The landscape of Korean game development is shifting away from mobile-only dominance toward global multi-platform releases, and Hound13 appears to be leading that charge. The studio, founded by Hundred Soul creator Park Jung-sik, has confirmed that its highly anticipated project, Dragon Sword, will be coming to Steam as a dedicated package game. This move signals a significant pivot for the developer, which has previously focused heavily on the mobile and service-based market.
Originally known under the working title “Project D,” Dragon Sword has been a point of curiosity for action-RPG fans since it was first teased in early 2021. While the game was initially expected to follow the industry standard of cross-platform mobile play, the decision to refine it for a Steam release suggests an emphasis on high-fidelity performance and a more traditional “buy-to-play” or premium experience. It’s a strategy that mirrors the success of other recent Korean titles like Lies of P and Stellar Blade, which have found massive audiences by targeting console and PC enthusiasts directly.
Action roots and the Unreal Engine 5 transition
Hound13 has built a reputation for fluid, weight-based combat. If Hundred Soul was a proof of concept for technical action on mobile devices, Dragon Sword is the expansive evolution of that philosophy. Developed using Unreal Engine 5, the game departs from the gritty, semi-realistic aesthetics of the studio’s previous work in favor of a vibrant, stylized “semi-open world.”
The footage released thus far showcases a world that feels larger and more interactive than anything the studio has attempted before. Players can expect a mix of traditional character-driven action and environmental exploration. But what sets it apart is the “physicality” of the combat. In an industry where many RPGs rely on flashy effects to hide a lack of impact, Hound13 has focused on how characters interact with their enemies—animations react to the weight of weapons, and the environment plays a role in how encounters unfold.
The choice of Steam as a primary platform for the package release is likely a response to the growing global demand for high-quality Korean action games. PC players generally expect more than just a mobile port; they want native 4K support, unlocked frame rates, and control schemes designed for mice and keyboards rather than touchscreens. By committing to a Steam package, Hound13 is signaling that they are building this version from the ground up for that specific audience.
Impact of the Garena partnership
Financial and publishing backing often dictates the scale of a project like this. In 2021, Garena—the publishing giant behind Free Fire—invested approximately 20 billion KRW into Hound13. This partnership gave the studio the runway needed to pivot from a smaller mobile title to a large-scale project capable of competing on the global stage. While Garena is often associated with mobile-first markets, their investment in Dragon Sword highlights a desire to diversify into the premium PC and console space.
And it’s not just about the money. The shift to a “package game” (a term often used in Korea to describe a full, non-gacha title) suggests a change in monetization strategy. While many Korean developers have struggled to break free from the lucrative but often criticized mobile microtransaction models, the “Steam package” label suggests that Dragon Sword will prioritize a coherent narrative and gameplay loop over habitual daily logins and loot boxes.
What players can expect from the world of Dragon Sword
The game’s narrative and world design lean into a “fantasy adventure” vibe. It features cute, expressive character designs that contrast with the technical depth of the combat system. This juxtaposition is a hallmark of Park Jung-sik’s design philosophy, dating back to his time with Dragon Nest.
Key features likely to appear in the Steam version include:
- Large-scale monster hunts: Utilizing the team’s experience with boss-rush mechanics.
- Environmental traversal: Characters are seen climbing, swimming, and using various mounts to navigate the world.
- Character switching: Reports suggest a party-based system where players can swap between different heroes to execute combos.
As development continues, the primary challenge for Hound13 will be optimization. Unreal Engine 5 is notoriously demanding, and the transition from mobile-style architecture to a high-end PC environment requires a complete overhaul of assets and lighting systems. However, if the studio can deliver on the promise of its early trailers, it could be the next major breakout hit for the Korean industry on the global stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dragon Sword still coming to mobile devices?
While the recent focus has been on the Steam package release to capture the global PC market, the game was originally designed as a cross-platform title. It is highly likely a mobile version will still exist, though the Steam version is being treated as a premium standalone experience.
Who is developing the game?
The game is being developed by Hound13, a Korean studio founded by the key developers behind Dragon Nest and Hundred Soul. It is being published in partnership with Garena.
When is the release date for the Steam version?
As of April 2026, an exact release date has not been finalized. The studio is currently in the late stages of development, with more detailed gameplay showcases expected later this year following the announcement of the PC package format.
