Straight answers
Questions
Is it pay-to-win?
No. Stats, gear, upgrade materials, experience boosts and in-game currency are never sold, directly or through tradable items. Early access unlocks levels past 10, and the Founder title is only a name over your head.
Is the game finished?
No. It's playable from level 1 to 30 with the Human Warblade, and most of the art is placeholder. Think of it as early development you can play. The roadmap lists what's there and what isn't.
What does free play include?
Everything up to level 10. At level 10 your character keeps its gear, quests and progress but stops gaining experience. If you get early access later, you carry on from there.
Can I buy early access now?
Not yet. Subscriptions open soon; until then free play is open, and game keys (from the team, testers' programmes or giveaways) unlock early access already.
When will it be finished?
We don't give dates. Early access pays for the work, and the pace depends on how much of it we can fund.
How do I play?
Create a Shardbound ID on the account page and sign in to the launcher, which installs and updates the game.
Which computers does it run on?
macOS on Apple silicon is where it's developed and tested (Metal). Windows and Linux use the Vulkan renderer, which works on macOS through MoltenVK but hasn't been tested on real Windows or Linux hardware yet.
Will it be on Steam or Epic?
Sign-in through Steam and Epic is written, so one Shardbound ID will work in every version, but no store version has shipped.
Where are the servers?
In the EU (Germany). More regions come when there are players for them.
How does the Founder vote work?
When there's money for the next piece of art, Founders choose between the candidates (a race, a creature set, an armour set, a zone's buildings). We announce each vote to Founders when it opens.
Who makes it?
Ninth Lantern, an independent developer. The engine, servers and game code are written in-house. See the imprint.