At Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2025 (September 25-28, Makuhari Messe, Chiba, Japan), Netmarble and Netmarble Monster unveiled the PS5 version of their monster-taming action RPG MONGIL: STAR DIVE, alongside a stunning new trailer, expanding from mobile and PC platforms and sparking fan excitement.
Highlights from Netmarble's TGS 2025 Booth
The new trailer, unveiled on the opening day of TGS, teases a rich narrative centered on protagonists Verna and Cloud as they embark on guild missions in a fantastical world teeming with mysterious creatures. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, the footage showcases stunning visuals with a vibrant, anime-inspired art style that blends seamless character switching in combat with heartwarming monster interactions. No concrete release date was dropped during the show, but Netmarble sweetened the wait by opening recruitment for the second closed beta test, promising deeper access to the game's mechanics for selected players.
With cross-platform support now including PS5 alongside Windows PC, iOS, and Android, MONGIL: STAR DIVE positions itself as a versatile entry in the monster-taming genre. This multi-platform approach allows for solo play without the need for constant online connectivity, appealing to both casual mobile gamers and console enthusiasts seeking a more immersive experience. Pre-registration is live on the official site, offering rewards like exclusive in-game items for early sign-ups.
Exploring MONGIL: STAR DIVE's Gameplay
At its core, MONGIL: STAR DIVE is a monster-taming action RPG that evolves the formula popularized by titles like Pokémon and Monster Hunter, infusing it with fast-paced, real-time combat and a solo-friendly party system. Players take on the role of a "Diver," exploring a wonder-filled world to capture and train an array of adorable yet powerful creatures known as Mongils. The gameplay loop revolves around three pillars: exploration, taming, and tactical battles, all wrapped in a narrative-driven adventure.
Exploration
- Kicks off in lush, open-world environments rendered with Unreal Engine 5's Lumen lighting and Nanite geometry for breathtaking detail.
- As Verna or Cloud, traverse guild hubs, dive into mysterious rifts, and uncover hidden lore through side quests and environmental storytelling.
- Mobile-optimized controls ensure smooth navigation, with touch gestures for quick dives or PC/console adaptations using analog sticks for precision.
Monster Taming
- Spotting a wild Mongil triggers a mini-game where timing-based captures rely on weakening the creature with environmental hazards or basic attacks before deploying a capture tool.
- Once tamed, Mongils join your party as customizable allies, each with unique abilities, evolutions, and synergy perks.
- Standout feature: "Solo party play" mechanic, allowing you to command up to four Mongils in battle without relying on other players—perfect for story-focused runs.
Combat
Real-time fights emphasize fluid character switching mid-battle, letting you leap between your human protagonist and tamed Mongils for combo chains and elemental exploits.
- For instance, a fire-based Mongil might set up a blaze for your melee-focused Verna to follow with a charged slash, all while dodging enemy patterns in bullet-hell style sequences.
- Beta footage reveals satisfying depth: skill trees for Mongil upgrades, gear crafting from scavenged materials, and boss raids that scale with party composition.
- Early playtests highlight responsive controls and vibrant effects, though some noted a learning curve for mastering switches during intense encounters.
The game's anime flair extends to its cast, including the enigmatic creature "Nyanners," whose quirky personality adds levity to guild interactions and voice-acted cutscenes. Available in multiple languages, including English dubs, it caters to a global audience while maintaining Netmarble's signature gacha elements for cosmetic and rare Mongil pulls—balanced to avoid paywall frustrations in core progression.
Overall, MONGIL: STAR DIVE's gameplay promises an addictive blend of collection, strategy, and spectacle, evolving Netmarble's legacy from mobile hits like Monster Tamer into a cross-genre powerhouse.
Expected Release Date and System Requirements
While no exact launch date has been confirmed, MONGIL: STAR DIVE is slated for a 2025 release across all platforms. Pre-registration is ongoing, and the second closed beta test recruitment began on September 17, 2025, indicating a potential rollout in late 2025 or early 2026. The game is also listed as "coming soon" on the Epic Games Store, further building anticipation.
System Requirements
System requirements have been outlined for the PC version based on closed beta testing. Note that PS5 and mobile specs are more generalized, with PS5 leveraging console hardware and mobile requiring standard modern devices.
PC (Minimum - From Closed Beta)
- OS: Windows 10
- RAM: 8GB
PC (Recommended - From Closed Beta)
- CPU: Intel® Core™ i5-7000 series or equivalent AMD processor
- GPU: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1060 or equivalent AMD processor
Mobile (Minimum)
- Android: 9.0 or higher
- iOS: To be confirmed (standard modern devices expected)
PS5
- Standard PS5 hardware; no additional requirements beyond a compatible console.
These specs ensure smooth performance with Unreal Engine 5 visuals, but final requirements may be updated closer to launch.
As TGS 2025 wraps up, MONGIL: STAR DIVE emerges as a frontrunner for 2026's must-watch releases. With beta spots filling fast and community hype building on social platforms, Netmarble has clearly tapped into the timeless appeal of befriending the fantastical. Keep an eye on official channels for beta waves and wishlist the game on your platform of choice—your next great dive awaits.
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