Bonfire Studios has officially unveiled its debut game, Arkheron. The team-based PvPvE title is in development for PC and consoles. It is the first project from the Irvine-based studio founded by ex-Blizzard Chief Creative Officer Rob Pardo.
The game combines elements from several popular genres into a unique format. A public playtest is scheduled for September on Steam. According to the studio, the game has been in development for nearly a decade.
A Unique Blend of Diablo, Dark Souls, and Battle Royale
Arkheron is a top-down competitive game. Its core mode is a 45-player “Ascension Royale” with fifteen teams of three. Players, known as Echoes, must fight to ascend a mysterious, shifting tower.
The gameplay features a unique free-aim camera system. This allows for precise aiming and tracking of enemies. It places melee and ranged combat on an equal footing, creating intense, skill-based encounters.
Matches begin with players unarmed. They must loot gear from chests, monsters, and defeated opponents. An encroaching “Abyssal Storm” forces teams into fewer and fewer safe zones, creating inevitable conflict.
Items Are the Heroes in This Innovative System
A key innovation is the “items as heroes” philosophy. Character abilities come entirely from equipped gear, not a fixed skill tree. Players find weapons, crowns, and amulets, each granting a unique active skill.
This system forces adaptation every match. Players cannot rely on a single pre-determined build. Finding complete four-piece item sets allows a powerful transformation into an “Eternal” for the rest of the match.
Rob Pardo explained the design focus was depth first. The team prioritized creating a deep, competitive experience that can sustain thousands of hours of play. Approachability for new players will be layered on later in development.
The first public hands-on opportunity for Arkheron begins soon. This highly anticipated title aims to redefine team-based competitive gameplay with its fresh mechanics.
Info at your fingertips
What platforms will Arkheron be on?
The game is coming to PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. The initial playtest is PC-only through Steam.
When is the Arkheron playtest?
The first public playtest runs from Friday, September 19 to Sunday, September 21. Players can wishlist the game on Steam to get updates.
Is Arkheron free-to-play?
Bonfire Studios has not announced a business model yet. The focus currently is on testing the core gameplay.
How many people can play together?
The main mode supports teams of three players. Forty-five players total join each match in fifteen separate squads.
Who is developing Arkheron?
It is being developed by Bonfire Studios. The team includes industry veterans who worked on World of Warcraft, StarCraft, and Diablo at Blizzard.
Trusted Sources: Reuters, Bonfire Studios press materials.
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