Rune II (previously called Rune: Ragnarok), an RPG with the settings of Nordic legend is set to be released this summer. You can watch the latest release trailer of the game below:

Rune II will be released via Epic Game Store

Previously in August 2017, Human Head Studios has teased the next installment of the Rune series. At that time, the series is titled Rune: Ragnarok, but it was changed to Rune about six months later. The developers have promised an Early Access version of the game to be released on Steam on September 18. However, they’ve never come back with any information.

Until today! The game will be renamed Rune II and will be released through Epic Games Store.

Epic Game Stores has successfully stolen another game from Steam
Epic Game Stores has successfully stolen another game from Steam

Rune II is an action RPG themed Nordic legend, as players are chosen as the Midgard’s protectors, using their blessings and special abilities to fight and put an end to Ragnarok. They will have to prevent the God of Mischief – Loki from creating chaos in the land, and keep the world safe.

Details about the gameplay

You’ll cooperate with your friends, join in the melee battle with Loki’s minions. Using swords, shields and axes and blessing from your promised god, you’ll fight your way to the glory while collecting rare materials to create the mightiest weapon the Nine Realms have ever seen. At that point, you’re powerful enough to take down Loki and begin a new age for Midgard.

You're the chosen protectors of Misgard against Loki's plot
You're the chosen protectors of Misgard against Loki's plot

As you can see from the trailer, the game features melee-style combat, in which you’ll fight with enemies from various faction: giants, dwarves, dragons, …etc. As you process through the game, you’ll encounter the artifacts of gods that will give you special power and open chances to end Loki’s plot. You can also craft and upgrade your weapons as well, with all rare materials you’ve collected through the game.

Enchant your weapons to gain more power to beat Loki's minions
Enchant your weapons to gain more power to beat Loki's minions

Even better news for Rune’s fans: you can play Rune II in both online and offline mode. If you want to co-op with your friends, then you can go online and form a team of up to four players and start the Midgard’s saviors journey. The game also supports a great saving and loading technique, with which you can resume the game even when you’re not playing with your friend anymore.

But if multiplayer is not a thing for you, you can still enjoy the game on your own offline!

Soloing through Rune II is not a bad option at all!
Soloing through Rune II is not a bad option at all!

Rune II will be another Epic Games Store exclusive title. But it is not similar to other games, as the developer Human Head has spent some time clarifying the reasons.

Human Head Studio explained the reason

When Rune II still has the name Rune: Ragnarok, it was promised to release an early access version on Steam. However, the plan had ultimately been canceled as Human Head stated on their Twitter that they’ve secured “additional funding.”

It turns out, the “addition funding” is from Epic. Human Head’s CEO Chris Rhinehart as further explained. In short, they need a huge amount of money and time for the game, and Epic has jumped onto this bandwagon to help them out tremendously.

The developer needed more time and money to complete the game
The developer needed more time and money to complete the game

And then, the developer finally found their ideal partner, and it’s Epic. The company said that they understand some players’ preference for Steam, but they will continue to hold their ground:

Human Head affirmed that Epic Games Store is better for them and for the game
Human Head affirmed that Epic Games Store is better for them and for the game

But as a step to please users having pre-ordered the game through Steam, they also introduced a page where those users can seek a refund.

Rune II will be released this summer, although the exact date has not been confirmed yet.