Today, Hound13 Inc. detailed the post-launch roadmap for its anime-style open world RPG, The DragonSword: Awakening.
The DragonSword: Awakenin Stream #4 contained plenty of interesting updates, including post-launch roadmap plans. The first notable one is the addition of four free new heroes for the second half of 2026, and the Q&A confirms companions are unlocked via story progression.
You can see the characters detailed below:
- Ryza — The First to Arrive: A shock-specialized character. She throws her spear, then teleports to its location to continue the assault, delivering fast, stylish combat.
- Jerome — Knockdown Specialist: A small-statured character wielding a massive greatsword. Since the current lineup lacks a dedicated knockdown specialist, he’s prioritized right after Ryza. He can unleash various skills upon Super Armor Destruction, and uniquely uses Grab up to three stages.
- Veronica — Bare-Handed Combat + Gun: Inspired by the many forum posts wishing for “a character who fights with fists.” Stun is her primary attribute — she fires a gun at range and engages in martial arts up close, offering a fresh combat style.
- Logan — Tank Specialist: A tank-type character who attacks with a massive shield and protects allies. We plan to develop him into a more versatile character before his debut.
Ryza will arrive first, with the next three heroes released sequentially in the order above. These heroes are included in the base game of DragonSword: Awakening for free, starting the second half of 2026.
The developers announced several major gameplay additions and quality-of-life improvements, including New Hero Quests that will expand the story beyond the main campaign, starting with a quest focused on Othello, followed by one centered on Ryza. A brand-new Rift System is being introduced, allowing players to enter dimensional portals found throughout the world and battle in alternate realms.
While full details are being kept under wraps to avoid spoilers, this feature is expected to be a key part of post-launch content. Quality-of-life improvements are also in the works following significant community feedback. These updates include more responsive combat, gamepad support, stronger hit feedback, less floaty jumping, instant sprint, and auto-run options.
The camera system is for DragonSword: Awakening is being overhauled with expanded view controls, greater view distance, customizable sensitivity, and improved lock-on. Features like UI hiding, Photo Mode, and an in-game help system are also planned for launch and will be refined over time.
The developers have pledged ongoing balance updates, especially in areas where gameplay may feel too time-consuming or inconvenient. Economy systems and combat mechanics will continue to be reviewed to improve the player experience.
DragonSword: Awakening will feature about 30 Familiars, with roughly two-thirds available through standard gameplay and the rest as DLC. Developers emphasized that paid and free Familiars are cosmetic only and do not affect gameplay.
The Standard Edition includes the full core game, while the Deluxe Edition adds a digital artbook, soundtrack, and an exclusive Familiar, the Brave Baby Dragon, noting that other Familiars can be earned through regular gameplay, so players can choose companions based on preference.
Five costume DLC packs will be released for Ornette, Cerese, Theresia, Dana, and Kalsion, each with matching weapon skins and accessories. Additional costumes, such as swimsuit outfits for Reina and Astria, are also in development and will be added in future updates.
The Standard Edition will launch at $29.99, with the Deluxe Edition priced at $49.99 and possibly discounted at launch. The developers confirmed there will be no microtransactions beyond the announced costume and Familiar DLC.
The first chapter of the base game wraps up its main coming-of-age story but leaves room for future updates. The main story will take about 10 to 15 hours to finish, with Hero Quests and Bond Quests adding more narrative content.
The console versions of DragonSword: Awakening are planned following the Steam release, though platforms have not been announced. You can check out the full livestream for yourself below:
If you’re unfamiliar with DragonSword: Awakening, it’s a single-player, open-world RPG with optional co-op, developed in Unreal Engine 5. While it’s similar to like Genshin Impact or Wuthering Waves in style, it is actually a full-fledged buy-to-play game with no gacha.
