On December 30, 2025, South Korean developer Bucketplay quietly released the Open Beta (OBT) for their new title, ‘Reloadian,’ on the PlayStation 5. Without a massive marketing campaign, the game appeared on the PlayStation Store and immediately captivated fans of the roguelike and Metroidvania genres—especially since it is playable for free without a PlayStation Plus subscription.
Originally unveiled through Microsoft’s ID@Xbox program on December 19, Reloadian has taken an interesting path by launching its first public beta exclusively on PS5. The full release is slated for Q2 2026, with the Steam page already reflecting this timeline.
2397 AD: A World Where Digital Immortality is a Curse
The story of Reloadian takes place in the year 2397. Humanity has bypassed death through digital regeneration, with all minds connected to a central network called “Nex.” However, eternal life proved to be a burden rather than a blessing, leading to the gradual collapse of the universe.
In this world, the only way to escape is to “climb higher than anyone else” to earn a finite, mortal life. Players wield a dimension-shifting weapon known as a “Reloadian” to fight for the survival of the universe—or their own freedom. The game’s paradoxical message is clear: “You were promised eternal life, but now you would do anything for the thrill of death.”
“Loguevania”: High-Speed Action and Infinite Replayability
Bucketplay defines Reloadian as a “Fast-paced Roguevania Battle Arena.” It blends the procedural replayability of roguelikes with the exploration and progression of Metroidvanias. As players traverse a massive digital world, they unlock new regions and defeat powerful bosses to obtain legendary weapons and abilities.
Build experimentation is at the heart of the gameplay. Players can choose from a vast array of weapons, modifiers, and secondary tools like hook chains, drones, and healing wands. The beta features 12 playable characters, including:
- Adela (Bruiser Type): Swings a massive hammer to create shockwaves.
- Yarn (Assassin Type): Utilizes teleportation for swift, lethal strikes.
PvPvE: The Convergence of Cooperation and Competition
One of the most distinct features of Reloadian is its PvPvE combat system. Players must compete against other “Reloadians” to claim loot chests while simultaneously cooperating to take down dynamic, gargantuan bosses.
The game supports:
- Solo & Co-op Campaign: Coordinate timing and strategy with friends.
- Arena Crush: A dedicated online PvP mode available in the beta.
- Full Cross-play: At launch, players on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox will be able to play together without platform barriers.
From Bucheon to the Global Stage
Founded in 2015 and based in Bucheon, Gyeonggi-do, Bucketplay is an indie studio built by experts in 3D game engines. The founding members have a storied history, having commercialized some of the first 3D engines in the Korean market back in 2002.
After finding success with the mobile hit My Little Paradise (5 million downloads) and the physics-based sports game Swing Dunk, the team of roughly 25 people led by CEO Hojin Hyun is now proving its versatility with hardcore action. Reloadian marks a significant technical and creative evolution for the studio.
Beta Details & Release Schedule
The ongoing PS5 Open Beta does not require a PS Plus subscription, making the single-player campaign accessible to everyone. PS Plus Premium members also have the option to stream the beta via cloud gaming.
- Beta Content: Includes Chapter 1, core combat systems, and boss battles.
- Official Launch: Scheduled for Q2 2026.
- Platforms: PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, and Xbox (via ID@Xbox).
What about the developer ‘Bucketplay’?
Bucketplay was founded to create “edgy and fun games for the whole family,” leveraging its expertise in 3D game engines. The company was the first to commercialize a 3D game engine in Korea in 2002 and has since applied it to over 18 3D online games. It also boasts extensive development experience for PC, mobile, and consoles like the PlayStation and Xbox. Bucketplay’s unconventional expansion into genres ranging from sports and simulation to hardcore action has drawn considerable attention.
| Division | Key Contents |
| Studio name | Bucketplay Inc. |
| Representative and Director | Hyun Ho-jin (HOJIN HYUN) |
| Year of establishment | 2015 |
| scale | About 25 people (as of 2025) |
| Key milestones | • 2019: My Little Paradise – Mobile Game, 5 million cumulative global downloads • 2021: Swing Dunk – A physics sports game combining hoverboarding and basketball, released on PC/PS/XBOX • 2024: Metaball – A multiplayer basketball battle game • 2026 (planned): Relodian – Roguevania action RPG, currently in PS5 OBT |
| Official website | https://www.bucketplay.com/ |
| Official Trailer | [Reloadian] Official Gameplay Trailer |
| Steam Store Page | [Reloadian] – Steam Store |
