DragonSword has re-emerged as DragonSword: Awakening, complete with a brand-new trailer, and if it wasn’t on your radar before, it should be now. What once looked like a very different project has evolved into a full-fledged action RPG, and the latest footage points to a game aiming for something bigger and far more focused.
At first glance, the game immediately stands out thanks to its presentation and combat. Visually and gameplay-wise, DragonSword: Awakening feels like a mix of Granblue Fantasy: Relink and Genshin Impact, blending flashy combat with a vibrant, anime-inspired world. The characters pop, the effects are over-the-top in the best way, and the action looks fast, responsive.
That’s a big shift from where the project originally started. When it was first revealed as Dragon Sword, the game was planned as a live-service title with gacha elements. That version leaned heavily into ongoing monetization and systems built around repeat engagement. However, following a conflict between Webzen and HOUND 13, the project was reworked entirely.
Now reintroduced as DragonSword: Awakening, the game has dropped the free-to-play model and gacha mechanics in favor of a buy-to-play experience. That change is significant, shifting the focus away from monetization loops and toward delivering a complete, polished action RPG, and that’s where the excitement comes from. Instead of chasing trends, DragonSword: Awakening now looks like it’s trying to stand alongside modern action RPGs that emphasize tight combat, strong visuals, and a clear progression system. The trailer suggests a game built around engaging fights, stylish abilities, and a world that invites players in rather than gating them behind layered systems.
If you skipped Dragon Sword the first time around, that’s probably fine, DragonSword: Awakening is shaping up to be a different beast. A demo is planned for Steam Next Fest in June, with a full release targeted for July 2026. Action RPG fans will want to wishlist this on Steam, now!
