Top 5 epic gaming and guitar collabs!

Big brands and iconic gaming franchises teaming up on cool initiatives is nothing new. We’ve seen a great deal of epic mash‑ups in recent times, from LEGO x Nintendo to Nike x PlayStation. And after just lately getting back from a visit to Japan — the place wild crossovers are commonplace — it’s straightforward to see why these sorts of collabs are popping up increasingly more. I imply, who doesn’t need to see two of their favorite passions collide?

And consider it or not, gaming and guitars have crossed paths a couple of occasions already (with some depraved outcomes). One of the freshest loot drops is Jackson’s X Series Diablo IV Kelly, which landed solely final week. So naturally, we reckoned it was time to spherical up a few of our private faves (in no specific order). Kicking issues off with the very guitar that impressed this text…

Jackson X Series Diablo IV Kelly

Jackson and Blizzard Entertainment didn’t simply collaborate right here — they summoned one thing actually monstrous. The Jackson X Series Diablo IV Kelly “Lord of Hatred” is a celebration of all issues loud, heavy and evil. Mephisto’s menacing face dominates the entrance with Diablo IV paintings lurking across the again, making this one significantly sick-looking axe.

Under that unholy exterior is a Nyatoh physique with blood‑purple binding, paired with a by‑physique Maple neck and Amaranth fingerboard that includes customized purple Diablo inlays. It boasts an lively excessive‑output Jackson bridge pickup with sufficient energy to wake the lifeless. And its hardtail bridge is constructed to face as much as probably the most punishing taking part in types. In quick, this beastly Diablo guitar is able to elevate hell!

ESP SN-Twenty fifth Sonic the Hedgehog Guitar-II

When it involves gaming franchises, they don’t get a lot larger than Sonic the Hedgehog. Sure, the collection might need run out of puff a bit of in recent times. But there’s no denying Sonic’s an iconic character that everybody is aware of and loves (particularly these of us of a sure age). In 2016, ESP partnered with Sega to launch 4 restricted Sonic‑themed guitars, celebrating 25 years of blistering pace, Chaos Emerald amassing and stopping the dastardly Dr. Eggman.

All of ‘em were seriously cool — and spec’d to play simply as quick because the blue dude can dash. But the SN‑Twenty fifth Sonic the Hedgehog Guitar‑II was arguably the headline mannequin, that includes Sonic himself splashed throughout the entrance and a rad checkerboard sample that solely the truest previous‑college followers would clock (responsible). This excessive‑octane axe nailed each fashion and nostalgia, and with a Floyd Rose 1000 trem, Seymour Duncan H/S pickups, plus a slick Ebony ‘board with XJ frets, it was constructed for full‑tilt shred. You gotta go quick, in spite of everything.

Fender Final Fantasy XIV Stratocaster

Back in 2021, Fender labored with Square Enix to create what may simply be one of many sharpest-looking Stratocasters ever. Yup, I’m nonetheless kicking myself for not shopping for certainly one of these on the time. But to be truthful, they had been the very best a part of three grand a pop…

Developed alongside the FFXIV group, this Japanese‑made Strat was designed to seize the magic, mythology and scale of one of many world’s most beloved MMORPGs. Dressed head‑to‑toe in black, the physique featured translucent blue and purple crystal sections impressed by the sport’s Crystals of Light and Darkness. Modern guitar makers, please take notes.

Other key appointments included a slim Modern “C” Maple neck, a Rosewood fingerboard with a Meteor inlay on the twelfth fret, plus a trio of specifically‑calibrated V‑Mod single‑coil pickups. There was even a neat Easter egg for FFXIV gamers — a push‑push “Limit Break” tone management (a particular capability within the recreation) that put the bridge and center pickups in collection for a beefier sound. I dread to assume what these go for now.

Taylor The Last of Us Replica 314c

Gaming and guitar collabs aren’t reserved solely for supercharged electrics, you realize. Taylor have gotten in on the motion too, becoming a member of forces with the (uninfected, cordyceps‑free) brains behind The Last of Us on a few limited-edition acoustics. The newest is the The Last of Us Replica 314c launched in May 2025, which you will have noticed within the fingers of Joel and Ellie within the acclaimed HBO Original collection.

It’s a cool collector’s piece for positive, nevertheless it’s additionally a severe strummer. The versatile Grand Auditorium physique boasts a Tobacco Sunburst prime with a easy satin end throughout, paired with grained ivoroid binding, a pretend‑tortoiseshell pickguard and fashionable Ebony bridge pins. That distinctive third-fret moth inlay additionally will get the ivoroid therapy, with matching dot inlays operating up the neck. You do should play Pearl Jam’s “Future Days” to correctly break it in, although (wink).

Fender Monster Hunter Rathalos Telecaster

Another Fender and gaming collab? You betcha. To have a good time 20 years of Monster Hunter in 2024, Fender teamed up with Capcom to unleash a Tele impressed by none aside from Rathalos — the “King of the Skies” and poster dragon of the collection. Unsurprisingly, it appeared ferocious. From the feather and flame detailing to the guild mark on the entrance, Rathalos emblem on the again and customized twelfth‑fret inlay, it’s Monster Hunter lore galore.

As fairly as it’s, the Fender Monster Hunter Telecaster wasn’t the sort of guitar designed to hold on the wall. This factor was solid to be wielded onstage, with customized Rathalos S/H pickups voiced for hearth‑respiratory tones that love a little bit of acquire. Paired with a easy satin‑completed Alder physique, trendy‑feeling Maple neck and 22 medium jumbo frets, it’s clear this was meant as an actual participant’s guitar prepared for battle. We’d like to see a sequel quickly.

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