A blood pact with a dragon. Ancient gods at war. A kingdom hanging by a thread. On January 22nd, King Arthur: Legends Rise hit Steam with a single question: what happens when Excalibur isn’t just a sword to be claimed – but a prison to be broken? Netmarble and Kabam’s dark fantasy epic, after proving itself on mobile since November, brings its answer to PC players ready for a different kind of Camelot.
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This reimagining draws deeply from Arthurian mythology, with each character’s design and backstory carefully woven from threads of ancient British legend with some dramatic new twists. From these shadows… a different Round Table rises.
King Arthur: Legends Rise – A Dark Take On Camelot
A Darker Vision of Britain
Built in Unreal Engine 5, this version of Britain looks stunning. The visuals match the darker tone perfectly, and surprisingly, they hold up great regardless of the PC or mobile version. Mountains and castles loom against dark skies while something ancient and dangerous lurks in every shadow.
Each hero model features intricate designs that blend medieval authenticity with fantasy elements, while orchestral scores and atmospheric sound effects make every battle feel appropriately epic. It’s a perfect backdrop for a story where Arthur’s legendary sword comes with strings attached – specifically, a dragon named Caliburn who might just be the kingdom’s last hope against invading gods.
The combat goes deeper than one might expect. For example, the weather changes during battles, forcing the players into quick strategic shifts. Our heroes can also completely change their roles through artifacts – turn a defender into an attacker, swap a support unit to front-line fighter.
Every battle requires managing resources like stamina and entry tickets wisely. Between fights, the players will enhance equipment, level up skills, and navigate the awakening and Chivalry systems to strengthen their squad. It’s not just about having the strongest team, but about adapting to whatever the battlefield throws at its soldiers.
Progression Systems & Game Modes
The game keeps things moving with different types of content. Story mode pushes the main narrative forward. Adventure mode offers exploration and environmental puzzles to solve. There’s also daily dungeons and boss fights which offer focused challenges, while the PvP Arena tests strategies against other players. Even the estate management system matters, because nothing says “saving the kingdom” quite like having to manage your lumber production while ancient gods are knocking at the door, hah!
Hero progression goes beyond simple leveling. Every character can rank up the usual way for better stats, unlock new powers through awakening, and gain combat advantages from the Chivalry system. Add in equipment crafting, enhancement options, and special power-up materials like Breath and EXP potions, and there’s always another way to strengthen the squad. The resource management actually matters – gold, crystals, and special currencies each serve specific purposes in making the players stronger.
For those looking for a real challenge, the Forbidden Dungeon just got more interesting. Anyone tough enough to clear the first hundred floors can now tackle Hard Mode, which offers better rewards including seasonal items and rare clear bonuses. It’s probably going to be a pretty selective club, though, given the game’s only been out since November 2024.
Steam Launch & Cross-Platform Features
There’s some great news for fans who have been waiting for the PC launch, because the Steam version launches with Clan Wars, bringing large-scale tactical combat to the mix. This massive RvR system progresses through distinct phases of wars, seasons, and leagues, where clan members deploy their heroes in chess-like strategic battles.
Clans manage territory and resources across big battlefields, using structures and environmental gimmicks to gain tactical advantages. Setting up defensive structures, controlling key points, and using battlefield buffs adds layers of strategy beyond just having strong heroes. The best clans earn championship trophies and seasonal rewards worth fighting for.
The launch brings Ceres, a new Legendary hero with an interesting twist on battlefield control. She’s a High Priest of the Solar Legion who uses a mystical mirror to predict enemy movements and control the flow of combat. Until February 4th, players can take on her special dungeon event to earn coins for her unique Relics and other rewards.
New Steam players can also choose from three welcome packages: a basic Starter Package, a Premium Starter version for faster progress, or a Special Legendary Hero Package for immediate power. The game handles cross-play smoothly between platforms and supports twelve languages, although China and Vietnam will get their releases later.
Bottom Line
The most impressive thing about King Arthur: Legends Rise isn’t just one single feature. It’s how Netmarble has managed to make a free-to-play mobile game that doesn’t feel like it’s constantly apologizing for being a free-to-play mobile game. The production values are legitimate, the strategic depth is there for anyone who wants to dive deep, and the darker take on Arthurian legend works out well in their favour.
Is it going to dethrone Raid Shadow Legends as the gacha fantasy RPG of choice? Perhaps not. Perhaps not. Then again, it doesn’t need to. What it does need to do is prove that bringing a mobile game to Steam can be more than just a cynical platform grab. And on that front, Legends Rise makes a more than apt case.
For anyone looking to check it out, the game’s available now on Steam, iOS, and Android, with full cross-play support across all platforms. Netmarble’s got the usual social media presence across Facebook, Instagram, Discord, and YouTube if you want to keep up with updates or find a clan to join. Just remember – when a dragon trapped in a magical sword offers you a blood pact, maybe read the fine print first.
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