Mina the Hollower is joining Rivals of Aether 2 in 2027

Yacht Club's gothic mouse protagonist Mina the Hollower is crossing over into Rivals of Aether 2, the Smash Bros.-style platform fighter from Aether Studios. A brief teaser aired during EVO confirmed the collaboration, though it was more of a "reveal of a reveal" — Mina won't actually be playable until sometime in 2027.

EVO weekend also brought two other Rivals of Aether 2 announcements. A new character named Gouie drops on August 4 — he's a goopy, orb-shaped platypus who swallows enemies and tears off chunks of his own slippery body to hurl across the stage. His voice swings between a cheerful childlike tone and a deep growl, which the article's author describes as "a despicable little bastard that sounds as putrid as he looks." Aether Studios also announced expanded modding tools for building custom fighters in the game.

Rivals of Aether 2 is the follow-up to the original Rivals of Aether, which featured guest characters including Shovel Knight — also a Yacht Club creation. The sequel hasn't had guest fighters until now, making Mina its first confirmed crossover character. Her inclusion makes sense given Yacht Club's recent momentum: Mina the Hollower launched to strong reviews, with PC Gamer awarding it 90% and calling it "a gloriously gothic combination of ferocious combat and beautiful scenery." The studio had previously been candid about the financial pressure riding on the game, so its commercial success gives them room to celebrate.

No specific 2027 release window was given for Mina beyond the year itself. Gouie, meanwhile, is just weeks away — August 4 is the nearest thing on the Rivals of Aether 2 calendar right now.