Guild Wars publisher's new MMO is an open-world tac shooter called Cinder City

Over the last several years, NCSoft, the company behind MMO giants like Throne and Liberty, Blade and Soul, and Guild Wars 2, has shown off early footage of an upcoming project dubbed Project LLL. It made an strong impression for its striking sci-fi style and tactical shooting, reminiscent of The Division 2, Destiny 2, and Warframe. Today, the project has resurfaced with the name Cinder City, and its makers have provided new details on what to expect when the game finally launches next year.

Described as a third-person shooter MMO, Cinder City looks like it should appeal to players looking for something new in the multiplayer action game genre. It's set in a post-apocalyptic version of Seoul, in the far future of the 23rd century and casts players as a soldier equipped with a high-tech battle suit who's out to find his lost daughter amidst constant danger.

What's most immediately striking is Cinder City's look. The enemies range from humans and shambling zombies to horrific, Resident Evil-style monsters and towering robots. It also takes place in a detailed vision of a devastated, futuristic Seoul, including real neighborhoods from throughout the city. Despite its sci-fi trappings, the gunplay is also meant to be grounded in reality, and it can be played in squads or solo.

Cinder City is scheduled to launch in the second half of 2026. More details are set to arrive tomorrow, Tuesday August 19, as the game debuts a new trailer during Opening Night Live before allowing players to try it out in-person at Gamescom demo stations.

In the meantime, you can find other options like Cinder City in our picks for the best open-world games and best multiplayer games already out on PC.

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