Nacon has announced that Dragonkin: The Banished, an action RPG, will launch on , for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, following its initial release on PC. The game was originally slated for release on , but has seen a delay to allow for further development and polish.
A World Ravaged by Dragons
Developed by Eko Software and published by Nacon, Dragonkin: The Banished places players in a world corrupted by the presence of dragons. The narrative centers around legendary heroes tasked with hunting down and eliminating these draconic creatures, ultimately aiming to defeat the Dragon Lords. The game features a blend of action combat, city building, and a unique character progression system centered around “dragonets” and an “Ancestral Grid.”
Gameplay and Character Progression
Players can choose from four distinct hero classes, each possessing unique skills and combat techniques. These heroes include the Barbarian, who gains strength from a ritualistic bonding with dragon blood; the Oracle, who harnesses electric draconic powers while striving for harmony between humans and dragons; and the Knight, a master of fire lance combat fueled by unwavering faith. As players progress, their chosen hero, equipment, dragon companion (dragonet), and the Ancestral Grid all evolve, unlocking new abilities and strategic options.
The Ancestral Grid appears to be a core component of character customization, allowing players to create unique power builds. The game emphasizes the importance of taming dragonets, which serve as companions and likely contribute to combat and exploration. Expanding and developing a city is also a key gameplay element, suggesting a strategic layer beyond direct combat.
Technical Specifications and System Requirements
The PC version of Dragonkin: The Banished requires Windows 10 and a minimum of an Intel Core i5-10500 processor or an AMD Ryzen 5 3700X. It also demands 16GB of RAM and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 or ATI Radeon equivalent graphics card, along with 37GB of available disk space. DirectX 12 is required.
Recommended specifications are slightly lower, suggesting a degree of optimization: an Intel Core i5-6600 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200 processor, 8GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 or ATI Radeon RX 470 graphics card. The disk space requirement remains at 37GB.
Platform Availability and Online Features
Initially released on Steam Early Access on , the game is now expanding to consoles. The Xbox version, as confirmed by Xbox.com, requires an Xbox Game Pass Essential, Premium, or Ultimate subscription for online multiplayer functionality. The game is optimized for Xbox Series X|S.
The game also offers in-app purchases, a common feature in modern console titles. Xbox profile information and associated data are accessible to the game’s publishers while playing, a standard practice for data collection and analytics on the platform.
Developer and Publisher Background
Nacon is a French video game publisher known for a diverse portfolio of titles, including RoboCop: Rogue City and Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator. Eko Software, the developer of Dragonkin: The Banished, has a history of creating action-adventure games. The partnership between Nacon and Eko Software signals a focus on delivering action RPG experiences to a wider audience.
Release Date and Future Plans
The release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on , represents a significant expansion for Dragonkin: The Banished. While the initial release was on PC, bringing the game to consoles broadens its reach and introduces it to a new player base. The game is available for purchase as a digital download, with a standard edition currently priced at $USD 24.90.
The game supports multiple languages, including French, English, Italian, German, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, indicating a global publishing strategy. The delay from the original release date suggests the developers are prioritizing quality and a polished experience for console players.
