What is Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage? We ask the devs why they decided on a new release instead of a port 

SEGA announced Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage during The Evo Showcase on Day 1 of Evo 2025. This latest installment comes with new features that were long requested by fans – including a new single-player mode, expanded training features, and the addition of Dural as a fighter. The game also supports crossplay with rollback netcode, which improves the online experience significantly. 

AUTOMATON recently caught up with Seiji Aoki, producer of the Legacy Virtua Fighter Project, via email interview to find out the details about how this new release came to be and what it will offer. The end of this article includes information about the upcoming closed beta and how to apply for it. 

—Congratulations on the announcement of Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage. Could you tell us how you came to decide on this new release? 

Seiji Aoki (hereafter Aoki): 
When we decided to bring Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. to consoles, we didn’t want to go for a simple port. Rather, we wanted to take the opportunity to respond to the feedback and requests we’d received through our official Discord and social media for a single-player mode and an expanded Training Mode. So, we decided to evolve it into a new title. 

—What are the main changes and new features? 

Aoki: 
We’ve added a single-player mode, which has been one of the most requested features from players. This is the new “World Stage Mode,” and it’s based on the Quest Mode that appeared in Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution (PS2), which remains incredibly popular to this day. We’ve also expanded the Training Mode so that the game is more approachable to newcomers. Other additions include adding Dural as a playable character, as well as language support for Latin American Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese. 

—Just to confirm a few details: 

• Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage will be priced at $19.99, the same as the previous Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O 

• Owners of the PS4 version of Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown can purchase the PS5 version of Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage for $9.99 

• Steam owners of Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. will receive a free automatic update to the World Stage version on release day 

Is that correct? 

Aoki: 
Yes, that’s right. 

—This means the PS4 version of VF5 Ultimate Showdown will remain as-is? 

Aoki: 
Yes, it will remain unchanged. However, if you own the game, you’ll be able to buy the PS5 version at a discount, and DLC will be carried over. 

A look at Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage’s new features 

—Will the World Stage Mode feel similar to past titles’ single-player modes, such as VF4 Evolution’s Quest Mode? 

Aoki: 
Yes, it’s similar in concept. 

—You’ve mentioned that additional customization items will be available in World Stage Mode. Will these be entirely new items, separate from those in VF5 Ultimate Showdown or VF 5 R.E.V.O.? 

Aoki: 
It will be a revival of the costume set “E” from VF5 Ultimate Showdown. 

—The Training Mode is also being updated, with features for new players. Will this involve a complete overhaul or expansion of the existing tutorials? 

Aoki: 
We’ve made some adjustments to the existing tutorials, but it’s essentially an expansion.

—You’re planning to release DLC that will allow players to use Dural, a boss character, as a playable character. I’ve heard using Dural won’t be allowed in official SEGA tournaments, but will she be usable in ranked matches? 

Aoki: 
Yes, the plan is for her to be usable in ranked matches. We’re balancing her abilities to be in line with the other characters. 

—Will there be balance adjustments made to other characters to coincide with the release of World Stage? 

Aoki: 
Since the title will release during The Virtua Fighter Open Championship (VFOC) period, we’re not planning balance changes at launch. 

About the Closed Beta Test 

—I think one of the key features of VF5 R.E.V.O. World Stage is crossplay and rollback netcode support. Will players be able to experience cross-platform matches during the closed beta? 

Aoki: 
Yes, in fact, cross-platform playtesting will be the main focus of the beta, so players will be able to try it. 

—How long will the closed beta test run? 

Aoki: 
We’re planning for it to last for five days from the start date. 

About Tournaments 

—Will official tournaments like VFOC be held based on VF5 R.E.V.O. World Stage in the future?  

Aoki: 
For qualifying rounds and Global Finals of VFOC held after October 30, we will be using the Steam version of VF 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage. 

Message from the producer 

—Please share your thoughts on this title and any message to longtime VF fans and newcomers to the series. 

Aoki: 
I hope that both players who’ve enjoyed past titles and those who will be picking it up for the first time will feel the appeal of the VF franchise through Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage. As we work toward the “New VIRTUA FIGHTER Project,” the series is set to develop even further, so please look forward to it. 

Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage launches October 30, 2025, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC (Steam). A release date for the Nintendo Switch 2 is TBA. Players who pre-order the game will receive a free customization item based on the Sega Genesis. 

A closed beta test is also planned for early September 2025. Those interested in applying will need to register for a SEGA Account (if participating on Xbox or PS5). 

[Interviewer, writer: Hiroshi Hirose]
[Translator: Amber V]