Multiplayer action RPG from ex Blizzard devs confirms 1.0 launch date, and it's got a much-needed name change

I try not to judge a book by its cover, but the name of a game can quickly set your expectations before you've even laid eyes on it. So I'm personally glad to hear that Notorious Studios, the developer founded by former WoW, Diablo, and Overwatch devs, is no longer calling its PvPvE extraction RPG Legacy: Steel and Sorcery, which manages to be rather a mouthful but not really stick in the brain. As it nears a year in early access with a largely positive reception, Notorious confirms that it's ready for the 1.0 launch in January, complete with a full PvE mode and a brand-new name: Eldegarde.

There's a lot more to the Eldegarde 1.0 launch, however. Legacy was originally born as a "hardcore PvPvE game," according to founder Chris Kaleiki, who told us earlier this year that he was eager to break out of the way World of Warcraft's class archetypes quickly break down the moment player-on-player combat is introduced. However, he notes that "over time we learnt that players also wanted a PvE experience, something akin to a 'mini-MMO,' if you like."

That new angle opens up Eldegarde to a much wider audience, so if you're looking for less competitiveness in your dungeon crawling then you'll be well-served with version 1.0. Notorious has already been expanding the game throughout its early-access journey, adding more classic fantasy classes to the roster such as Paladins and Wizards, alongside fundamental favorites like Warriors, Rogues, and Priests.

Interactions with the environment have always been a key piece of Eldegarde's combat puzzle - Priests have the ability to fly, for example, allowing them to escape danger by zooming over obstacles and out of sight. But a Warrior could simply choose to charge through the wall and continue the pursuit. There's also a permanent lodge you're able to gradually upgrade, improving your potential in the next expedition.

With the introduction of the PvE side of things, there's a new social hub, a PvE dungeon mode, and more opportunities for 'lifestyle' pursuits such as fishing and mining that can help you gear up for the challenges ahead. Cook meals, brew elixirs, forge your armaments, and get back into the action.

There are also new PvP arenas, so don't fear that the competitive side of things is being left behind - PvE is just another option to expand what's on offer. It also serves as a way to learn the fundamentals of combat and familiarize yourself with map layouts without the worry of being steamrolled by more experienced players.

Eldegarde version 1.0 will arrive on Wednesday January 21, bringing the game out of early access. You can buy it now at a 20% discount available through Monday January 5, so expect to pay $19.99 / £17.59 if you grab it while the sale lasts. Find it right here if you're intrigued by a more action-first take on World of Warcraft style battles.

"We're incredibly excited to finally launch into 1.0," Kaleiki says. "Early access has been an incredibly useful and rewarding experience, allowing us to shape and refine our game alongside our dedicated community."