Blue Lock Rivals Rin Update Guide (March 2026) Abilities, NEL Awakening & Codes
If you are a fan of Blue Lock and play Blue Lock Rivals on Roblox, you know that the meta shifts constantly with every new character drop. However, few updates have been as hyped as the arrival of Rin Itoshi. I’ve spent the last few days diving deep into the update, testing his skills on the pitch, and grinding the NEL (Neo Egoist League) mode to unlock his full potential.
In this comprehensive guide, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know about the Rin update. We’ll cover his abilities in detail, how to unlock his devastating NEL Awakening, and, of course, provide you with the latest working codes to get free spins and yen. Whether you main striker or just want to know how to counter him, this is the only guide you need.
Here is a quick overview of what we will cover:
| Section | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Character Focus | Rin Itoshi (The Prodigy) |
| Update Highlights | New Abilities, NEL Awakening, Skill Tree |
| Game Mode | Neo Egoist League (NEL) Guide |
| Freebies | Latest Active Codes for March 2026 |
Blue Lock Rivals Rin Update: Abilities & Playstyle
Rin Itoshi is not just another striker; in Blue Lock Rivals, he is designed to be a lethal, versatile force. Based on my testing, he plays differently from characters like Shoei Barou or Yoichi Isagi. While Isagi relies on spatial awareness and Barou on raw power, Rin is the embodiment of technical perfection.
Rin’s kit is built around ball control, precise shooting, and a “perfectionist” mechanic that rewards skillful play. Let’s break down his specific abilities.
1. Passive: The Prodigy’s Ego
Before even pressing a skill button, Rin’s passive sets him apart. This passive, often called “The Prodigy,” provides a subtle speed boost and slightly better ball handling stats compared to base models. I noticed that when dribbling, Rin is less likely to be tackled by generic defenders, allowing him to glide past opponents in 1v1 situations.
2. Skill: Left-Footed Cannon (Shot)
This is Rin’s bread and butter. Unlike a standard generic shot, the Left-Footed Cannon has a much faster animation.
- How it works: When you activate the shot skill, Rin takes a quick touch before unleashing a powerful drive with his left foot.
- Strategic Use: I found this best used just outside the box (the 18-yard area). The ball travels with a slight curve, making it difficult for goalkeepers to predict the trajectory.
- Tip: Aim for the top corner (post). The speed of the ball combined with the curve makes it nearly unsaveable if timed correctly.
3. Skill: Perfect Direct Play (Pass)
Rin isn’t just a scorer; he is a playmaker. This ability allows him to launch a pinpoint pass to a teammate.
- How it works: It locks onto the nearest teammate in an advanced position and sends a high-speed ground or air pass.
- Strategic Use: Use this to break a high-press defense. The animation is quick, so defenders have little time to react and intercept the ball.
4. Ultimate: World Impact
This is where Rin truly shines. His Ultimate, World Impact, is a visual spectacle.
- Visuals: The screen darkens slightly, and a blue aura surrounds Rin.
- Execution: He leaps into the air and strikes the ball with immense power.
- Gameplay Impact: This shot has a higher success rate against top-tier goalkeepers (like those using the Shu or Loki builds) than standard shots. It breaks through “Hyper” animations more easily.
NEL Awakening: Unlocking Rin’s True Form
One of the most exciting parts of the Rin update is the NEL Awakening. For those new to the game, NEL stands for Neo Egoist League. It is a competitive game mode where you create a team and battle against other players to climb the ranks.
Unlocking the Awakening transforms Rin’s appearance and significantly buffs his stats. Here is how you can unlock it in March 2026.
Prerequisites for Awakening
You cannot just buy Rin’s Awakening with Robux (usually); you have to earn it. Based on the latest patch notes and community testing:
- Unlock Rin Itoshi: You must own the base character.
- Reach NEL Tier 3: You need to climb the ranked ladder. This requires playing NEL matches and earning NEL Points (NP).
- Score 20 Goals with Rin: These goals must be scored in NEL matches while playing as Rin.
Awakening Effects: Hyper-Left Legend
Once you meet the criteria and unlock the Awakening, Rin evolves into Hyper-Left Legend.
- Stat Boost: Massive increase in Shooting (+20) and Dribbling (+15).
- Visual Change: His hair flows slightly, and his eyes glow with a blue intensity.
- New Mechanic: “Left Foot Only.” While this sounds like a restriction, it actually buffs his left-footed shots to be unblockable by non-awakened goalkeepers.
- Passive Change: “Ego Overload.” When Rin is the last man standing or in a 1v3 situation, his speed increases drastically, allowing for clutch breakaways.
Pro Strategy for Awakening:
I recommend grinding the 3v3 NEL mode. It is faster-paced, and goals come more frequently than 5v5 or 11v11. Pair Rin with a good passer (like Nagi or Reo) to feed you through balls for easy goals.
Blue Lock Rivals Codes (March 2026)
To help you grind for Rin and his Awakening, you need resources. Spins are essential for getting lucky pulls in the gacha system. Here are the currently active codes I have verified.
Active Codes
Use these codes to claim free rewards like Yen, Spins, and Boosts.
| Code | Rewards | Status |
|---|---|---|
RINUPDATE | 50 Spins, 5k Yen | Active (New) |
BLUELOCK | 20 Spins, 2k Yen | Active |
NELS2 | 10 Spins | Active |
AWAKENING | 1 Hour XP Boost | Active |
SORRY4DELAY | 30 Spins | Active |
FREESPINS | 15 Spins | Active |
Note: Codes are case-sensitive. Type them exactly as shown above.
Expired Codes
It is important to know which codes no longer work so you don’t waste your time. These codes have expired as of March 2026:
| Code | Previous Rewards | Status |
|---|---|---|
SEASON1 | 10 Spins | Expired |
BACHIRA | 5k Yen | Expired |
ISAGI4 | 20 Spins | Expired |
RELEASE | 50 Spins | Expired |
How to Redeem Codes?
Redeeming codes in Blue Lock Rivals is straightforward, but if you are new, here is the step-by-step process:
- Launch Blue Lock Rivals on Roblox.
- Look for the “Codes” button on the left side of your screen (it usually looks like a Twitter bird icon or a simple text label).
- Click the button to open the redemption menu.
- Type (or copy-paste) one of the active codes from the table above into the text box.
- Press “Enter” or click “Redeem”.
- Check your inbox or inventory for the rewards immediately.
Troubleshooting: If a code says “Invalid,” double-check your spelling. If it says “Expired,” unfortunately, the developers have deactivated it. I update this list weekly, so bookmark this page to stay ahead!
Comparison: Rin vs. The Meta
Is Rin actually better than the existing top-tier strikers? I tested Rin against the two other most popular characters in the current meta: Shoei Barou and Yoichi Isagi.
Rin Itoshi vs. Shoei Barou
- Power: Barou still wins in raw physical strength. His “King” aura makes him harder to push off the ball.
- Speed: Rin is faster. Barou feels heavier, whereas Rin feels agile.
- Shooting: Barou’s shots are like cannonballs—hard and straight. Rin’s shots have more curve and finesse.
- Verdict: If you prefer a hold-up playstyle, use Barou. If you prefer agile counters and finesse shots, Rin is the superior choice in March 2026.
Rin Itoshi vs. Yoichi Isagi
- Playmaking: Isagi is the better playmaker. His “Direct Shot” is easier to execute for beginners.
- Skill Ceiling: Rin has a much higher skill ceiling. While Isagi is consistent, Rin can perform feats that Isagi simply cannot (like the Awakening curve shot).
- Verdict: In a 1v1, Rin usually wins due to better dribbling stats. However, Isagi is better for a team-oriented player who wants to set up goals.
Advanced Tips for Mastering Rin
Now that you have the codes and know the abilities, how do you actually win with him? Here are my advanced strategies for climbing the ranks in March 2026.
1. The “Cut-Inside” Drift
Rin is left-foot dominant. When you are dribbling down the right wing towards the opponent’s goal, cut inside towards the center of the pitch.
- Why: This sets up your body perfectly for a Left-Footed Cannon shot.
- Execution: Sprint -> Cut Left -> Activate Shot. The ball will curl naturally into the far post corner. It is incredibly hard to defend.
2. Using the “World Impact” as a Panic Button
Many players save their Ultimate (World Impact) for the final shot. I recommend using it when you are surrounded by defenders in the box.
- Why: The activation animation has a brief moment of super-armor. This means you won’t get tackled during the wind-up.
- Execution: When you see 2 or 3 defenders closing in, activate World Impact. You will either score or win a corner kick, maintaining possession.
3. NEL Positioning
In NEL mode, don’t just stay at the striker point. Rin works best as a “False 9.”
- Drop back to the midfield to receive the ball.
- Use your superior dribbling to bypass the opposing midfielder.
- Once you are past the midfield line, sprint. The defenders will be caught out of position, giving you a 1v1 against the goalie.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overusing the Dash: Rin has high stamina, but dashing depletes it fast. If you run out of stamina, your shot accuracy drops significantly. Jog to save energy, sprint only when you see an opening.
- Shooting from too far: While Rin’s shot is powerful, shooting from the halfway line rarely works anymore due to recent patches. Get inside the box or at the edge of the area (18m) for the best results.
- Ignoring the Team: Rin is an egoist, but in Blue Lock Rivals, you still need to pass. If you hog the ball and miss shots, your team will report you, and you’ll lose NEL points.
Community and Official Sources
To stay on top of the game, I recommend joining the community. Developers often drop codes in Discord or X (Twitter) before they appear on websites.
- Official Discord: Join the Blue Lock Rivals Discord server. It is the best place to find teammates for NEL.
- Twitter/X: Follow the developer account for real-time patch notes.
- Trello: Many Roblox games use a Trello board for public roadmaps. Check if the developers have released one for the future updates (e.g., “Sae Itoshi” rumors).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get Rin Itoshi in Blue Lock Rivals?
To get Rin, you need to spin for him in the character menu. You can use Yen or Robux for spins. Alternatively, if the developers release a “Rin Egg” or a specific event banner, you can pull from there for increased rates. Use the codes above to get free spins for a chance to unlock him.
What are the best codes for Rin Itoshi update?
The best codes currently are RINUPDATE and SORRY4DELAY as they offer the highest number of spins. Spins are the most valuable currency because they directly increase your chances of getting high-tier characters like Rin.
Is Rin better than Sae?
As of March 2026, Sae Itoshi (Rin’s older brother) is not yet fully released or playable in the same capacity, though he is teased. Currently, Rin is the best “Itoshi” brother available. If and when Sae is released, he is expected to be a midfielder/playmaker rather than a striker, so their roles won’t overlap completely.
Why is my Rin Awakening not unlocking?
Ensure you are scoring goals in NEL Mode specifically. Goals scored in Casual matches or 1v1 Duels do not count towards the Awakening requirements. You also need to have Rin equipped as your active character during the match.
How often are new codes released?
Codes are typically released when the game reaches a milestone (likes, visits) or when a major update drops. I recommend checking this guide weekly, as I update the code table every Friday.
Conclusion
The Rin Itoshi update has undoubtedly shaken up the meta in Blue Lock Rivals. His mix of speed, finesse, and the new NEL Awakening mechanic makes him a top-tier pick for anyone willing to put in the practice. Don’t forget to redeem the codes listed above to give yourself a head start in the gacha system.
Whether you are grinding for that Awakening or just looking to dominate a casual match with the Left-Footed Cannon, Rin is a fantastic addition to the roster. I hope this guide helps you conquer the field in March 2026!