![[Up to 4 Players] “EVILBANE,” a cooperative ARPG depicting the battle between humans and demons, is currently holding its first playtest on Steam—with plans to introduce a system where the course of the battle changes as players reclaim and defend lost territories.](/imgs/p/JIxo87wJh5Y_xgjF1boGNUXVYNtu3dzb2tnY/36773.jpg)
![[Up to 4 Players] “EVILBANE,” a cooperative ARPG depicting the battle between humans and demons, is currently holding its first playtest on Steam—with plans to introduce a system where the course of the battle changes as players reclaim and defend lost territories.](/imgs/p/_zOaUlRqojxBw0ee6C2849PQ-N8W3dzb2tnY/36773.jpg)
![[Up to 4 Players] “EVILBANE,” a cooperative ARPG depicting the battle between humans and demons, is currently holding its first playtest on Steam—with plans to introduce a system where the course of the battle changes as players reclaim and defend lost territories.](/imgs/p/_zOaUlRqojxBw0ee6C2849PQ-N8W3dzb2tnY/36774.jpg)
![[Up to 4 Players] “EVILBANE,” a cooperative ARPG depicting the battle between humans and demons, is currently holding its first playtest on Steam—with plans to introduce a system where the course of the battle changes as players reclaim and defend lost territories.](/imgs/p/_zOaUlRqojxBw0ee6C2849PQ-N8W3dzb2tnY/36775.jpg)
![[Up to 4 Players] “EVILBANE,” a cooperative ARPG depicting the battle between humans and demons, is currently holding its first playtest on Steam—with plans to introduce a system where the course of the battle changes as players reclaim and defend lost territories.](/imgs/p/_zOaUlRqojxBw0ee6C2849PQ-N8W3dzb2tnY/36776.jpg)
![[Up to 4 Players]](/imgs/p/_zOaUlRqojxBw0ee6C2849PQ-N8W3dzb2tnY/36777.jpg)
Netmarble has launched the first playtest on Steam for the online cooperative action RPG *EVILBANE*, developed by Netmarble Monster, starting on October 15 (Japan Time).
Team up with friends to take on powerful demons
Set in a dark fantasy world where various factions—including humans and demons—are locked in a power struggle, this action RPG supports both solo play and online co-op for up to four players. Players join the Resistance to fight against the demons, throwing themselves into battle to ensure humanity’s survival and reclaim their lost lands.
In battles against demons, players must adapt to the situation by switching between melee and ranged weapons and combining skills. They’ll tackle various missions and face powerful enemies while paying close attention to attack timing, positioning, and coordination with teammates.
This playtest, scheduled to run until 5:00 PM Japan Standard Time on October 19, features a total of 13 missions available across three difficulty levels: Easy, Normal, and Hard.You can test out six types of melee weapons—including one-handed swords and greatswords—and seven types of ranged weapons, such as crossbows, as well as experience a total of 18 skills spanning attack, support, and healing.
Please note that while the playtest version supports Japanese, all play data will be reset once the test concludes. To participate, apply via the “Request Access” button on the Steam store page; approval is expected within 24 hours. Please check the Steam News for further details.
A Concept Where the Course of War Changes Based on All Players’ Achievements
Henry, the game’s producer, outlined in a development note a concept where the individual missions players undertake will influence the course of a large-scale “war.”
Additionally, although not included in this playtest, the following elements are scheduled to be added gradually in the future (content and names are subject to change based on development progress and feedback).
A Map
Comprising 2 Continents, 10 Regions, and 46 Territories Players will be able to check the battle map provided at their base camp to see whether each territory is currently under combat, has been recaptured, or remains under enemy control.A Front Line Driven by Player Achievements The game is designed so that
each player’s missions advance the front line, and accumulating achievements leads to the recapture of territories. At the same time, the enemy will also advance its invasion, and any land that cannot be defended will be lost again. Once the front line is pushed forward to a certain point, a massive entity that rules that region will appear.Benefits
for All Players Upon Reclaiming a Region: Once all territories in a region have been reclaimed, players gain access to benefits unique to that region. These include special “Heavenstones” and specialty goods from merchants who visit your base. However, since losing a territory again results in the loss of some of these benefits, defense is crucial.Wars
Progress Through Seasons and Chapters: The game is structured around seasons, which cover major events, and chapters, where those events unfold in stages. The results of each season and chapter are recorded as part of history, and you can look back on past battles at facilities in your base camp.A System
to Commemorate Contributors’ Names and Achievements The names of the players who contributed the most in each season will be etched into the annals of war. Additionally, achievements during the season will be tallied at the end and preserved as medals and titles serving as proof of participation in the battles.
In addition, the developers have indicated plans to continue adding new weapon classes, monsters, raid bosses, and missions in the future. Please refer to the development notes for further details.
“EVILBANE” is scheduled for release on PC (Steam/Microsoft Store) and supports Japanese. A release for Xbox Series X|S is also planned for 2027.
