Buy-to-Play Model

DragonSword: Awakening is a buy-to-play (B2P) release of an originally free-to-play Korean game. Hound13 has been explicit that the Western version is designed as a single-package purchase rather than a live-service F2P product.

What the Korean Version Had

The original DragonSword launched in South Korea as a free-to-play title on PC, iOS, and Android. It used gacha distribution and F2P progression systems, published through Webzen. Operations in the Korean market ran into contractual disputes.

What the Western B2P Version Removes

• No gacha pulls for Heroes. All nineteen Heroes are obtainable through story progress and in-game activities.

• No F2P stamina or soft-gating on progression.

• The campaign is a self-contained single-player experience with optional co-op.

What Remains Paid

Hound13 has publicly said that the store-side monetisation for the Western release is scoped to character costumes and Familiars. Future expansion packs introducing new characters and worlds are also part of the stated plan.