Source: Netmarble

Netmarble (CEO Kim Byung-gyu) announced that it has unveiled details for its upcoming major update, 'NEXT Blade & Soul Revolution' (hereinafter 'NEXT'), scheduled for May 26, through an online showcase for its mobile MMORPG, 'Blade & Soul Revolution.'

The showcase featured Netmarble F&C Director Ryu Jae-sung, Planning Team Leader Lee Hwan-jong, and Netmarble Business Division Head Jung Seung-hwan, who introduced the update's direction and key content. 'NEXT' is a project focused on technical innovation through Unreal Engine 5 and the creation of a new gaming environment, aiming to provide a visual overhaul and an evolved gameplay experience that builds on the fun of the original title.

With this update, Netmarble is upgrading the game engine from Unreal Engine 4 to Unreal Engine 5. Based on this, the company will completely reconstruct all in-game regions, including Hongmoon School, Evernight Village, and Skypetal Plains, while applying enhanced environmental details, higher texture resolution, and real-time lighting technology to create a more immersive and vivid martial arts world.

Additionally, reflecting user feedback, the update will add a 'tall Lyn character model' with more mature and sleek proportions, along with expanded customization options for ears and tails. The new class, 'Illusionist,' utilizes illusions and disruption, featuring evasion and unconventional attack patterns through star-shaped illusions.

A new server, 'Unique,' will also open for new and returning players. Netmarble will provide users on this server with a full set of equipment and growth guides, as well as opportunities to acquire top-tier Mythic equipment. A roadmap for updates through 2026 was also revealed.

In the second quarter, the Mythic dungeons 'Poisonous Flower Garden' and 'Tower of Trials' will be added, while the third quarter will introduce the new 'Dragon Fist' class and 'Heaven's Reach' unique-grade equipment. The fourth quarter is set to feature a 8th-anniversary event along with new regions and scenario updates. Netmarble is currently accepting pre-registrations on a special website, offering participants a '+10 Enhanced Radiant Ancient Equipment Full Set' and various enhancement and restoration coupons.