Realm of Ink, the fast-paced action roguelite featuring striking Chinese ink-style art, launches on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC on May 26, 2026. Developer Leap Studio and publisher 4Divinity confirmed this date today alongside news of a special crossover with BlazBlue Entropy Effect. The console versions will hit shelves the same day as the PC 1.0 launch, giving players across all major platforms their first chance to experience the full release.
What exactly is Realm of Ink? It is a 2.5D action roguelite where you play as Red, a swordfighter trapped inside a world made of ink. You hunt the Fox Demon through painted lands, only to learn your life is merely a scripted story. To break free, you must fight through illusions and change your fate with every run.
**Quick Facts**
- Release Date: May 26, 2026
- Platforms: PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
- Developer: Leap Studio
- Publisher: 4Divinity (GCL Global Holdings)
- Genre: Action Roguelite
- Special Content: BlazBlue Entropy Effect crossover featuring playable boss Oread
- Current Status: Steam Early Access (Very Positive reviews)
- Demo: Free on Steam and Xbox Store
Realm of Ink: A Story Written in Blood and Brush
You step into the shoes of Red, a fierce warrior caught within the margins of an ancient manuscript. The world around you looks like a living painting, brushed with traditional Chinese art styles mixed with modern 2.5D flair. Your target is the Fox Demon, a slippery foe who holds the key to your freedom.
But here is the twist: you are not real. You are a character in a book, bound by lines written long ago. “Every time I fall, the pages turn back to the start,” Red might say as she faces another defeat. Yet death is not the end here. Each failure feeds into the next attempt, letting you grow stronger and push further into the story.
The game asks one hard question: can you rewrite a tale that has already been written? You slash through enemies, collect strange relics, and meet over 20 creatures pulled from Chinese myths. Some foes become friends if you show them kindness, opening new paths through the narrative.
Combat That Flows Like Water
The fighting in Realm of Ink feels sharp and quick. You master nine distinct combat forms, each with its own weapons and moves. One moment you strike with a heavy blade; the next, you dance away with twin daggers.
The Ink Gem system adds deep strategy. You slot gems like Tiger Ink, Venom Ink, and Dragon Ink into your gear to create elemental combos. With more than 40 gems and 200 perks like Shadow Kite and Lamp of Seven Stars, no two runs play the same way.
Your Ink Pets fight beside you. These small companions start cute but grow deadly. Based on which gems you carry, they evolve into over 15 different forms. One player might get a fire-breathing beast, while another gains a shadow that strikes from behind.
Four major bosses guard the truth of your world. Each one tests your skills and forces you to adapt your build on the fly. Beat them, and you peel back another layer of the mystery.
BlazBlue Crossover Adds New Muscle
Leap Studio surprised fans with news that Oread from BlazBlue Entropy Effect joins the roster. This tough boss from the Arc System Works hit becomes a fully playable fighter in Realm of Ink.
Oread brings her own Ink Gem, two special pet skins, and fresh perks that match her hard-hitting style. If you like heavy attacks that break enemy guard, she is your pick. This crossover gives veteran players reason to return and new players a familiar face to try.
We tested the early build and found Oread’s moves feel distinct from Red’s swift strikes. Where Red darts and slices, Oread pounds and smashes. This contrast should keep the action feeling fresh long after launch.
From Early Tests to Full Release
Realm of Ink has lived on Steam Early Access for months. During this time, Leap Studio listened closely to player feedback. They tuned combat timing, balanced difficulty spikes, and added seasonal events based on what fans asked for.
The team shaped the game together with players. This approach shows in the smooth feel of the current build. Every tweak made during Early Access carries over to the console ports and the PC 1.0 version.
Compared to other action roguelikes like Hades or Dead Cells, Realm of Ink stands out through its art style and Eastern myth focus. While Hades leans on Greek gods and Dead Cells offers dark medieval halls, this game paints its own path with brush strokes and folklore. The combat sits between the frantic pace of Dead Cells and the deliberate strikes of Hades, carving its own niche.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Realm of Ink come out?
Realm of Ink releases on May 26, 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam.
Is there a free demo for Realm of Ink?
Yes, PC players can download a free demo on Steam, and Xbox users can find one on the Xbox Store. The demo lets you try the early areas and combat systems.
What is the BlazBlue Entropy Effect crossover in Realm of Ink?
The crossover adds Oread, a boss from BlazBlue Entropy Effect, as a playable character. She includes unique Ink Gems, pet skins, and perks not found in the base roster.
How does Realm of Ink differ from other roguelites?
The game uses Chinese ink-wash art and folklore instead of typical Western fantasy. It also features evolving Ink Pets and a story about breaking free from a written destiny.
Will Realm of Ink support cross-save or cross-play?
The developers have not announced cross-save or cross-play features yet. Check the official 4Divinity channels for updates closer to launch.
Mark your calendars for May 26, 2026, and wishlist Realm of Ink on your platform of choice today. With its blend of fluid combat, stunning art, and the new BlazBlue content, this action roguelite looks ready to leave a lasting mark.
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