Kelly, also known as Shimada Kiriko, is one of the most iconic and beloved characters in Garena Free Fire. She is a high-speed sprinter, inspired by her backstory as a passionate track and field athlete. Kelly is known for her exceptional agility and speed, which make her a favorite choice for players who enjoy fast-paced gameplay.
Born with a love for running, Kelly’s character represents determination, hard work, and resilience, making her relatable to many players. Over time, Garena has given Kelly several alternate looks, including her awakened version, Kelly “The Swift”, which further enhances her abilities and provides a significant advantage in matches.
Who is Kelly in Free Fire?
Kelly, whose real name is Shimada Kiriko, is a passionate high school sprinter. Her love for running is what shaped her in-game abilities, making her the speedster of Free Fire. Kelly was among the first characters introduced when Free Fire launched, and despite newer additions, she remains a favorite because of her simplicity and effectiveness.
Kelly features a bright and athletic look her signature yellow tracksuit became an iconic part of Free Fire’s early days. Over time, Garena has updated her appearance, added skins, and even introduced Kelly “The Swift”, her awakened form, giving her a fresh look and an improved skillset.
Kelly’s Skill: Dash
Kelly’s core ability is called Dash. This skill increases her sprinting speed, allowing players to move faster across the map. At the maximum level, Kelly’s Dash skill provides up to 6% increased sprinting speed, which may seem small but makes a huge difference in fast-paced combat.
Here’s why Dash is so effective:
- Better Positioning: You can reach safe zones faster and grab loot before opponents.
- Aggressive Push: Perfect for rushing enemies and surprising them.
- Easier Escapes: Run away from danger or zone damage more effectively.
Kelly “The Swift” – Awakened Version
Garena introduced the Awakening System to give characters enhanced abilities and a fresh backstory. Kelly was one of the first characters to receive this treatment, resulting in Kelly “The Swift.”
In her awakened state, Kelly gains the ability Deadly Velocity, which increases damage dealt by the first shot after sprinting for a few seconds. This means not only can Kelly reach opponents quickly, but she can also hit them harder when engaging in combat.
Best Weapons for Kelly
Since Kelly’s strength is speed and quick engagements, pairing her with the right weapons is key. Here are some recommended choices:
- MP40 / MAC10: Great for close-range rushing.
- M1887 / M1014: Shotguns combined with her Deadly Velocity skill can eliminate opponents in one shot.
- AK or SCAR: Balanced rifles for players who like mid-range fights but still need mobility.
Best Character Combinations with Kelly
Free Fire allows you to combine characters’ skills. Here are some powerful combinations to maximize Kelly’s potential:
- Kelly + Alok + Hayato + Jota
- Alok for healing and movement boost, Hayato for armor penetration, and Jota for HP recovery during close-range fights.
- Kelly + D-Bee + Moco + Leon
- Ideal for rushers. D-Bee gives better movement while firing, Moco tags enemies, and Leon restores HP after combat.
- Kelly + K + CR7 + Wolfrahh
- Great for squad matches. K and CR7 provide extra sustainability, while Wolfrahh boosts damage against enemies with fewer HP.
Read Also: Wolfrahh Character in Free Fire – Complete Character Guide, Abilities, and Pro Tips
Tips to Play Kelly Like a Pro
- Keep Sprinting: To fully benefit from Dash and Deadly Velocity, stay in motion. Sprinting not only makes you a harder target but also charges your skill.
- Rush Smartly: Don’t just run blindly at enemies. Use cover, jump and slide to make yourself harder to hit.
- Master Short-Range Weapons: Kelly is designed for quick encounters. Learn to use shotguns and SMGs effectively.
- Upgrade Skills Early: Level up Kelly to unlock her maximum potential. Even a 1–2% speed increase can be game-changing.
- Pair with Pets: Pets like Falco (for faster skydiving) or Mr. Waggor (for gloo wall grenades) complement Kelly’s playstyle.
Why Kelly is Still Relevant in 2025?
Despite many new characters being introduced, Kelly remains a top choice for aggressive and tactical players. Her ability to close distances quickly and hit hard with her awakened skill makes her valuable in both Battle Royale and Clash Squad modes.
Players who love fast-paced, rush gameplay will always find Kelly useful. Her awakened version, Kelly “The Swift,” has given her a second life in Free Fire’s competitive scene, making her a solid choice for tournaments and ranked matches.
Kelly’s Backstory – More Than Just a Speedster
While Kelly is mostly known for her speed, her backstory adds emotional depth to her character. As Shimada Kiriko, she was a dedicated athlete who always gave her best on the track. The Awakened storyline shows her facing inner struggles and overcoming challenges, making her an inspirational figure for players who believe in persistence and hard work.
Kelly in Free Fire Events and Skins
Garena frequently releases exclusive Kelly skins, events, and bundles. Some of the most popular Kelly skins include:
- Kelly “The Swift” bundle
- Kelly Gold Coated Outfit
- Kelly “The Streets” outfit
- Kelly’s Yellow Tracksuit (classic look)
Collecting these skins not only makes Kelly look cooler but also allows players to show off their dedication to the character.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using Kelly “The Swift”?
Kelly “The Swift” not only retains the Dash skill but also gives bonus damage after sprinting, making her perfect for rushers and aggressive playstyles.
What is the best weapon combination for Kelly?
Close-range weapons like MP40, MAC10, M1887, or M1014 work best with Kelly’s skills, as she excels in quick rushes and close encounters.
Can Kelly be used in Clash Squad mode?
Yes, Kelly is very effective in Clash Squad mode, where fast positioning and rushing enemies are crucial to winning rounds.
How to awaken Kelly in Free Fire?
To awaken Kelly, you need to complete specific awakening missions provided by Free Fire. Once completed, you unlock Kelly “The Swift” and her upgraded ability.
Is Kelly still relevant in 2025?
Absolutely. Despite the release of many new characters, Kelly remains a popular choice thanks to her simplicity, speed boost, and powerful awakened skill.
Which characters work well with Kelly?
Characters like Alok, Jota, Hayato, D-Bee, and Moco work great with Kelly as they complement her aggressive, fast-paced playstyle.
Conclusion
Kelly is not just a character she’s a symbol of speed, energy, and competitive spirit in Free Fire. With her Dash skill and Awakened Deadly Velocity ability, Kelly continues to dominate aggressive meta playstyles even in 2025.
If you are serious about improving your rush gameplay, Kelly should be one of the first characters you unlock and max out. Pair her with the right weapons, use good character combinations, and practice your sprint-to-shoot mechanics.
