582136956_509924.html)
16. [UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes, ALL.Net P-ras MULTI Version 3, Sega](https://apm.sega.jp/ver3/title/undernightinbirth/)
17. [「UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes」[Ver.1.21] Update, Arc System Works](https://www.arcsystemworks.jp/portal/post-27933/)
18. [「UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes」[Ver.1.35] Patch Notes, Arc System Works](https://www.arcsystemworks.jp/portal/post-30481/)
19. [UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH Exe:Late[cl-r] Guide, Fighting Game Guide](https://fightinggameguide.com/uniclr.html)
20. [System, UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH Wiki](https://inbirth.wiki.gg/wiki/System)
21. [UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes Review (Switch), Nintendo Life](https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/under-night-in-birth-ii-sysceles)
22. [Under Night In-Birth EXE: Late[st] Review, Gamecritics](https://gamecritics.com/daniel-weissenberger/under-night-in-birth-exe-latest-review/)
23. [Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[st] review scores, VideoGamesCritic](https://videogamescritic.com/game/under-night-in-birth-exe-late-st-1000000102)
24. [Under Night In-Birth II Sys:Celes review score, VideoGamesCritic](https://videogamescritic.com/game/under-night-in-birth-ii-sys-celes-2076010)
25. [UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes (PC) Review, ZTGD](https://ztgd.com/reviews/under-night-in-birth-ii-sysceles-pc/)
26. [Best fighting games list (BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle roster)](https://theindianquest.com/admin/uploads/file/42703668318.pdf)
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*Topic: Encyclopedia › Sports, games, and recreation › Video games and digital play › Games and gameplay › Individual game titles › Standalone arcade game titles*
*Initially written Sep 17, 2026 · Reviewed: Oct 21, 2026 · Edited: Oct 15, 2026; Oct 21, 2026 · Last review: Oct 21, 2026*
*Copyright 2026 EdgeChat AI, a subsidiary of Biostate AI.*
License: Edgepedia Community License 1.0, https://www.edgepedia.org/edgepedia/license