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
Complete tutorial index for DragonSword: Awakening
How to Use AstriaSteelheart Fortress crossbow Breaker — Exchange unlock & Summer Sea Set
Summer CostumesPatch 1.0.6 Astria and Reina wave skins
Week One ProgressionLaunch week Chapter 2–3 pacing and daily loops
Fragments of AfterimageTower Whirling Thoughts, Shanoa transmutation, Karma costs
Co-op InvitesLobby codes for Hunts and Raids — no matchmaking
Daily RoutineRegional Missions, World Bosses, and ~9 AM reset farming
Tower of TrialsMoon Keys, floor rewards, and Karma fragment farming
Co-op Raids GuideThree-player Raids, host rules, and solo loot parity
Hero Upgrade GuideLevel, Breakthrough, Skills, and Awakening systems
Fate's Invitation UnlockExchange tickets for any launch hero — no gacha
Karma & AscensionBasic vs Exclusive Karma, World Boss dupes, Awakening
Final Boss GuideReawakened Dragon phases, stagger, and Cataclysm puzzle
Signal Skills & Tag CombosSwitching Signals, QTEs, and ailment chains
Launch Bugs GuidePatches 1.0.1–1.0.6 and Ornette softlock FAQ
First Hours GuideChapter 1 route, settings, and Direwolf claim
Beginner Combat TipsTen essential tag-team lessons for new heroes
Endgame Hunts & RaidsHunts, Raids, world bosses, and Tower
Tag-Team CombatMaster Status Ailments and Signal Skills
Launch Day ChecklistEdition choice, free Direwolf claim, and settings
How to Use OthelloKnockdown heavy attacker — first Hero Quest lead
How to Use CastellaBreak and Stun axe specialist guide
How to Use AriaFire and Airborne bomb specialist
How to Play JohnnyMercenary leader and party anchor
How to Play LuteProtagonist combat and healing guide
Developer WalkthroughBoss fights, raids, and co-op from JYJ
How to Use DanaAlchemist and ice golem Chaco guide
How to Use KalienFire spirit summoner breakdown
How to Use TheresiaBleed and Stun inquisitor guide
How to Use OrnettePhantom thief combat style