DragonSword: Awakening launches today on PC via Steam, and it arrives as a refreshing buy-to-play anime-style open-world action RPG that captures the excitement of classic fantasy adventures while delivering modern, fluid combat. Developed and published by Hound13, the team behind spiritual successor vibes to Dragon Nest, this title transforms what began as a free-to-play experiment into a complete package free of gacha mechanics. All 19 heroes and core content are earned through story progression and exploration, making it an accessible and rewarding experience for fans of games like Genshin Impact or the Tales series, but with its own distinct identity.
The Story of Orbis
Set on the colorful Continent of Orbis, the story follows young Lute as he joins mercenary Johnny and elf warrior Castella. Sixty years after legendary heroes defeated a devastating dragon, the beast reawakens and threatens the land once more. Lute and his growing band of companions set out to follow the path of those past heroes and become the new Dragon Sword that can save the world. The narrative leans into classic fantasy tropes with heart, featuring charming characters whose bonds deepen through side stories and quests. The early hours already showcase likable personalities and lighthearted moments that make the world feel lived-in and inviting.
Thrilling Tag-Team Combat
What truly shines is the combat. DragonSword: Awakening builds its battles around a party of three heroes who switch seamlessly in real time. Each character brings unique Status Ailment abilities. Stack those effects through active skills, then trigger powerful Signal Skills for devastating combo chains that send enemies flying. Endless Switching Signals keep the action flowing as heroes weave in and out of the fray. The result is spectacular, fast-paced tag-team fighting that feels satisfying from the first goblin encounter onward. Players can experiment with elemental synergies and party compositions, turning every fight into a stylish display of coordinated attacks. Familiars further enhance exploration and combat, acting as mounts and support companions that add another layer of strategy and fun.
Exploring the Beautiful Open World
The open world itself is a standout, brought to life with Unreal Engine 5. Lush meadows, towering mountains, sparkling seas, ancient ruins, and lively towns invite freeform exploration. Climb cliffs, glide, dive underwater, solve environmental puzzles, and uncover treasures that meaningfully progress your characters. Cooking, bonding with companions, and tackling local side stories give the world a warm, lived-in quality rather than a pure checklist. The vibrant anime art direction, fluid animations, and flashy skill effects make every vista and battle a visual treat. Online co-op for battles and raids lets friends join the adventure, expanding the fun beyond solo play.
Value and Accessibility
Priced at $29.99 for the standard edition, with a Deluxe version adding an artbook, soundtrack, and exclusive Familiar, the game offers strong value. Launch players also receive the Abyssal Direwolf Familiar free until the end of August. Developers listened to demo feedback, adding improvements like refined controls, lock-on options, better controller support, and quality-of-life features that polish the experience further. Post-launch plans include free new heroes and expanded content, showing commitment to growing the world.
Final Verdict
DragonSword: Awakening succeeds as an engaging single-player focused adventure with co-op options, delivering thrilling combat, a beautiful world to explore, and a cast worth caring about. It stands out in a crowded field by removing monetization barriers and focusing on pure gameplay rewards. For anyone seeking a colorful, action-packed RPG that prioritizes fun and accessibility, this is a launch title that deserves attention right from day one. Dive into Orbis and forge your own legend as the Dragon Sword.
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