On December 30, 2025, Korean game developer Bucketplay made a surprise announcement with the open beta release of their new game, Reloadian, on PS5. Debuting quietly on the PlayStation Store without any advance publicity or extensive marketing, the game quickly captured the attention of roguelike and Metroidvania fans. The fact that it was free to play, even for those without a PlayStation Plus subscription, created a buzz.
Rerodian was first revealed on December 19th through Microsoft’s indie game program, ID@Xbox. Despite being released through the Xbox program, the beta was an interesting PS5 exclusive. The game’s official release is scheduled for Q2 2026, with its Steam page already listing a Q2 2026 release date.
2397, a world where digital immortality is a curse.
Lyrodian is set in 2397. Humanity has discovered a way to circumvent death through digital regeneration. All minds are connected to a central network called “Nex,” granting them eternal life. However, immortality is a curse, not a blessing. In this meaningless immortality, the universe begins to collapse.
Now, the only way to escape is to rise higher than anyone else and gain finite life. A weapon capable of transcending dimensions, the Lyrodian, has been created, and those who wield it will be thrust into a battle to save the universe or secure their own freedom. The game’s official tagline reads: “Promised eternal life, now you will do anything for the thrill of death.”
Set in a cyberpunk future, the story unfolds in a world of neon lights, portals, and robots, blending science fiction, action, and philosophical questions. In a world where immortality has become meaningless, the paradoxical message that finite life is true freedom is sure to leave a lasting impression on gamers.
Logvania: Fast-paced action and endless replayability
Rerodian describes itself as a “fast-paced roguevania battle arena.” It combines the replayability of a roguelike with the exploration elements of a Metroidvania, creating a unique experience every session. Discover and unlock new areas in a massive digital world, defeat powerful bosses, and earn legendary weapons and abilities.
The core of the game is experimentation with builds. Choose from a variety of weapons, abilities, and modifiers, allowing you to experiment with new strategies each time you play. Upgrade your melee and ranged weapons, and utilize auxiliary tools like hook chains, drones, and healing wands to create your own unique playstyle.
The beta version features a total of 12 characters to choose from, each with a distinct archetype and combat style. From Adela, a bruiser who wields a powerful hammer and repel enemies with shockwaves, to Yarn, an assassin who teleports quickly to eliminate enemies, each character has their own strengths, weaknesses, and abilities.
PvPvE: Combat where cooperation and competition coexist
One of Lirodians’ unique features is its PvPvE combat system. Players compete with other Lirodians to claim reward chests first, while simultaneously fighting together in dynamic boss battles. This dual structure of cooperation and competition adds tension and strategic depth.
The game supports both solo and cooperative play. In campaign mode, other players can help you, while in co-op, coordination and timing are key to survival. An online PvP mode called Arena Crush will also be available in the beta.
The official release will feature full crossplay support, allowing you to play with friends or against strangers through seamless competitive and cooperative gameplay across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. The ability to play together across platforms is a crucial element of modern multiplayer gaming.
Stylish action and thrilling gameplay
Relodian emphasizes flashy action and fluid movement. Adapt to constantly changing enemies, master fluid movement, and push your combat skills to their limits. The side-scrolling action features classic Metroidvania-style map layouts and mechanics, while also including one-on-one battles reminiscent of classic fighting games like Tekken or Street Fighter.
The trailer showcased the cooperative multiplayer feature, featuring multiple characters fighting enemies together, and showcased the fast-paced combat and dynamic boss battles. The game was designed with replayability in mind, offering new challenges and discoveries every time.
Bucheon’s Indie Studio Takes the Global Stage
Bucketplay is an indie game developer based in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, founded in 2015. The studio, founded by a team of talented individuals with extensive experience in 3D game engines, began with the goal of creating “edgy and fun games for the whole family.” The founding team was the first to commercialize a 3D game engine in the then-unfamiliar Korean market in 2002, and has since applied it to over 18 3D online games.
Bucketplay achieved 5 million cumulative downloads with the global launch of the mobile game “My Little Paradise” in 2019. Following this, “Swing Dunk,” a physics-based sports game combining hoverboarding and basketball, was released through Steam Early Access in 2021 and has been commercialized for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. In March 2024, the company expanded into the cross-play network battle game sector with the release of the multiplayer-based basketball battle game “Metaball.”
Rerodian represents a distinctly different direction from Bucketplay’s previous developments. The shift from sports and simulation genres to action roguelikes offers a fresh opportunity to demonstrate the studio’s technical prowess and creativity. Led by CEO Hyun Ho-jin, the team of approximately 25 has focused on creating game content optimized for various platforms, including PC, mobile, and consoles.
Beta version is free to play without PS Plus, Scheduled for release in Q2 2026
The open beta currently underway on PS5 does not require a PlayStation Plus subscription. The game is technically marked as playable offline, so anyone can download it and enjoy the single-player campaign. PS Plus Premium members also have the added benefit of streaming the beta via cloud gaming.
The beta includes Chapter 1, showcasing Relodian’s core gameplay, combat system, and boss battles. While the beta is currently unavailable on PC or Xbox, the developers have stated that the full version will support crossplay.
Relodian is targeting an official release in the second quarter of 2026. A Steam page is currently open for wishlisting, and the game is slated for release on PC and PlayStation 5. An Xbox version was also revealed through ID@Xbox, so its release is a certainty.
Industry insiders are saying Relodian will “definitely appeal to fans of hit indie Metroidvania games like Hollow Knight: Silksong.” While an official release date hasn’t been confirmed, those who enjoyed the beta are likely adding it to their wishlist.
New possibilities for Korean indie games
Rerodian is another example of the potential Korean indie game developers have in the global market. Bucketplay has grown by exploring a wide range of genres, from mobile casual games to physics-based sports games and now hardcore action roguelikes.
In particular, its proactive approach to cross-play and multiplatform support demonstrates a keen understanding of the trends in the modern gaming market. Through the story of those who yearn for death in a world where immortality has become meaningless, Bucket Play is opening a new chapter in Korean game development.
The official description of the Rirodians concludes: “Only one rule matters: Rise above all others. Outlast all others and win your freedom.” In 2026, the battle for that freedom begins in earnest.
What about the developer ‘Bucketplay’?
Bucketplay was founded with the goal of creating “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 |
