On October 17, the Head Start begins in Elyon, with the official release taking place on October 20. The MMORPG from Asia wants to stand out primarily with its unique skill system and PvP. But who is the game interesting for? We at MeinMMO explain who should check out Elyon.
What is Elyon? The MMORPG was released in late 2020 in Korea and was originally announced as a Buy2Play game for us. Even before the release, it switched to a Free2Play model, funding itself through special starter packages and an in-game shop.
The focus of the game is on an action-packed combat system that resembles a mix of TERA and Black Desert. This allows you to dive into dungeons but also quickly participate in PvP. Additionally, it features a unique system where all skills can adapt to your personal playstyle.
In the endgame, PvP is primarily in focus and can take place both in the open world and in arenas or specific Realm-vs-Realm areas.
When will Elyon be released? Elyon begins with the Head Start on October 17 at 14:00 German time. However, you will need a special package worth at least 30 euros for this.
Those who are waiting for the regular release can start playing on October 20 at 16:00 German time. Here, you do not have to invest any money.
Checklist – Should I play Elyon?
For a quick overview, we have prepared a short checklist for you. We have 10 statements for you, and if you answer at least 7 of them with “yes”, you should definitely try Elyon. More detailed information can be found further down in the text.
- I’m looking for a new MMORPG and prefer theme park over sandbox
- I’m looking for an MMORPG with an active combat system and dodge rolls
- I enjoy PvP and am not afraid of fights in the open world
- I like to experiment with builds
- I generally like an Asian style and have no problem with steampunk elements
- I can handle frustration when it comes to upgrading my gear
- I have no problem with grind and generic quests
- I enjoy leveling multiple classes
- TERA and Black Desert are among my favorite MMORPGs and I’m looking for a similar game
- I don’t mind the shop as long as there is no direct Pay2Win in the form of stronger items
Elyon impresses with combat system and character progression
Why should I check out Elyon? Elyon impressed in an initial playtest by us especially with the combat system.
In combat, you need to aim dynamically, have a dodge roll, and a stun break, allowing you to free yourself from crowd control. Additionally, you need to be on your toes since many enemies have heavy attacks that you can avoid skillfully thanks to good animations and telegraphs.
A special highlight is the abilities where you need to mark enemies so that the projectiles target them accurately. This mechanic is rarely used but feels incredibly satisfying once mastered.
Besides the combat system, character development is particularly exciting. You can change your playstyle in 3 ways:
- There are different runes that you equip into your gear, unlocking passive bonuses
- There are 3 skill trees between which you can even jump back and forth
- Each ability has 4 different “styles” from which you can select one. This gives your abilities additional effects like a stun, but they lose damage. Or your AoE attacks only hit 3 targets but deal more damage to them.
Especially for theory crafters and experimental players, Elyon offers a lot.
However, your gear can be damaged when upgrading, similar to Black Desert.
What does Elyon offer in the endgame? In the endgame, Elyon offers several dungeons and quests in the open world that cater to PvE players. There’s also a crafting system and housing.
However, the core focus is on PvP.
Battles occur in the open world or in special areas where the 2 factions in the game can fight each other.
For particularly skilled players, there are arenas with leaderboards where you can prove your skill. Unusually for MMORPGs, there is a 1v1 arena where you are completely on your own. This was also a small highlight in the beta.
Is it worth it for theme park fans? Yes, as long as you have no problem with PvP and rather generic quests. In Elyon, you follow a main story while experiencing quests in hubs, similar to what you are used to from WoW or Final Fantasy XIV.
From level 28, there is the first solo dungeon, followed by some group dungeons. Also, classic life skills like fishing or mining are included.
Who shouldn’t play it?
- Those looking for a pure PvE game will find Elyon unsuitable. PvP, including in the open world, plays an important role, at least in the endgame.
- While the dungeons are well designed, they seem more like a means to an end. In the endgame, there are too few to enjoy them alone.
- The combat system is very action-oriented, but has relatively long animations. This can diminish the fun of the combat system, especially when comparing it to Black Desert.
- If you don’t like an Asian setting, you won’t be happy with Elyon.
- Your gear can be damaged during upgrades. Items that you can buy for real money in the shop help with this. The system is comparable to Black Desert.
Elyon was a big success in Korea, but player numbers are now declining
How is the game performing in Korea? Elyon was released in Korea in late 2020 and climbed straight to 9th place in the gaming charts (via gamemeca). In the weeks after the release, it maintained a position in the top 15 and even got a boost from the release of the 6th class Slayer in January 2021.
Since then, however, the game has been declining in the charts. By the end of August, Elyon fell out of the top 50 and has only returned once since. This places it in Korea behind MMORPGs such as Black Desert, Aion, WoW, Blade & Soul, MapleStory, and several games from Lineage (1, 2, and Lineage W).
The future of Elyon seems rather uncertain. However, since the MMORPG is free to play, it’s definitely worth giving it a try.
MeinMMO editor Alexander Leitsch tested Elyon during the beta and came to the following conclusion:
The new MMORPG Elyon will not be a flop like Bless, but it also won’t be a huge hit
