- A new ARPG co-produced by the developers of *Realm of Ink* and the creators of *Taeohoe Kwon*
- Combining ink painting-style dark fantasy with survivor-like action… Supports online co-op for up to 4 players
Realm of Taiwu, a new title that captures the aesthetics of ink painting and the bizarre imagination of Chinese folklore in a survivor-like action game, has launched on Steam Early Access.
This new title has garnered anticipation from gamers from an early stage as it is a collaborative project between Leap Studio, which left a deep impression with the stylish ink painting-style action roguelite ‘Realm of Ink’, and ConchShip Games, the developer of the monumental hit Chinese indie game ‘The Scroll of Taiwu’.
Set in an Eastern-style dark fantasy world reminiscent of spreading ink, the game is characterized by the organic combination of fast-paced battles against swarming demons, exploration to pioneer unknown territories, and the fun of strategic growth through equipment crafting.
In the early access version that has entered full-scale service, six playable characters with distinct charms and over 30 colorful skill sets are provided.
In particular, it is expected to deliver an even more intense action thrill by fully supporting not only single-player mode where you can enjoy the weighty fun of survival alone, but also online cooperative play where up to four users coordinate in real-time.
A world where the gods are silent… A bizarre dark fantasy painted in ink.
The setting of ‘Realm of Taiwu’ is a corrupted world where the gods are silent and bizarre beings called ‘Xiangshu’ run rampant.
Players traverse a shattered land, setting out to find hope again in a world plunged into despair. It features a unique combination of bizarre beings and a worldview inspired by Chinese mythical creatures, rendered in a traditional ink wash style that emphasizes the spreading of ink.
In Early Access, you can first explore two regions with distinct atmospheres. ‘Bloodjade Abyss’ is a bizarre space where red veins pulsate like arteries, while in another region, ‘Tome Mound,’ you can encounter surreal sights of letters crawling across the ground.
It is also noteworthy that the two regions are not merely game settings for combat, but are designed to allow players to explore every corner of each area and discover hidden stories within the world.
6 types of characters, approximately 30 skill sets… Combat varies depending on the combination
Combat proceeds based on a survivor-like style where you fight swarms of enemies and grow your character and abilities.
At the time of Early Access launch, six playable characters and approximately 30 skill sets will be available. You can create your own build by combining characters and skills, ranging from melee and ranged attacks to combat utilizing status effects.
The combat style changes depending on which character is selected and how abilities are combined. The development team plans to continuously add content, including characters and skills, during the Early Access period.
Equipment crafting and growth are also important elements. You can obtain materials by dismantling unused equipment and enhance the performance of desired gear by refining it. It is a system where you continuously grow your favorite equipment to turn it into a powerful weapon.
It’s not just about repeating battles… Growth of bases and spirit servants
Outside of combat, you can develop your base with the ‘Wanqu Folk’ rescued through adventures. Players will experience growth elements distinct from combat as they gradually transform the ‘Conch-Vessel,’ where the Wanqu Folk gather, into a prosperous home.
You can also rescue ‘Spirit Attendants’ encountered during your journey and recruit them as companions. As you level up these Spirit Attendants to receive assistance in your adventure, the game is structured to allow you to develop not only your character and equipment but also your base and companions simultaneously.
‘Realm of Taiu’ supports not only single-player but also real-time online cooperative play with up to 4 players.
If each player selects a different character and build, they can create combinations different from when playing alone. It is also possible to solve battles by complementing each other’s attack styles and abilities.
A playful element has also been added to the cooperative gameplay. Some items that appear during the game can help teammates, but conversely, they can also cause unexpected disruptions. The developers explained that pranks and accidental mishaps involving friends are also part of the adventure created within the cooperative play.
The developers of ‘Realm of Ink’ and ‘Teohoe Kwon’ have joined forces.
This work garnered attention even before its release due to the collaboration between two development companies that have dealt with Eastern worldviews.
Rip Studios is a developer based in Beijing, Xi’an, and Hefei that creates original games for PC and consoles. Its flagship title is the roguelite “Realm of Ink,” which combines ink painting-style graphics with action.
Ningkun Dai, founder and CEO of Rip Studios, stated that the Early Access launch is just the beginning of the journey and expressed his intention to develop the game together with the players.
Conchship Games, which participated in the collaboration, is a developer known for ‘Taeohwegwon,’ which realized the Chinese martial arts world with a high degree of freedom.
In conclusion, ‘Realm of Taiu’ is a game that combines breathless survivor-like combat, diverse build configurations, equipment crafting and base growth systems, and up to 4-player online cooperative play with high levels of polish, all built upon the unique visual distinctiveness of a dark fantasy in the style of ink wash painting.
In particular, the fact that the know-how of two leading developers, who have each successfully proven their unique Eastern worldviews through ‘Realm of Ink’ and ‘The Ogre’, has been combined adds to the confidence in the game’s quality.
As the game has just taken its first step through Steam Early Access, attention is focused on the scale of content expansion leading up to the official release, including new characters, skills, and unexplored regions. With the active incorporation of vivid feedback from global users during the Early Access period, attention is focused on how this charming dark fantasy world will evolve into a polished game.
Realm of Taiu is available for Early Access on PC Steam.
Information regarding ‘Realm of Taiwu’
| item | detail |
|---|---|
| Developer | Leap Studio |
| Collaboration/Publisher | Collaboration with ConchShip Games; publisher attribution needs verification. |
| Genre | Survivor-like action ARPG |
| platform | PC (Steam) Early Access |
| Release date | October 15, 2026 (Early Access) |
| Player count | Single player, online co-op for up to 4 players |
| Early Access Content | 2 maps (Blood Jade Abyss, Western Garrison), 6 characters, approximately 30 skill sets |
| price | No mention in press release |
| language | No mention in press release; need to verify Korean language support. |
| Reactions/Evaluations | No confirmed reviews as it is immediately after release |
| Steam Page | Shortcut |
