During the “Triple-i Initiative Showcase” broadcast starting at 1:00 a.m. on October 9, BetaDwarf announced that it would be releasing a surprise demo of its upcoming game *Vaultbreakers* for PC (Steam) and that Square Enix would be publishing the title.
Gather allies, build your base, and blaze a trail to the Dragonvault
Developed by the team behind *Forced* and *Minion Masters*, this top-down escape action RPG supports cooperative play for up to three players. As a member of the “Vaultbreakers”—an organization sworn to protect the world from ancient darkness—players embark on PvE or PvPvE expeditions.
During expeditions, players explore a vast, corrupted world while acquiring ancient artifacts that shape their playstyle. Whether playing solo or with friends, players must use preparation, knowledge, and skills to forge a path to the “Dragonvault.”
Your base (Haven) is currently in ruins, and your goal is to develop it into a fortress. By recruiting NPCs and upgrading facilities, you’ll unlock new abilities, resources, and items.
In combat, while every enemy attack packs a punch, they are all avoidable—and you can exploit any enemy’s opening if you strike at the right moment. It’s not just about brute force; outmaneuvering your opponents is key.
Standing in your way are the “Chosen of Maldrakor,” a faction of shape-shifters controlled by either advanced AI or other players. Whether you attack them, avoid them, or form an alliance is up to you, and the course of missions will change based on the actions of both players and NPCs.
It’s worth noting that PvP is positioned purely as “spice” in this game; while optional player-versus-player encounters create a sense of tension, the game is designed to avoid turning into a full-blown deathmatch.
In the demo, you’ll take on the first Vault with two characters
After multiple closed playtests, this demo marks the first time anyone can play the game. By following the questline, you’ll reach the first Vault, where a challenging boss battle awaits—the outcome of which will determine whether you can break through.
The playable characters are “Nymera,” an elf ranger who excels at ranged combat, and “Bjornir,” a burly warrior who excels at ice-based attacks and has exceptional durability. The game supports co-op play for up to three players, and PvE offers a choice of two difficulty levels.
The demo is free and available for download from the Steam store page.
The full version is scheduled to include a PvPvE mode and five heroes. The remaining three characters, which are not available in the demo, will be playable during the PvPvE alpha playtest scheduled for October 15.
Partnership with Square Enix Also Announced
During this showcase, it was also announced that Square Enix will handle the game’s publishing through its newly restructured “Square Enix Collective.” Square Enix had previously announced an investment in BetaDwarf in 2025, and this agreement further strengthens that relationship.
Steffen Kabbelgaard, CEO and Game Director at BetaDwarf, commented, “Square Enix has always put players first and created some of the most beloved games. This partnership allows us to raise our goals to heights we couldn’t have reached on our own.”CTO Kenneth Harder added, “I feel this is a great fit for a studio that values connecting people through games. Cooperative play is quite rewarding even outside the game.”
Key Features
Dynamic Gameplay Missions
unfold differently based on the actions of players and NPCs, offering a fresh experience every time. Contaminated areas, secret caves, and ancient rituals are just a few examples of what might happen.Evolving Bases Build your base from
rubble into a fortress. By recruiting NPCs and upgrading facilities, you’ll unlock new abilities, resources, and items.Unpredictable Enemies: Face off against the “Chosen of Maldrakor,” a faction of shape-shifters controlled by
advanced AI or other players. Will you attack these chaotic foes, avoid them, or form an alliance?Tense Battles
: While every enemy attack packs a punch, all can be dodged. Additionally, you can exploit any enemy’s weakness by striking at the right moment. Outmaneuvering your opponents is just as important as overpowering them. Choose your battles wisely.Diverse Playstyles
: Choose from a variety of Vaultbreakers and customize your abilities and playstyle by unlocking perks, crafting items, and awakening artifacts.A Deep Story: Immerse yourself in the lore of the “Vaultbreakers,” an organization sworn to protect the world from
ancient darkness.Balanced PvP and Realistic Tension
: PvP isn’t the main objective—it’s just a bit of spice. Optional player encounters may not turn into deathmatches, but they create thrilling tension and memorable stories.
"Vaultbreakers" is currently in development for PC (Steam). A demo is now available.
