Nexon announced plans for the Mabinogi Eternity alpha test during the Mabinogi 22nd Anniversary Fantasy Party showcase held on the 27th.

Mabinogi Eternity is a project first unveiled during the 2023 Mabinogi summer showcase, centered on migrating the game's engine from the existing Playio engine to Unreal Engine. After roughly three years of work on the client and server infrastructure, the project is now entering its formal external verification phase with an alpha test scheduled for this autumn.

The news was shared directly by Min Kyung-hoon, the general director of Mabinogi, who appeared at the event. He noted that the primary focus of this alpha test will be to verify the newly structured early-game progression. He explained that the team plans to gather feedback on the early gameplay experience from both existing Mabinogi players and newcomers alike.

With the test focused on early-game progression, players will likely be able to see key early locations—such as the updated scenery of Tir Chonaill, Sidhe Sneachta, and the Dunbarton Magic School—recreated in Unreal Engine.

The director also addressed the highly anticipated question of whether character data from the live servers would be carried over. Min reaffirmed that despite the significant changes coming with Eternity, the team remains committed to ensuring that existing character progression will be preserved. He also reiterated the company's previous stance that Eternity does not signify a 'Mabinogi 2.

Meanwhile, prior to the alpha test announcement, a demo booth for Eternity was available for on-site attendees. The demo allowed participants to experience character customization, field exploration, combat, and in-game events.

Further details, including the application process and the specific schedule for the alpha test, will be announced separately on the official website at a later date.