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Elyon (video game)
Elyon (video game)
from Wikipedia
Elyon
DeveloperBluehole Studio (Krafton)
Publishers
EngineUnreal Engine 3
Platform
Release
  • KOR: 10 December 2020
  • NA/EU: 20 October 2021
GenreMMORPG
ModeMultiplayer

Elyon (formerly known as Ascent: Infinite Realm) was a massively multiplayer online role-playing game developed by Bluehole and published by Kakao Games.[1][2] The game has focused on dynamic combat between two Realms, Vulpin, and Ontari, with players using diverse skill combinations based on the non-targeting system.[3][4]

Elyon was released in Korea on December 10, 2020.[5]

On October 20, 2021, Elyon was released in the EU/NA. The game was made free-to-play even before the release and those who had pre-ordered it got some compensation.[6] The game ran in the West for less than a year before the publisher announced its closure. The game was discontinued in the EU and NA on December 7, 2022.[7]

It was also announced that the game was shutting down in Korea on 2 March 2023.[8] ELYON SEA was shut down on 27 April 2023,[9] leaving Japan as the last region where the game was available at the time. Beginning September 19, Elyon was shut down in Japan by its publisher Pmang, ending Elyon's existence in any capacity.[10]

References

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from Grokipedia
Elyon is a fantasy (MMORPG) developed by Bluehole Studio, a subsidiary of , and published by . Set in the continent of Harth, the game centers on a conflict between two sovereign realms, Vulpin and Ontari, who vie for control of Elyon, a powerful magical source that serves as a portal to paradise. Originally titled Ascent: Infinite Realm, it emphasizes dynamic action combat, open-world exploration, and large-scale player-versus-player (PvP) battles, including airship warfare and guild conflicts. The game launched in on December 10, 2020, followed by a release in and on October 20, 2021, exclusively for Microsoft Windows via . It features non-targeting combat mechanics similar to its predecessor Tera, with a focus on skill-based aerial and ground engagements, as well as cooperative dungeons and realm-versus-realm sieges. Despite initial hype as a to Tera, Elyon faced challenges with player retention and monetization, leading to the shutdown of its Western servers on December 7, 2022. The Korean servers shut down on March 2, 2023, with the Japanese servers following on September 13, 2023, marking the end of the game's run.

Setting

World of Harth

The continent of Harth forms the core geographical setting of , an open-world action-combat MMORPG where players navigate a vast, interconnected landscape blending and aesthetics. Divided into northern and southern safe zones aligned with the factions and a central conflict area, Harth emphasizes across expansive terrains without barriers to movement. This structure supports fluid traversal, with the entire main map designed as a single, cohesive area. Harth's diverse biomes contribute to its vibrant and colorful environments, featuring lush forests, rugged mountains like the Gray Mountains, arid deserts such as the Quick Sandy Foothills, and ancient ruins including Cavallion Ruins. These varied terrains host a mix of natural and mechanical elements, from verdant woodlands teeming with wildlife to weathered stone structures overgrown with foliage, creating a dynamic backdrop for discovery. The biomes reflect a world in turmoil, with mechanical beasts and creatures populating the wilds alongside traditional fantasy and . Central to Harth's lore and is the magical portal , a soaring gateway suspended high in the that connects the continent to a paradise-like realm. This ethereal structure serves as the ultimate source of power, drawing conflicting forces to control its energies and access the idyllic domain beyond. Inhabiting Harth are the two realms, Vulpin and Ontari, whose presence shapes the continent's divided zones. The open-world design enables seamless without loading screens between these areas, enhanced by dynamic systems and day-night cycles that influence visibility, resource availability, and atmospheric immersion.

Factions and lore

The world of centers on the of Harth, where two rival realms, Vulpin and Ontari, engage in an eternal conflict shaped by ideological divides. Vulpin originated from the remnants of the fractured Solum Empire, seeking to restore its honor and balance, and aligned with and , emphasizes honor, , , and the fine arts, portraying a society of noble leaders committed to restoring order and balance. In contrast, Ontari embraces and prowess, comprising intrepid idealists and practical thinkers who united disparate groups to forge a new era of progress and ambition. The lore revolves around the discovery of the portal, a mystical gateway soaring in the sky that promises access to a utopian paradise free from the strife of Harth. This revelation intensified the , as both factions vied for control, viewing the portal as the key to ultimate dominance and salvation. The ensuing Great War, also known as the Realm War, erupted following the collapse of the Solum Empire, dividing its remnants and igniting ceaseless battles across the land. Ancient artifacts and divine influences subtly underpin the narrative, with elements like mysterious relics and ethereal forces hinting at the gods' lingering role in fueling the conflict, though their exact origins remain shrouded in the game's mythic tapestry. Players align with either Vulpin or Ontari at the outset, influencing the trajectory of story quests through faction-specific narratives that explore themes of redemption, , and the moral costs of . This choice immerses participants in tailored lore arcs, such as Vulpin's defense of royal heirs against shadowy threats or Ontari's innovative campaigns to seize strategic advantages, thereby personalizing the broader epic of rivalry and destiny.

Gameplay

Combat system

Elyon's combat system is an action-oriented MMORPG mechanic emphasizing real-time execution of abilities, precise dodging, and chaining combos to outmaneuver opponents in both PvE and PvP encounters. Players control their characters directly without tab-targeting, relying on mouse-over movement and designated safe zones for area-of-effect attacks, similar to but distinct from Tera's system in pacing and skill integration. Ground-based maneuvers dominate, but the game's vertical design incorporates limited aerial elements through flying mounts and airships, allowing players to engage in elevated skirmishes or evade threats mid-air. The skill system revolves around active abilities that players customize via Skill Attributes, Rune Attributes, and Mana Awakening, enabling up to three effects per skill for tailored builds suited to specific scenarios. Passive abilities complement these actives by enhancing damage output, survivability, or utility, while primarily involves mana for casting skills and stamina for dodges, dashes, and sustained . This setup encourages strategic of abilities to maintain momentum, with formed by linking basic attacks and skills for increased damage or effects. PvP forms the core emphasis, featuring open-world skirmishes where players can initiate combat freely in conflict zones using Laurel Wreaths of Greed for opportunistic attacks. Larger engagements include guild-based Clan Wars, 1v1 and free-for-all Arenas, and massive Realm vs. Realm (RvR) battles involving territorial control, where factions deploy heavy artillery, mechas, and dragons to dominate floating islands and strategic points. Dimensional Portals add a PvPvE twist, blending player-versus-player rivalry with environmental hazards in time-limited instances. Unique to Elyon is the Luminus system, where players tame and summon ethereal spirits as companions that provide stat buffs, such as increased damage or defense, directly influencing performance when active. Environmental interactions enhance dynamism, particularly in Transcendent Dungeons, where players must adapt to elemental effects or hazards using Tolerance Runestones to mitigate debuffs during fights.

Classes

Elyon features six playable classes at launch, each adhering to a traditional holy trinity structure with distinct roles in , including tanking, , and various forms of damage dealing. These classes—, , Assassin, Elementalist, Gunner, and Mystic—offer diverse playstyles, from frontline to ranged magical assaults, and are designed to encourage cooperative group dynamics in both PvE and PvP scenarios. The Warlord serves as the primary tank, wielding a shield and weapon to absorb damage and draw enemy aggression, protecting more vulnerable allies with high vitality and defensive abilities. In contrast, the Slayer focuses on melee damage per second (DPS), delivering powerful close-range area-of-effect attacks that excel when supported by a tank to mitigate incoming threats. The Assassin emphasizes stealth and mobility for burst DPS, using evasion tactics to strike high-damage blows while avoiding direct confrontation due to low durability. For ranged options, the Elementalist specializes in magical DPS, channeling elemental forces for offensive spells that require careful positioning to maximize impact while compensating for low defenses. The Gunner provides technological ranged DPS through , grenades, and effects, maintaining distance to manage battles effectively. Finally, the Mystic acts as the healer and support class, offering restorative spells alongside some offensive capabilities, such as rooting enemies to safeguard casters. In a January 2022 update, the Archer was added as a seventh class, functioning as a ranged physical DPS option with an emphasis on mobility and close-to-mid-range engagement rather than pure sniping, allowing players to leap into action with agile bow-based attacks. A May 2022 update introduced the Paladin as an eighth class, a melee hybrid and healer wielding a and , utilizing light-attribute auras for protective buffs, damage mitigation, and restorative abilities to support allies in group content. The Soulbringer, added in September 2022 as the ninth class, is a DPS specialist who manipulates souls with a for high-mobility burst attacks, combining agile strikes and spectral summons for and sustained damage in PvP and PvE. Classes in Elyon are not locked to specific genders or races, enabling players to select from , , ein, or options during character creation for broad appearance customization, including armor, poses, and facial features. Skill customization further enhances flexibility through an artifact system, where players unlock and apply attributes to roughly 25 base skills per class—such as range expansion or increased efficacy—to create hybrid builds tailored to PvE, PvP, or realm-vs-realm content, with up to 10 skills hotkeyed and saved as presets. In group content like dungeons and realm wars, class roles promote balance: Warlords and Paladins handle tanking to sustain the party, Mystics provide healing and utility, while DPS classes—Slayer, Assassin, Elementalist, Gunner, Archer, and Soulbringer—focus on damage output, ensuring coordinated teams outperform solo or imbalanced compositions.

Progression and endgame

Character progression in Elyon begins at level 1 and advances primarily through experience points earned from completing quests, participating in dungeons, and engaging in world events such as boss encounters and glider races. Story quests guide players through the narrative up to around level 40, after which daily and repeatable side quests become the main source of progression, limited to 20 Quest Letters per day for efficiency. Dungeons, both solo and group variants, provide additional XP and gear rewards, with access unlocking progressively from level 25 onward; world events like world bosses offer burst XP opportunities but are competitive due to open-world participation. The initial level cap was set at 50, later increased to 52 in a 2022 update, marking the transition to endgame activities once reached. Post-level-cap growth focuses on gear enhancement and customization to improve across all classes. Enhancement involves upgrading through a tiered system where items can be reinforced up to +10, with risks of failure causing downgrades or destruction unless protected by special gear like Breakthrough items; success rates improve with crafted enhancement materials and random maximum attempts. At +6 enhancement, enchantments can be applied to add stat bonuses, which are rerollable for optimization, while +10 unlocks tailored to playstyles. Crafting professions support this by producing enhancement items and materials: gathering skills like , , , and collect raw resources, which feed into crafting disciplines such as weaponsmithing (for weapons and rods), armorsmithing (for armor and bags), and (for elixirs and crystals). Professions level via mastery points, with expert specializations unlocking at higher stages to yield bonus materials, tying directly into sustained gear progression. Endgame content emphasizes cooperative and competitive challenges beyond the level cap, including the Hall of Challenges—a tower-style instance where players ascend floors with increasingly difficult encounters for scaling rewards based on performance. raids feature large-scale 30-player operations against bosses, introduced in 2022 updates, requiring coordination for high-reward loot and progression milestones. Other activities include Transcendent Dungeons (weekly, timed group content with unique environmental effects) and Dimensional Portals (PvPvE zones limited to 1 hour daily and 10 hours weekly), providing infinite scaling difficulty through player competition and boss variants. The in-game economy revolves around as the primary currency, earned from quests, monster kills, and events, with no upper limit to accumulation. Players trade items and resources via an auction house system without price restrictions, facilitating material exchange for crafting and enhancements. KCoin serves as the premium currency, purchasable with real money and used for convenience items like expansions or cosmetic enhancements, though it does not directly impact core progression. Social progression integrates through guilds, which provide buffs, shared storage, and access to exclusive content like clan wars on weekends. Alliances enable multiple guilds to collaborate in large-scale realm versus realm battles, fought Monday through Friday, for control of key zones and resources. Territory control mechanics culminate in warfare, where alliances compete to dominate strategic areas like castles, yielding ongoing benefits such as resource taxes and defensive advantages.

Development

Origins as Ascent: Infinite Realm

Ascent: Infinite Realm (A:IR) was first conceptualized by Bluehole Studio, the developers behind TERA Online, as a return to their roots in massively multiplayer online games (MMORPGs) following the success of PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds. In 2016, Bluehole signed a agreement with for the project's Western release, indicating that development had already begun prior to the public reveal. The game was officially announced on November 9, 2017, at the G-Star gaming convention in , where Bluehole positioned A:IR as a next-generation MMORPG set in a steampunk-inspired world of floating islands shattered by a cataclysmic meteor impact. The initial vision emphasized unprecedented verticality and freedom in an , with core mechanics centered on flight-based exploration and massive aerial involving customizable airships, mechs, and jetpacks. Bluehole aimed to innovate beyond traditional MMORPG constraints by integrating and magic in a high-fantasy setting, allowing players to traverse vast skies without loading screens and engage in large-scale battles that blurred ground and air domains. Developer Hyung-Jun Kim, in a G-Star 2017 , described A:IR as one of his most ambitious projects, expressing intentions to rival established titles like through these flight systems, which featured simplified controls for accessibility—eschewing complex physics to prioritize fluid maneuvers such as using clouds for cover or boarding enemy vessels. The game was built on Unreal Engine 3 to support these expansive, non-instanced environments and player-driven elements like custom quests and housing. Early development milestones included the implementation of five gender-neutral classes—Warlord, Sorceress, Gunslinger, Assassin, and Mystic—each designed for aerial adaptability, with prototypes focusing on customization and combat balance. A closed launched in Korea in December 2017, shortly after announcement, to refine these systems based on player feedback. Subsequent testing expanded with an English-language closed beta in 2018 and a Thai open beta in April 2019, where developers iterated on flight and open-world scalability up to that point. These efforts highlighted Bluehole's commitment to creating a persistent, player-centric world that integrated individual progression with faction-based .

Name change and redesign

In April 2020, the game formerly known as Ascent: Infinite Realm was rebranded to to better align with its evolving focus on fantasy elements and ground-based gameplay. This name change coincided with a comprehensive overhaul of the game's lore and mechanics, shifting away from the original heavy emphasis on aerial combat toward a more balanced integration of terrestrial and limited flight elements. The redesign was primarily driven by feedback from early Korean beta tests, which highlighted player preferences for ground-based PvP over extensive aerial mechanics, as well as technical challenges in balancing performance for large-scale flight systems. Developers reduced the scope of flight features, retaining and minor aerial mobility while de-emphasizing massive battles to improve and hardware optimization. At G-Star 2020, the team announced further refinements, including a simplified action-oriented combat system replacing the original tab-targeting approach and enhancements to faction-based wars emphasizing realm-versus-realm (RvR) conflicts for deeper competition. These updates aimed to streamline player progression and PvP engagement while preserving core lore elements. The overhaul extended the development timeline, with global release plans pushed from late 2020 to 2021 amid disruptions from the and internal restructuring at Bluehole Studio, which became an independent subsidiary of in September 2020 to refocus on MMORPG projects like .

Pre-launch and betas

Development of , originally titled Ascent: Infinite Realm, included multiple closed beta tests in prior to its . Applications for a closed beta opened on May 29, 2019, and ran through June 19, 2019, targeting players aged 18 and older to test core mechanics and flight-based combat. A final closed beta for the Korean server was scheduled for November 2019, focusing on refining gameplay ahead of further development. Following the name change to in 2020, Bluehole conducted another closed beta in Korea starting April 11, 2020, which incorporated player feedback on technical stability and class balance. Testers reported issues with bugs affecting combat fluidity and imbalances in faction-based PvP, prompting adjustments to skill trees and server performance. No formal open beta occurred in Korea; instead, these closed phases served as the primary pre-launch testing, with feedback emphasizing the need for better optimization in aerial battles and . For the global audience, , the Western publisher, organized two closed beta tests in 2021. The first, from May 6 to May 10, allowed participants to explore early content, including dungeon runs and class trials, while gathering data on login stability and UI responsiveness. The second closed beta, running August 18 to August 23, introduced the class and tested updated Mana Awakening skills, with participants noting improved balance in group content but persistent minor bugs in cross-region connectivity trials. These phases prioritized cross-play functionality between PC regions, simulating global server interactions to ensure seamless PvP across , , and . Marketing efforts ramped up through partnerships with , which handled global publishing and promotion. Official trailers showcased dynamic combat and world lore, while class reveal videos highlighted unique abilities for roles like the Hasha and Prime Knight. Kakao's campaigns included pre-registration events and G-Star 2020 demonstrations, building hype with footage of large-scale battles and customization options. In final preparations, the implemented multi-factor anti-cheat technology to detect and prevent abuse, alongside enhancements for server scaling to handle peak player loads during launch. These optimizations addressed beta feedback on vulnerabilities and performance bottlenecks, ensuring a more stable experience for the Korean release in December 2020 and subsequent global rollout.

Release

Korean launch

Elyon launched in on December 10, 2020, published by for PC through their dedicated game launcher. The initial release featured the base game with five playable classes—Warlord, Assassin, Elementalist, Gunner, and Mystic—alongside core open-world zones in the rival realms of Vulpin and Ontari, and a emphasis on large-scale PvP systems including and portal battles. The game adopted a model with tiered packages priced at 9,900 won (Basic), 29,700 won (Premium), and 69,300 won (Special), supplemented by microtransactions for cosmetic items and convenience features, without direct pay-for-power elements at launch. Early reception in Korea was positive in terms of initial commercial performance, with the game generating over 10 billion won in sales within its first month, reflecting strong launch interest among domestic players. implemented prompt post-launch updates, including class balance patches in late 2020 and early 2021 to address combat disparities, as well as the addition of a sixth class, the , in February 2021 to expand player options. The Korean version included full localization with native Korean voice acting and text, optimized for local hardware standards, and featured a server structure with multiple realms to support regional population distribution and reduce latency. Marketing efforts tied into cultural events like G-STAR 2020, where promotional trailers and demos highlighted the game's action combat, attracting attention through collaborations with Korean esports influencers and guild recruitment campaigns. The global release later served as an expansion of this foundation, incorporating additional localizations.

Global launch

Elyon launched globally on October 20, 2021, in and , with serving as the publisher for the PC version distributed exclusively through . The release shifted to a model just prior to launch, enabling broad accessibility without purchase requirements, and built upon the foundation of the Korean version released in December 2020. Pre-orders provided cosmetic rewards and starting October 19, but the full rollout emphasized open entry to attract a wide player base. A version launched in 2022. The global version included English localization of the core content, alongside new events designed for international audiences, such as the Launch Day Giveaway Event offering in-game items and cosmetics. Cross-region play was restricted by region-locked servers, with separate instances for and to manage latency and compliance, limiting interactions to within designated zones. These adaptations aimed to tailor the experience to Western markets while maintaining the action-oriented MMORPG mechanics. Marketing campaigns centered on high-production trailers, including the official gameplay trailer showcasing combat and world exploration, and a cinematic trailer highlighting the game's lore and visuals. Launch events focused on through Steam integrations and promotional giveaways, though detailed influencer partnerships were not extensively publicized. These efforts sought to generate buzz amid competition in the MMORPG genre. Initial challenges included severe server queues and issues, particularly on European servers, where high player influx caused lag and prompted temporary disables of world quests and realm-versus-realm (RvR) modes to stabilize operations. Localization problems, such as inconsistent translations and bugs in , further impacted immersion and contributed to early player frustration.

Shutdown

On September 7, 2022, Europe and Bluehole Studio Inc. announced the termination of services for the North American and European versions of Elyon, with all servers scheduled to go offline on December 7, 2022, following the regular weekly maintenance. The decision was attributed to very low retention rates among new players combined with a steadily declining number of , which made it increasingly difficult to deliver the core MMORPG experience of large-scale content and player interactions. These challenges were exacerbated by intense competition from other high-profile MMORPG releases, such as Lost Ark. To address player concerns, refunds were automatically processed for any unconverted KCoin purchases made on or after July 1, 2022, while sales of the premium currency ceased immediately. Subsequently, on November 30, 2022, announced the closure of the Korean servers, with operations ceasing on March 2, 2023. The official statement highlighted ongoing difficulties in sustaining continuous service amid similar issues of player attrition, marking the end of 's operations in its home market after more than a year of live service. Refunds were provided for recent in-game purchases, and players could convert premium currency to shop items until the final day. The servers shut down on April 27, 2023. In the aftermath, all player data from the NA/EU databases was permanently deleted on February 28, 2023, though associated Kakao Games platform accounts remained active for other titles. The closures led to significant community migration toward established MMORPGs like Lost Ark and Black Desert Online, as former Elyon players sought similar action-oriented gameplay. Bluehole Studio and Krafton did not issue detailed public statements on specific lessons learned, but the shutdowns underscored broader industry challenges in retaining audiences for ambitious MMORPGs in a saturated market.

Reception

Critical reception

Elyon received mixed reviews from critics upon its global launch, with praise centered on its action-oriented and visual style but criticism directed at repetitive content and practices. On , the game holds a score of 70 based on a single professional review, reflecting a generally mediocre reception among available critiques. Publications highlighted the engaging system, which features fluid, combo-based mechanics reminiscent of action games like , allowing for dynamic skill customization and impactful animations that enhance player satisfaction. Critics also commended the game's visuals and world design, noting the vibrant steampunk-inspired continent of Harth with its mechanical beasts and diverse environments, powered by Unreal Engine 3 for a colorful, if dated, aesthetic. The faction-based warfare, particularly through Dimensional Portals that blend PvP and PvE elements, was praised as a standout feature for delivering strategic depth and excitement in competitive play, with one reviewer stating, "The real fun of competitive play happens in the Dimensional Portals. These PvPvE battlegrounds provide just enough spice to keep things interesting." However, reviews frequently pointed out flaws in quest design, describing them as largely repetitive kill-and-collect tasks limited by daily caps, which hindered narrative engagement and long-term motivation. drew significant backlash for perceived pay-to-win elements, including cash shop items that could accelerate progression, though developers claimed adjustments to mitigate this. Launch issues, such as optimization problems on older hardware and a low initial player base leading to difficulties, further tempered enthusiasm in Western critiques. While professional analyses focused on these technical and design aspects, player feedback often amplified concerns over grinding and accessibility, highlighting a divide between expert evaluations and community experiences.

Player feedback and commercial performance

Upon its global launch in October 2021, Elyon achieved a peak of 15,541 concurrent players on . By mid-2022, however, concurrent player counts had plummeted, with average daily figures dropping below 10 and peaks under 100, reflecting a retention crisis amid competition from titles like . Player feedback was mixed, with user reviews averaging 54% positive from over 4,300 submissions. Common complaints centered on excessive grinding for progression, unbalanced PvP systems that favored pay-to-win elements through gear enhancements, and aggressive via convenience items and boosts. Conversely, players praised the game's class variety, offering eight distinct archetypes with customizable skills and flight , as well as its visually striking 3-powered world blending fantasy and machinery. Elyon operated on a free-to-play model, generating revenue primarily through sales of KCoin, the premium currency used for cosmetic items, inventory expansions, and progression accelerators. Despite this, low player engagement resulted in insufficient income, contributing to the decision to cease operations in and on December 7, 2022. The Korean version continued operation until its closure on March 2, 2023. Post-launch updates aimed to address feedback, notably the January 2022 addition of the Archer class—a ranged DPS option that scaled damage with distance—alongside a 35% maximum HP increase and rebalances for all classes to improve PvP fairness. These changes temporarily boosted engagement by providing fresh content and leveling events, though they failed to reverse the overall player decline.

References

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