- Simultaneous 1.0 release on PC, PS5, Xbox, and Switch confirmed while maintaining ‘Very Positive’ on Steam Early Access.
- BlazBlue collaboration character Oread joins, and opportunities for on-site experience at Gamescom LATAM 2026 are also being provided.
Chinese indie studio Leap Studio and publisher 4Divinity announced that the dark action roguelite ‘Realm of Ink’ will be released simultaneously on PC (Steam V1.0), PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch on May 26.
Having been available on Steam Early Access since September 2024, this title is wrapping up approximately 20 months of continuous updates and is on the verge of its official 1.0 release. Currently, you can experience the game’s features first through a free demo on PC and Xbox.
The Swordswoman Trapped in a Book, Tear Apart Your Fate and Reclaim Your Freedom
Realm of Ink is a fast-paced, ink-themed action roguelite that combines a delicate art style inspired by traditional Chinese ink painting with modern 2.5D visuals and sharp combat.
The protagonist, Red, is a swordswoman chasing an elusive fox demon who confronts the shocking truth that her life is nothing more than a story in a book. To break free from her predetermined shackles, Red must slay enemies and illusions, fight against fate, and rewrite her own story page by page.
During Early Access, the game added the Affinity System and Endless Mode, which can be enjoyed after clearing the ending. The Affinity System, which allows players to build relationships with key characters through events, further emphasizes the depth of the narrative.
9 combat styles, over 40 Ink Gems, and ever-changing gameplay
Players can master nine unique combat styles and weapons, and create intense combos by equipping over 40 elemental Ink Gems, including Tiger Ink, Venom Ink, and Dragon Ink. Additionally, combining over 200 extra traits allows for a new combat style to be developed every time.
Ink Pets are another feature that cannot be overlooked. These companions evolve into over 15 different forms depending on the combination of equipped Ink Gems, adding strategic depth to combat while maintaining a cute appearance. The game adopts a structure where Story Relics change constantly, influencing the flow and progression of battles, ensuring that the motivation for replayability remains consistent even after reaching the ending.
Action-centric visuals and sound crafted from ink painting sensibilities and 2.5D
Realm of Ink completes a unique visual style by combining elegant combat animations, ink-painted backgrounds, and a gradually building narrative theme.
The visuals, which incorporate traditional Chinese ink painting techniques into a modern 2.5D action game, have established themselves as a distinct identity within the genre. The fluid swordplay action unfolding against a backdrop of an ink-hued world, along with the supporting soundtrack imbued with Eastern sensibilities, also create a mysterious sense of immersion.
Leap Studio’s development philosophy emphasizing a young development team and Eastern aesthetics
Leap Studio is an indie game development company based in Guangzhou, China, consisting of a small team of young developers from prestigious universities in mainland China and abroad. It is characterized by being a “garage startup” formed by friends and peers. In its early stages, the team demonstrated strong execution and teamwork, completing projects while immersing themselves in development in an environment akin to communal living.
The development philosophy is also distinct. It aims to reinterpret traditional Chinese martial arts, legends, and narratives into a modern game and introduce them to the global market, focusing particularly on emphasizing Eastern aesthetics by combining ink brush art styles with 2.5D graphics.
This direction is reflected throughout ‘Realm of Ink,’ and the game is evaluated as a work that possesses both unique visuals and action.
Ahead of its official release, ‘Realm of Ink’ is receiving positive reactions from both the media and users. In particular, it has established itself as a highly anticipated title, garnering high praise for its unique ink painting-based visuals, fast-paced combat, and the polished replay structure.
It maintains a ‘Very Positive’ rating on Steam and continues to receive favorable reviews from users as a “work that captures both artistry and fun,” leading many to pay attention to its performance following the official release.
Information regarding ‘Realm of Ink’
| item | detail |
|---|---|
| Developer | Leap Studio |
| Publisher | 4Divinity (subsidiary of GCL Global Holdings) |
| Genre | Dark Action Roguelite / 2.5D Hack and Slash |
| Release platform | PC (Steam) / PS4·5 / Xbox Series X|S / Nintendo Switch |
| Official release date | May 26, 2026 (Simultaneous across all platforms) |
| Early access begins | September 26, 2024 |
| Steam Review | Very Positive (Recent 89% / English Reviews 94%) |
| Collaboration | BlazBlue Entropy Effect × Oread (91Act) |
| Free Demo | Available on PC (Steam) and Xbox |
| Field experience | Gamescom LATAM 2026 Nuuvem Booth (1407~1410) |
| Main Keywords | Ink painting, 2.5D, Roguelite, Swordsmanship action, Chinese mythology, Build crafting |
| Steam Page | Shortcut |
