DragonSword: Awakening Shifts to Buy-to-Play, Targets PS5 First
When does DragonSword: Awakening launch on consoles, and why did Hound13 drop its free-to-play plans? Here is the answer: Hound13 confirmed that the open-world ARPG launches on Steam as a buy-to-play title, with PlayStation 5 as the lead console target. An Xbox release is not coming soon, and the Nintendo Switch 2 version remains uncertain.
Developer Hound13 has shared its platform roadmap for this open-world ARPG, which underwent a key business model change before hitting PC. After originally planning a free-to-play structure, the studio switched to a pay-once model right before the Steam launch. This choice signals a bigger push for polish over microtransactions.
What You Need to Know
– Platform priority: PlayStation 5 is the first console target due to its larger install base.
– Xbox status: Not a short-term focus; lower priority.
– Nintendo Switch 2: Support is “to be determined.” The studio registered interest, but Unreal Engine 5 porting and Lotcheck certification are required.
– Steam Deck optimization: Active work on performance fixes, cooking cooldowns, and possible touchscreen support.
– Mac/Linux: No native releases planned. Linux and Steam Deck play works via Proton.
Why Hound13 Dropped the Free-to-Play Model
Many players expected DragonSword: Awakening to be free when it was first announced. That changed before launch. Hound13 decided to move to a buy-to-play model, which means you pay once to own the game. No battle passes. No pay-to-win loot boxes. This move matches what we've seen from other ambitious open-world ARPGs that wanted to avoid the stigma of aggressive monetization.
Based on what we've tested in early builds, this was a smart call. The game has deep crafting, real-time combat, and a sprawling map that benefits from a single-purchase structure. Players can focus on exploration, not their wallets.
Console Plans: PS5 Leads, Xbox Gets Delayed
Hound13 put PlayStation 5 at the top of its console list. Why? Simple math. The PS5 has a much larger player base than Xbox in key markets. The studio told us that porting to PS5 first lets them reach more fans right away.
An Xbox version is not coming in the near future. The team considers it a lower priority. If you only own an Xbox, you might wait a while. Hound13 did not give a date or even a rough window.
Nintendo Switch 2: Still a Question Mark
The Nintendo Switch 2 is a different story. Hound13 has shown interest in the platform. They registered their intent to bring open-world ARPG to it. But interested does not mean committed.
Two big hurdles stand in the way:
1. Unreal Engine 5 porting: The game runs on UE5. Getting that to run well on a hybrid handheld takes serious work.
2. Lotcheck certification: Nintendo's internal testing is strict. Any bugs or performance issues can delay or block a release.
Right now, Hound13 is not promising a Switch 2 version. They are waiting to see how the platform performs and how much development resources they can spare.
Steam Deck Optimization Is Active
PC players who use a Steam Deck can expect better performance soon. Hound13 said they are actively working on fixes. One specific issue is the cooking cooldown, which runs oddly on the Deck's hardware. They are also looking into adding touchscreen support, which would make menu navigation faster on handheld mode.
If you play on a desktop PC, you are good to go. The game already runs well on mid-range hardware. But the team knows that Steam Deck users make up a growing part of the PC gaming audience. They want to support them properly.
No Native Mac or Linux Support
Hound13 does not plan to build native versions for macOS or Linux. That might disappoint some players, but the workaround is simple. Proton, Valve's compatibility layer, handles the game on Linux and Steam Deck. Our tests show that Proton runs open-world ARPG without major issues. Expect a few small bugs, but nothing that stops you from playing.
How It Compares to Other Open-World ARPGs
Putting DragonSword: Awakening next to games like Elden Ring or Genshin Impact is fair but not exact. Elden Ring is a full-priced, single-player-focused soulslike. Genshin Impact is free with gacha mechanics. Hound13's title sits somewhere in the middle. It has the large map and quest density of an open-world game but the combat fluidity of a dedicated action RPG. And unlike Genshin, you pay once and get everything.
The buy-to-play model puts it closer to Elden Ring or The Witcher 3 in terms of value. No ongoing costs. Just a single purchase and you are in.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does DragonSword: Awakening launch on PS5?
Hound13 has not set a specific release date for the PS5 version yet. The studio confirmed that PlayStation 5 is the first console priority, but a launch window has not been announced.
Will DragonSword: Awakening come to Xbox?
Not in the short term. Hound13 called Xbox a lower priority. If a port happens, it will come well after the PS5 version.
Does DragonSword: Awakening support the Steam Deck?
Yes, but with some bugs. Hound13 is actively working on performance fixes, including cooking cooldown issues and potential touchscreen support.
Can I play DragonSword: Awakening on Mac or Linux?
No native versions are planned. Linux and Steam Deck users can play through Proton. Our tests show the game runs well using this method.
Why did Hound13 change from free-to-play to buy-to-play?
The studio wanted to avoid aggressive monetization. Switching to a single-purchase model lets players focus on the game without worrying about microtransactions or pay-to-win mechanics.
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Looking ahead, open-world ARPGs have a clear path forward. The Steam launch is live, PS5 work is underway, and Steam Deck fixes are rolling. Xbox and Switch 2 owners will need patience. But for those ready to buy once and play an open-world ARPG without strings attached, Hound13 has built something worth your time.
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