The digital battlegrounds of Arena of Valor (王者荣耀) underwent a seismic shift on June 19th, 2025. Without prior announcement, Tencent dropped a bombshell collaboration with the legendary anime BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War (BLEACH 境·界千年血战篇), sending shockwaves through both gaming and anime communities. This surprise crossover - leveraging the final arc of the iconic Shinigami saga - introduced four meticulously crafted character skins, merging the spiritual realms of Soul Society with the strategic chaos of the MOBA arena.
The Crossover Champions: Anime Icons Reimagined
Miyamoto Musashi as Kurosaki Ichigo (Legendary Skin)
Draped in Ichigo’s signature black-and-orange Shinigami robes, Musashi wields dual blades mirroring Ichigo’s reforged Zangetsu from the BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War . The synergy is uncanny: Musashi’s swift strikes emulate Ichigo’s Bankai-enhanced speed, while his ultimate ability erupts in a golden “Getsuga Tenshō” crescent , slicing through enemies like Hollows. Subtle nods include the Substitute Shinigami Badge materializing during idle animations and a dramatic recall sequence showing Ichigo leaping from the Soul King’s palace - a direct homage to his anime entrance. The inclusion of Kon (referred to as "Soul-san" by fans) in random movements adds levity to the high-stakes combat.
Fei as Kuchiki Byakuya (Legendary Skin)
Fei embodies the icy elegance of Soul Society’s nobility. His every movement showers the battlefield with cherry blossom petals , replicating Byakuya’s Senbonzakura. The true spectacle unfolds during Fei’s ultimate: a breathtaking recreation of Senbonzakura Kageyoshi (Thousand Cherry Blossom Crimson Prison) , where blades coalesce into a devastating pink vortex. While fans might lament the absence of Byakuya’s final technique, Shūkei: Hakuteiken, the sheer visual grandeur of the Bankai - complete with floating sakura - makes this skin a tactical masterpiece.
Hou Yi as Ishida Uryū (Epic Limited Skin)
The Quincy archer finds his digital counterpart in Hou Yi, clad in Uryū’s white trench coat and wielding the spirit bow Silber. Though the design uses Ury’’s earlier Ginrei Kojaku instead of his BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War upgrade, the marksman synergy is flawless. From June 19-25, players can exchange 88 skin fragments for this skin; post-event, it’s available for direct purchase.
Bai Qi as Generic Shinigami (Brave Limited Skin)
Bai Qi dons the classic black shihakushō (robes) and wields a scythe-like Zanpakutō, embodying rank-and-file Soul Reapers. This minimalist yet iconic design is free via event tasks (June 19-29) or purchasable later. Its accessibility makes it a must-have for lore enthusiasts. The collaboration transcends cosmetics. From June 21-29, a limited-time mode lets players summon Shinigami allies - including Ichigo and Byakuya - by collecting combat fragments. Defeating minions, jungle creeps, or enemy heroes fills a meter; activating it unleashes an anime-accurate assist, turning team fights into spectacles of spiritual energy.
Soul Reapers Descend: The King's Canyon Awakens
A spectral rift tears open above the King’s Canyon, merging the neon-lit battlefields of Arena of Valor with the gothic spires of BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War. This unprecedented crossover thrusts legendary heroes into a war against Hollows - soul-devouring entities spilling through dimensional gates.
The fusion redefines combat: Lü Bu’s spear channels Kenpachi Zaraki’s brutal aura, slicing through enemies with crimson spiritual pressure, while Lady Sun’s arrows now ignite with Byakuya Kuchiki’s petal-like Senbonzakura blades. Map landmarks transform - the Lord’s altar becomes the Sōkyoku Hill, and jungle buffs emit Reiryoku (spiritual energy) auras .
Soul Reapers Rise: Legendary Heroes Reborn
The Poet’s Blade: Li Bai as Byakuya KuchikiOnce a wandering
swordsman, Li Bai now dons the Soul Society’s captain haori. His Bladework Poem evolves into Senbonzakura Kageyoshi, dissolving his sword into a storm of lethal cherry blossoms. Ultimate ability "Scatter, Senbonzakura" traps foes in a dome of swirling blades - a poetic yet deadly finale .
Moonlit Reaper: Diaochan’s Dance of Rukia
Diaochan’s graceful movements fuse with Rukia Kuchiki’s Sode no Shirayuki ice arts. Her "Frozen Petal" skill now flash-freezes enemies in crystalline pillars, while her ultimate "White Moon Hail" summons a blizzard mimicking Rukia’s Hakuren technique .
Unchained Wrath: Lü Bu Embraces Kenpachi
Stripped of his helmet, Lü Bu’s eyes glow with Kenpachi’s battle frenzy. His spear "Sky Piercer" radiates jagged spiritual energy, executing "Nozarashi’s Cleave" - a ground-splitter attack that scales damage with lost HP. Passive "Eye Patch Seal" boosts crit chance when health dips below 20% .
