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DragonSword: Awakening How to Prepare for Steam Launch

Last updated: August 2026

Global release times, 300k wishlist milestone, launch PV highlights, and free Abyssal Direwolf promotion.

Official Release Date and Time Zones

Hound13 confirmed a worldwide simultaneous Steam launch on July 23, 2026 at 07:00 KST. Western regions unlock earlier on calendar date July 22 — 3:00 PM PT / 6:00 PM ET / 11:00 PM BST / midnight CEST. Steam displays July 22 in North American store listings while Korean announcements use July 23 KST. No pre-purchase is available; add the game to your Steam Wishlist for an automatic launch notification. See our full Regional Release Times table for every major time zone.

July 16 Launch Trailer

Hound13 published the official Launch Trailer on July 16, 2026 — captured entirely from retail gameplay showing Lute's Orbis journey, Familiar flight, and tag-team combat. The trailer confirms July 23 KST / July 22 PT release and is embedded below. Press coverage on July 17 highlighted the footage alongside 300k+ wishlist momentum.

What Changed Since the Demo

PD Jang Yong-jin hosted a final preview livestream on June 16 showcasing retail improvements: a new lock-on system, sensitivity sliders, aim assist, improved jump and controller responsiveness, increased character and Familiar stamina, and expanded field exploration. These address the top demo feedback items from press coverage and community threads.

Launch Content Checklist

Retail includes 19 recruitable heroes, Orbis open world, co-op Battle for two players, three-player Raids, Tower of Trials, Hero Quests, and the Rift system post-update. Main story runtime is roughly 10–15 hours before optional Hero Quests and Bond content. Claim the free Abyssal Direwolf Familiar from launch through August 31, 2026 — follow our Launch Day Checklist and Free Rewards guide.

Community Milestones

DragonSword: Awakening surpassed 300,000 Steam wishlists on June 10, 2026. The demo closed July 7, 2026 — save data does not carry over. New players should read the Tag-Team Combat guide and browse the Launch QoL Updates page for the full improvement list.

Video Tutorial

Launch Trailer — DragonSword: Awakening (Gameplay Footage)

Related in This Section

All Guides

Complete tutorial index for DragonSword: Awakening

How to Use Astria

Steelheart Fortress crossbow Breaker — Exchange unlock & Summer Sea Set

Summer Costumes

Patch 1.0.6 Astria and Reina wave skins

Week One Progression

Launch week Chapter 2–3 pacing and daily loops

Fragments of Afterimage

Tower Whirling Thoughts, Shanoa transmutation, Karma costs

Co-op Invites

Lobby codes for Hunts and Raids — no matchmaking

Daily Routine

Regional Missions, World Bosses, and ~9 AM reset farming

Tower of Trials

Moon Keys, floor rewards, and Karma fragment farming

Co-op Raids Guide

Three-player Raids, host rules, and solo loot parity

Hero Upgrade Guide

Level, Breakthrough, Skills, and Awakening systems

Fate's Invitation Unlock

Exchange tickets for any launch hero — no gacha

Karma & Ascension

Basic vs Exclusive Karma, World Boss dupes, Awakening

Final Boss Guide

Reawakened Dragon phases, stagger, and Cataclysm puzzle

Signal Skills & Tag Combos

Switching Signals, QTEs, and ailment chains

Launch Bugs Guide

Patches 1.0.1–1.0.6 and Ornette softlock FAQ

First Hours Guide

Chapter 1 route, settings, and Direwolf claim

Beginner Combat Tips

Ten essential tag-team lessons for new heroes

Endgame Hunts & Raids

Hunts, Raids, world bosses, and Tower

Tag-Team Combat

Master Status Ailments and Signal Skills

Launch Day Checklist

Edition choice, free Direwolf claim, and settings

How to Use Othello

Knockdown heavy attacker — first Hero Quest lead

How to Use Castella

Break and Stun axe specialist guide

How to Use Aria

Fire and Airborne bomb specialist

How to Play Johnny

Mercenary leader and party anchor

How to Play Lute

Protagonist combat and healing guide

Developer Walkthrough

Boss fights, raids, and co-op from JYJ

How to Use Dana

Alchemist and ice golem Chaco guide

How to Use Kalien

Fire spirit summoner breakdown

How to Use Theresia

Bleed and Stun inquisitor guide

How to Use Ornette

Phantom thief combat style

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pre-order on Steam?
No. Hound13 confirmed no pre-purchase due to first Steam release limitations. Wishlist the game for launch notification instead.
What is the Standard Edition price?
$29.99 USD for the full game with all 19 launch heroes. Deluxe Edition is $49.99 with artbook, soundtrack, and cosmetic Familiar.