At Bonfire Studios, a team of former Blizzard developers, a new action game is in the works. It looks like Diablo as a Battle Royale and you can already sign up for a first test on Steam.
What kind of game is this? It is called Arkheron and is an action game that will be released for PC (Steam), PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. The game is being developed by Bonfire Studios, the new studio of former WoW lead developer Rob Pardo.
Arkheron features a dark fantasy setting and an isometric camera, like fans of Blizzard are accustomed to in Diablo. However, the gameplay focuses on a mix of hack and slash, MMO, MOBA, and Battle Royale.
Here is the announcement trailer for Arkheron:
Fast PvP Action with a Flexible Ability System
What is the game about? In Arkheron, 15 teams of 3 players each fight their way to the top of a mysterious tower. There are no character classes: abilities depend solely on the weapons and other equipment you find in the tower.
Some items are part of a set that grants you a new form when completed. This also comes with an additional ability, but you cannot change your equipment after this transformation.
When the time for ascension comes, so-called “beacons” are activated on the map. There are several of these – but not enough to elevate all teams to the next level. If two teams meet at a beacon, you must fight for it.
The developers state that the battles are designed to deliver fast action and reward teamwork: coordinating with your teammates and aligning your respective builds can determine victory or defeat in a match.
More about the gameplay will be revealed by the developers in another video on YouTube.
Developers Invite for a Test on the Weekend
What was that about the test? From September 19 to 21, 2025, the developers will host a playtest. You can sign up for this via Steam as well as bonfire.firstlook.gg. The European servers will be available at the following times:
- Friday, September 19: 5 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday, September 20: 11 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday, September 21: 11 AM to 10 PM
Are you checking out Arkheron this weekend? Feel free to let us know in the comments what your impression of the game is. Meanwhile, another former WoW lead has revealed more about his new MMORPG: Former WoW lead introduces 3 more classes for his MMORPG Ghost: a songbird, mage tank, and tempest dancer
