The long-anticipated crossover update for Steel Rush is finally on the horizon. While the event brings only one new character and fans of Cosette will be disappointed by her absence, Crickex Affiliate players see this update as more of a transitional phase ahead of the game’s major anniversary patch. With only four weeks expected until the next content wave, many believe this current “Exotic Bird” event is setting the stage for bigger things to come.

Despite the limited character rollout, expectations remain high—especially around the potential Cosette and Freygetta “red-blue duo,” a fan-favorite pairing. Previous developer teasers hinted at Cosette’s black-stocking-clad design and a potential blue reskin of her mech, Shadow Bunny—features that stirred considerable buzz in the community. Meanwhile, the new battle pass introduces a set of four featured characters: Irene, Marsace, Erisa, and Thanatos.

At the heart of this pass is Irene, a clear meta-defining unit. Crickex Affiliate testing confirms she ranks as a top-tier character in the current version. Her versatility is unmatched—even without upgrades, she delivers strong battlefield results. When equipped with an ammo backpack, her reload cycle efficiency spikes dramatically. For players with Irene at three potential levels or higher, her performance becomes even more dominant. For those who missed out on her or are looking to boost her capabilities, this battle pass is a must-buy.

Marsace also earns high marks. He’s arguably the strongest medium-armor unit in this version, with excellent compatibility across a variety of tactical weapons—especially when paired with Irene. While he requires support modules like “Formation Breakers” to shine without a fully upgraded mech, unlocking the full-color version frees up these slots, allowing his “R-Type Neural Core” module to elevate the Marsace-Irene synergy to new heights. For players lacking Marsace, this battle pass presents tremendous value.

Erisa, historically a mid-tier pick, experiences a significant boost thanks to her exclusive weapon release. Though she still ranks behind the top four assault characters, her viability has increased, transforming her from a niche utility unit into a capable combatant. However, players must evaluate their current mech resources carefully. Without proper investment—especially in the underdeveloped Zero Unit—Erisa’s output may fall short.

Thanatos, on the other hand, fails to live up to his menacing name. Both in combat and resource recycling, his mech underperforms. Unless players have specific tactical needs or strong personal preference, Thanatos is not a recommended investment in this pass.

In summary, Irene and Marsace are the clear priorities in the current Steel Rush battle pass—particularly for those who don’t already own them or lack the necessary potential upgrades. For Erisa and Thanatos, decisions should depend on available resources and individual progression. Crickex Affiliate players agree this pass offers great value for certain builds while allowing others to skip based on their current roster.

One final disappointment: the anticipated new armor mech skins are missing from this crossover. Many fans hoped for designs to rival last season’s standout “Gentian” skin, but this time around, the developers held back. With the anniversary update around the corner, perhaps they’re saving the fireworks for a bigger reveal.