Platform
DragonSword: Awakening is confirmed for PC via Steam at launch. Steam Deck support is listed as being in preparation through Proton. Linux native and mobile releases have not been announced. A PlayStation 5 or other console version is under internal discussion and research at the studio but has not been confirmed, so PC via Steam remains the only announced platform.
Supported Languages
The Steam store page lists eleven supported interface and subtitle languages: English, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, French, German, Spanish (Spain), Russian, Thai, and Brazilian Portuguese. Korean is also marked for full audio support.
In the late-May 2026 developer Q&A, Hound13 said German, French, Russian, and Portuguese localisations are in preparation, and noted that Spanish was not a localisation priority at that time. Because the store listing and that statement do not fully line up, the exact final language set is best treated as still settling ahead of launch.
Pricing
As a buy-to-play title the game is a single purchase with no subscription, no battle pass, and no gacha. The exact launch price has not been announced. Hound13 has said the release date and pricing will be confirmed separately through its official channels closer to launch, so any specific figure circulating before then is unconfirmed.
Hound13 also plans a Deluxe Edition bundling the soundtrack and a digital artbook, and intends to sell the soundtrack separately on Steam. Steam achievements and trophies are planned for the launch build. Character costumes and additional Familiars are the only paid post-launch categories alongside expansion packs.
Release Timeline
Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
Internal development of DragonSword (Hound13's pre-reveal codename for the game) | 2021 - 2023 |
Korean closed beta test pre-registration | May 8, 2025 |
Korean launch via Webzen as free-to-play | January 21, 2026 |
Hound13 terminates Webzen publishing contract (see Webzen Publishing Dispute) | February 13, 2026 |
Hound13 announces self-published Steam rework and opens Steam page | April 10, 2026 |
Steam FAQ posted by Hound13 | April 13, 2026 |
Kalien Hero Trailer | April 17, 2026 |
Theresia Hero Trailer | April 2026 |
Webzen files injunction request to block the DragonSword: Awakening release | April 21, 2026 |
April 30, 2026 | |
Lute Gameplay Preview, plus Lute / Castella / Aria Tag Combo Preview | April - May 2026 |
Developer live stream and replay posted | May 7, 2026 |
Ornette Hero Trailer plus 100,000-wishlist milestone announcement | May 14, 2026 |
Second developer live stream with Director JYJ | May 22, 2026 |
Text-based Ask Me Anything event via official Discord | May 21 - 27, 2026 |
Demo at Steam Next Fest | June 2026 |
Global Steam release (Western launch) | July 2026 |
World 2 expansion | Post-launch, no date published |
Western vs Korean Release
The Western Steam release, retitled DragonSword: Awakening, is a total rework of the Korean free-to-play DragonSword. Hound13 terminated its Korean publishing deal with Webzen over an unpaid minimum guarantee, then pivoted to a self-published buy-to-play package on Steam. Everything about the Western build has been tuned for the single-player package model rather than the live-service F2P one. See the dedicated Webzen Publishing Dispute article for the full history and the Buy-to-Play Model page for the resulting monetisation policy.
What Ships at Launch
All of World 1, meaning 8 main-story chapters plus additional Hero quests and a new Eastern region added specifically for the Steam release.
All 19 playable Heroes, obtainable through story progression and in-game activities.
Open-world exploration of the Continent of Orbis on foot and by Familiar mount.
Opt-in Co-Op for Subjugation and Raid content.
Future Content
Hound13 has publicly said that expansion packs introducing new characters and worlds are part of the long-term plan for the Western release. World 2, set on the floating islands, is the named expansion. Post-launch store-side monetisation sits on character costumes and additional Familiars.