Tag Archives: Free to Play

Game News

Aniimo Launches 16 September — Free Creature-Catching RPG Hits PS5, PC and Mobile

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If Pokémon and Palworld had a next-gen offspring — one you could play for free across every major platform — it would look a lot like Aniimo. Developer Pawprint Studio and Singapore-registered publisher Pawprint Interactive Entertainment Pte. Ltd. have confirmed a global launch of 16 September 2026 at 10:00 SGT (UTC+8), with pre-order packs now live on PS5 ahead of launch.

Aniimo open-world city gameplay with a player character and captured creature
Image courtesy of Pawprint Studio

What Is Aniimo?

Aniimo is a free-to-play open-world action RPG set on the continent of Idyll, where players take the role of a Pathfinder — an explorer who ventures out to catch, raise, and battle creatures called Aniimo. Hundreds of species roam the world, with spawn rates shifting based on environment, weather, and time of day. Most species can evolve, adding long-term goals for collectors.

The game is published by Pawprint Interactive Entertainment Pte. Ltd., a Singapore-registered entity (registration no. 202536484D, 16 Raffles Quay, Hong Leong Building), giving the title a notable local connection. It launches simultaneously for players across Southeast Asia and the rest of the world.

Aniimo creature-catching in a grassy field — player throws an Aniipod at a cloud creature
Image courtesy of Pawprint Studio

The Twine System — You Become the Creature

The mechanic that sets Aniimo apart from other creature-catchers is Twining. Once you capture an Aniimo, you can merge with it — taking on its body, abilities, and movement set entirely. A bird-type Aniimo lets you glide over clifftops; a burrowing type tunnels underground; a fast-moving creature opens up chase sequences that human-form movement cannot match.

This shifts Aniimo from a standard “pick your fighter” format into something closer to a metroidvania in its traversal logic — your roster of creatures is also your toolkit for exploring the map. Multiplayer is built in from day one, including a three-player PvEvP mode called Egg Heist where teams race to secure territory in the Lost Isles.

Aniimo – Announcement Trailer | PS5 Games — via PlayStation on YouTube

Platforms and Singapore Launch Timing

Aniimo arrives on 16 September 2026 at 10:00 SGT on the following platforms:

  • PlayStation 5
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and Microsoft Store
  • Android

iOS players get access slightly later, with the App Store release scheduled for 30 September 2026. The base game is completely free — no purchase required on any platform. Singapore players can jump in day one at the same time as the rest of the world, which is a welcome change for a title of this scale.

You can check out more upcoming game releases in our news section.

Aniimo Catch Mode on a pink beach — player battles an Alpha Tubster boss creature
Image courtesy of Pawprint Studio

Optional Pre-Order Packs on PS5

For players who want to support the game at launch, two cosmetic bundles are available for pre-purchase on the PlayStation Store until 16 September:

  • Advanced Edition (USD 9.99 / ¥1,500): Fluffy Friend accessory (PS5 exclusive), Advanced Companion Handbook battle pass, and a Prismana Aniimo egg with perfect potential.
  • Collector’s Edition (USD 19.99 / ¥3,000): Everything in the Advanced Edition, plus an exclusive doll and an avatar frame.

SGD pricing was not confirmed at the time of writing — check the Singapore PlayStation Store for the local equivalent closer to launch. The free base game is identical regardless of whether you pre-order.

Aniimo combat key art — two powerful creatures clash in a dramatic battle scene
Image courtesy of Pawprint Studio

Aniimo’s September window puts it squarely in the busy year-end gaming season. Given that it is free on day one across all major platforms and carries strong visual production values from the beta footage, it is shaping up as one to watch for Singapore gamers who enjoy creature-collecting games — and a genuine alternative to the genre’s existing heavyweights.

Game News

My Hero Academia UNITED SURVIVAL Is Out Now — Free on Mobile and PC

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After crossing 800,000 global pre-registrations, My Hero Academia UNITED SURVIVAL (ヒロサバ) has officially launched worldwide — and it is completely free to download in Singapore right now on iOS, Android, and PC (Windows).

What Is My Hero Academia UNITED SURVIVAL?

My Hero Academia UNITED SURVIVAL — over 800,000 global pre-registrations, featuring Deku, Bakugo and Todoroki
Image courtesy of KLab / gumi

Developed by KLab and gumi under licence from the My Hero Academia Production Committee, it is a free-to-play action roguelite. You take heroes from UA — Izuku Midoriya, Katsuki Bakugo, Shoto Todoroki, and more — through escalating wave battles, each hero fighting with their own Quirk moveset. The art style and character designs are faithful to the anime, and sessions are designed to be short and punchy for mobile play. A PC (Windows) version is available at launch for players who prefer a bigger screen.

Watch the Official Teaser PV

My Hero Academia UNITED SURVIVAL — Official Teaser PV, via KLabGames on YouTube

Pre-Registration Rewards — Already Locked In

My Hero Academia UNITED SURVIVAL gameplay victory screen with Todoroki, Deku and Kaminari
Image courtesy of KLab / gumi

If you pre-registered before today, the 800,000-milestone reward — LR Collection card How I Became the World’s Greatest Hero × 1 — is already waiting for you on first login. The milestones keep climbing: if global registrations hit 900,000, everyone gets Heavy Dumbbell (All Might) × 5 and 100 Herostones; at 1,000,000 pre-regs, LR Collection Stand Victorious! × 1 unlocks for all. The 500,000 milestone also locked in an Enlist Ticket to pick your choice of SR hero — Midoriya, Bakugo, or Todoroki.

My Hero Academia UNITED SURVIVAL 500K pre-registration reward — choose SR Midoriya, Bakugo, or Todoroki
Image courtesy of KLab / gumi

Download Links for Singapore

The game is available without region restrictions in Singapore across all platforms:

KLab’s track record in Southeast Asia is solid — they ran Love Live! School Idol Festival for years with a strong regional playerbase, so infrastructure and regional support for UNITED SURVIVAL should be reliable. For more game news and upcoming anime game launches, follow GameTrader.SG.

Game News

Suikoden STAR LEAP Launches 7 August in Japan — Global Date TBA

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The wait for Suikoden’s return to active gaming is almost over. KONAMI announced today, 3 August, that 幻想水滸伝 STAR LEAP (Genso Suikoden: STAR LEAP) will launch in Japan on 7 August 2026 for iOS and Android — four days from now. A global version (iOS/Android) and a Steam PC release are still in the pipeline with dates to be announced later, so Singapore fans will need to be patient or get creative with a JP account for now.

Suikoden STAR LEAP — the 108 Stars of Destiny gathered in a spring meadow
Image courtesy of KONAMI

A Canonical New Chapter in the Suikoden Series

When pre-registration opened in July, KONAMI was clear this isn’t a spinoff or a remaster cash-in — STAR LEAP is described as official canon, weaving a brand-new story around one of the franchise’s True Runes, the Rune of Change. Set in Solar Year 453, east of the old Scarlet Moon Empire, a village by a lakeside is struck by a mysterious attack. After the threat passes, the protagonist resolves to rebuild and, in true Suikoden fashion, sets out to gather companions: the legendary 108 Stars of Destiny.

For a generation of Singapore and Southeast Asian gamers who discovered Suikoden I and II on the original PlayStation, that number carries weight. STAR LEAP is the first new Suikoden title to use that full mechanic since the PS2 era, and KONAMI is leaning into the nostalgia hard — Flik, the fan-favourite blue-clad swordsman voiced by Nakamura Yuichi, is among the confirmed returning faces.

Three characters crossing a rope bridge in Suikoden STAR LEAP
Image courtesy of KONAMI

What the Game Actually Plays Like

STAR LEAP uses a timeline turn-based battle system — a nod to classic JRPG structure rather than the real-time action that has become standard on mobile. Players string together normal attacks, rune-based magic, and charged super moves called ougis to clear battles. War battles — the large-scale strategic conflicts that defined the console originals — are also present and use each character’s unique war ability to swing the outcome.

Suikoden STAR LEAP battle system showing the mobile UI and party selection
Image courtesy of KONAMI

Outside of battle, the game centres on a headquarters base that grows as you recruit more of the 108 Stars. Each new companion unlocks facilities and unique mini-games — one screenshot shows a character catching falling fruit in a cheerful orchard, which is exactly the kind of low-stakes charm Suikoden has always balanced against its grander political drama. The headquarters kitchen lets you cook meals and host banquets to deepen bonds with your party, while a suggestion box lets you complete requests from companions for rewards.

Suikoden STAR LEAP headquarters mini-game: catching falling fruit in an orchard
Image courtesy of KONAMI

Watch the Story Trailer

幻想水滸伝 STAR LEAP ストーリートレーラー — via KONAMI公式 on YouTube

Launch Details and How to Follow Along

The Japan App Store and Google Play launch is set for 7 August 2026. The night before — 6 August at 20:00 JST (21:00 SGT) — KONAMI is hosting a pre-launch broadcast on its official YouTube channel where the team will likely walk through the game’s systems and announce any opening events.

As things stand, no Singapore or global release date has been announced. The Steam PC version and the global iOS/Android build are listed as coming later, so local availability is genuinely TBA. For those who can’t wait, it is technically possible to download the Japan version by creating a JP App Store or Google Play account — the game is free-to-play with item purchases — but note that in-game purchases, customer support, and event timing will all be Japan-region by default.

For more game news including the upcoming Suikoden anime adaptation, keep an eye on GameTrader.SG. KONAMI has been unusually active with the franchise this year, and with the anime slotted for October 2026 and STAR LEAP arriving on Thursday, August is shaping up to be a big month for Suikoden fans across Southeast Asia.

Game News, Manga Anime

KonoSuba Mobile RPG Confirmed for 2026 — Pre-Register Now

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KonoSuba is ten years old, and Kadokawa is marking the occasion with something fans have been waiting for: an official new mobile RPG built around the original creative team, the original cast, and a launch window of 2026. Pre-registration is open right now — here’s what we know.

KonoSuba Prosperity to This Beloved Town key art showing the full cast in the city of Axel
Image courtesy of Kadokawa

What Is Machi-suba?

The new title’s full name is KONOSUBA: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World! ~Prosperity to This Beloved Town!~ — fans in Japan are already calling it Machi-suba (まちすば). It’s a free-to-play “Otherworldly Trouble-Life RPG” developed by Sumzap under Kadokawa and confirmed for iOS, Android, and PC with a Japanese launch in 2026.

The premise: you take over the city of Axel — the ramshackle adventurer’s town where Kazuma and the gang are perpetually broke — and build it into something prosperous. Gameplay combines town management and resource building with RPG quest progression and character interactions. You recruit adventurers, expand facilities, and drag Kazuma, Aqua, Megumin, and Darkness along for an entirely original story. The original anime voice cast reprises their roles in full.

The Original Team Is on Board

KonoSuba ~Prosperity to This Beloved Town!~ Teaser PV — via KADOKAWAanime on YouTube

What separates Machi-suba from the flood of anime-licensed mobile titles is the involvement of the franchise’s actual creators. Light novel author Natsume Akatsuki is supervising the original story. In a comment carried on the official Kadokawa announcement (Japanese), Akatsuki said: “I’d like to aim to be an independent solo player like Yunyun, so I hope the event design won’t exclude those who play alone.” That’s a pointed jab at mobile games that wall content behind guild participation — and a hint that Akatsuki is pushing for a design that actually respects solo fans.

Original illustrator Kurone Mishima is cooperating on the art, and noted in the same announcement: “I’m truly happy to be able to meet Kazuma and the others again in this form.” The game’s key art — drawn in Mishima’s instantly recognisable style — already looks like a series-accurate production rather than a rushed licence job.

KonoSuba Machi-suba official announcement showing the city of Axel and creator comments from Natsume Akatsuki and Kurone Mishima
Image courtesy of Kadokawa

Pre-Registration and Platforms

Aqua from KonoSuba in an action pose in the Machi-suba teaser PV
Image courtesy of Kadokawa

Pre-registration is open now via the official site (Japanese), which links to both the App Store and Google Play, with a PC version also planned. The game is free to play. No specific launch date has been announced beyond “2026,” and no English or global version has been confirmed.

For Singapore and SEA fans, that means a Japanese App Store or Japan-region Google Play account is the current path to pre-registration. Given KonoSuba’s massive overseas fanbase — the series is one of the most streamed isekai franchises in the region — a global rollout seems commercially obvious, but Kadokawa has made no announcement. Treat it as Japan-first for now and flag the official site for updates.

The City of Axel on Your Phone

Aerial view of the city of Axel in KonoSuba Machi-suba title card
Image courtesy of Kadokawa

KonoSuba previously had KonoSuba: Fantastic Days (2021), a gacha RPG that shuttered in 2024 — not an unusual fate for anime mobile games. Machi-suba feels like a deliberate course correction: city-building gives the game a long-term progression loop that doesn’t rely purely on banner pulls, the creator involvement adds story credibility, and Akatsuki’s lobbying for solo-friendly events suggests Kadokawa is listening to what drove players away from the genre.

KonoSuba Season 4 is also in production for 2027, so the franchise is in an active content cycle. A new game landing alongside a fresh anime season is smart positioning — if Machi-suba earns goodwill on launch, it will have a wave of new viewers to convert.

Check our Game News for more upcoming releases, and our Manga & Anime section for KonoSuba Season 4 updates as they arrive.

Game News

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Spirit Arrives on Mobile 13 August — Pre-Register Now

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JoJo fans in Singapore, mark 13 August on your calendar. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Spirit — the first official JoJo mobile game to launch globally outside Japan — arrives on iOS and Android on that date, completely free-to-play. Pre-registration is open now, and signing up before launch unlocks in-game rewards when you log in on day one.

What Is JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Spirit?

Developed by HOOLAI GAME LIMITED and published by Wanda Cinemas Games, Golden Spirit is a strategic mobile RPG built around the full Joestar bloodline. The game spans all six JoJo generations — from Part 1 Phantom Blood all the way through Part 6 Stone Ocean — bringing together a roster of heroes and rivals from across the entire series. Star Platinum, Crazy Diamond, Gold Experience, Sticky Fingers, King Crimson, Stone Free: they are all in.

The soundtrack is composed by Yugo Kanno, the musician behind the anime’s original score from Stardust Crusaders through Steel Ball Run. That alone should set the right mood for late-night Stand battles.

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Golden Spirit gameplay showing Stand battle with 360-degree free camera
Image courtesy of Wanda Cinemas Games

Stand Battles, Weather, and Real-Time Strategy

Combat is built on a real-time auto-battler system with a 360-degree free camera that swings around during fights. Formation placement on a multi-tile grid affects which abilities activate and how the team flows — positioning is not just cosmetic. Land the right conditions and a RUSH burst kicks in, shifting the momentum of the fight.

A dynamic weather system changes conditions during battle, so the same team can perform differently depending on the stage. Character progression includes Stand awakening, skill upgrades, gear forging, and ascension paths. World Boss co-op and a ranked PvP mode round out the endgame. And yes, Guido Mista’s fourth shot has reduced accuracy — exactly as it should be.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Spirit | Official Gameplay Trailer — via JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Spirit on YouTube

Singapore Gets It on Day One

Golden Spirit is a worldwide launch with Japan excluded, meaning Singapore players can download it from the App Store and Google Play the moment it goes live on 13 August 2026. In-app purchases use Astrogems (the premium currency), priced in USD from under a dollar up to US$99.99 — standard gacha territory. No SGD pricing has been confirmed at this stage, so expect USD conversion at checkout.

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Golden Spirit character selection showing heroes from across JoJo Parts 1 to 6
Image courtesy of Wanda Cinemas Games

How to Pre-Register

Pre-registration is live on both storefronts right now:

The official pre-registration site also lists launch rewards tied to sign-up milestones. An earlier closed beta ran from 15–29 May across the US, UK, Canada, and France — this full global launch on 13 August is the first time the rest of the world, including Singapore, gets in.

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Golden Spirit banner
Image courtesy of Wanda Cinemas Games

For more mobile game launches and anime coverage, keep an eye on the blog — with the Steel Ball Run Part 2 anime arriving on Netflix in September, JoJo is having a very strong 2026.

Game News

Where Winds Meet 2.0 — Hidden Mountain Expansion Drops 23 July, Free for All Players

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If you have been sleeping on Where Winds Meet, the wuxia open-world RPG from Everstone Studio, this Thursday is the wake-up call. Version 2.0 — dubbed the Hidden Mountain expansion — launches globally on 23 July (UTC), and it is entirely free for every player on every platform.

A warrior gazes up at towering mountain cliffs in Where Winds Meet Hidden Mountain
Image courtesy of Everstone Studio / NetEase Games

What Is the Hidden Mountain Expansion?

Hidden Mountain introduces an entirely new region built around the Mohist Hill Sect — a legendary order of engineers who, in the game’s lore, transformed an entire mountain into one colossal working machine. The zone itself is unlike anything in the base game: instead of the usual open plains, it stacks multiple distinct layers vertically, taking players from underwater trenches and underground palaces all the way up through cloud-piercing peaks and, at the very top, floating sky cities suspended above the clouds. The developers are calling the visual direction Eastern Steampunk, and from the screenshots it is exactly what that sounds like — traditional Song-dynasty architecture wrapped in clockwork gears, rope bridges and mechanical cranes.

Bird's-eye view of the Mohist Sect mechanical engineering complex in Where Winds Meet Hidden Mountain
Image courtesy of Everstone Studio / NetEase Games

A Mountain Turned Into a Machine

The Mohist Sect is the first faction in Where Winds Meet built entirely around construction and crafting. Joining them unlocks a DIY building system that lets you assemble custom mechanical contraptions and vehicles from collected components — not just for base decoration but for actively navigating the terrain. These mechanical vehicles are a new traversal tool, letting you ride up steep cliff faces and reach hidden enclaves that Lightness Skill alone cannot reach.

Player using the Mohist crafting system to assemble a mechanical contraption in Where Winds Meet
Image courtesy of Everstone Studio / NetEase Games

The expansion carries a new main storyline that follows directly from the Imperial Palace arc, so returning players will have immediate narrative context for why they are venturing into this mountain stronghold.

Where Winds Meet – Hidden Mountain Expansion Official Trailer — via PlayStation on YouTube

New Weapons and Bosses Built for the Mountain

Two new disciplines arrive with the expansion. The Gauntlets are close-quarters fist weapons designed for rapid combos and burst damage — martial-monk brawling that prioritises aggression over distance. The Rope Dart pairs well with the vertical terrain, swinging players across gaps and pulling enemies into range. Both weapons feed into new boss encounters tuned for the mechanical theme: a massive insect-like construct with a bulkhead weapon, a serpentine enemy whose pincers can snare players mid-dodge, and the most visually striking of the three — groups of marionette puppets that attack in eerie synchronised patterns.

Player fighting the marionette puppet boss in Where Winds Meet Hidden Mountain expansion
Image courtesy of Everstone Studio / NetEase Games

Ray-Tracing, Wind Dynamics and Reworked Textures

The 2.0 label is not just branding: Everstone Studio has shipped a significant technical overhaul alongside the new content. Rock textures across the mountain have been rebuilt to show realistic weathering from wind, water and time rather than the static tiling of before. A new light rendering and ray-tracing system handles the complex, layered illumination of a multi-altitude environment — think shafts of sunlight cutting through underground caverns, then golden-hour glow at the sky-city peaks. Wind itself now behaves dynamically, creating layered acoustic layers as gusts move through canyon passages. It is the kind of across-the-board polish pass that makes the whole game feel like a new release.

Player swings on a rope dart across floating platforms in Where Winds Meet Hidden Mountain
Image courtesy of Everstone Studio / NetEase Games

Available in Singapore — Free on All Platforms

Where Winds Meet is free to play, and Hidden Mountain is a free content update — no expansion pass, no separate purchase. The game is available in Singapore on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam — App ID 3564740), iOS and Android, with full cross-progress sync between all platforms. For players who have been riding the Genshin Impact and Wuthering Waves wave, this is worth bookmarking: the Eastern setting, Lightness Skill traversal system and high production values put it squarely in the same conversation, and version 2.0 is the most substantial single update the game has seen since launch.

Hidden Mountain goes live on 23 July 2026 (UTC) — check the official Where Winds Meet website for the exact regional unlock time.

Game News

AION 2 Is Coming to Asia This September — What Singapore MMO Veterans Need to Know

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If you spent any part of 2009 to 2015 grinding rifts in the Abyss, fighting over artifact nodes in the Brusthonin fortress, or just flying over Elysea at golden hour — AION 2 is officially on the calendar. NCSoft’s long-awaited sequel to one of Southeast Asia’s most beloved MMORPGs has a global launch window of September 2026, with an Asia server confirmed and the game free-to-play on Steam and the NC PURPLE launcher.

Here’s everything Singapore players need to know before the wings come back.

A Sequel 15 Years in the Making

The original AION launched in Korea in 2008 and hit Southeast Asia in 2009, quickly becoming a staple of the regional MMO scene. The combination of flight combat, the Elyos-versus-Asmodian faction war, and striking visuals made it one of the defining online games of its era in Singapore and across the region. NCSoft eventually wound down the global servers in phases, but the game maintained a passionate community through private servers long after the official shutdowns.

AION 2 is a full sequel — not a remaster or a mobile port. It is built in Unreal Engine 5, and the visual leap is immediately apparent. Gone are the 2008-era character models; in their place are sweeping open-world environments, detailed character customisation, and lighting that finally does justice to the celestial-versus-fallen-angel aesthetic the series always aimed for.

AION 2 open world — sprawling landscape with giant mushroom-like trees and rocky terrain
AION 2’s open-world zones stretch well beyond anything in the original game. (Image: NCSoft / Steam)

What’s New — and What’s Back

The two core factions return: the radiant Elyos and the shadowy Asmodians, still locked in their eternal conflict over the fragmented world of Atreia. Flight remains a central mechanic rather than a tacked-on travel feature — players can engage enemies in the air, pull off aerial manoeuvres, and access zones that are simply unreachable on foot.

AION 2 — player on a flying mount soaring over an ocean with tropical islands below
Flight combat returns as a signature feature, with mounts and personal wings both available. (Image: NCSoft / Steam)

AION 2 launches with nine playable classes spanning the familiar archetypes — frontline warriors, spellcasters, support healers, and stealth-based assassins — with some new additions to the roster. The class system retains the dual-spec flexibility that allowed players in the original game to shift between offensive and utility roles depending on content.

Content at launch is designed around a mix of solo questing, party dungeons, and large-scale raids. The PvPvE Abyss zones — the defining feature of the original that blended faction warfare with contested PvE objectives — return in an evolved form, with NCSoft promising improved server stability for the chaotic three-way encounters players remember.

AION 2 — player character facing off against large bird-monster enemies on a wooden platform
Ground combat takes full advantage of Unreal Engine 5’s particle effects and environment detail. (Image: NCSoft / Steam)
AION 2 — epic boss fight against a giant fiery winged demon creature
Boss encounters scale up dramatically, with multi-phase fights against colossal enemies. (Image: NCSoft / Steam)

How Singapore Players Can Access AION 2

NCSoft has confirmed a dedicated Asia server for global launch. Singapore players will be able to join via Steam (where AION 2 already has a store page) or through NCSoft’s own NC PURPLE launcher, which handles regional authentication. Both routes lead to the same servers.

The base game is free-to-play with no purchase required to download and start playing. This is a significant shift from the original AION’s subscription model, which was one of the reasons its Western and SEA populations eventually migrated away.

AION 2 — cave interior with glowing blue crystal formations and bioluminescent lighting
Dungeon environments showcase the kind of atmospheric lighting only possible in UE5. (Image: NCSoft / Steam)

Monetisation: What NCSoft Revealed on 10 July

NCSoft published its full monetisation plan on 10 July 2026, ahead of launch. The structure is layered:

  • Free-to-play base: Full access to the game, all zones, and base progression at no cost.
  • Optional subscription (~USD 15/month): Boosts to XP gain and item drop rates, plus quality-of-life perks. This is voluntary and does not gate any content.
  • Cosmetic cash shop: Appearance items, wing designs, mounts, and housing decorations sold separately. No gear with stats for real money.
  • Daeva Battle Pass: A seasonal progression track offering cosmetic rewards alongside earnable in-game items.
  • Founder Packs: Pre-launch bundles that include a 5-day early access head start, exclusive cosmetics, and other launch bonuses. These are available for purchase now ahead of the September launch window.

The subscription being optional rather than mandatory is going to matter a lot for the Singapore market. The original AION’s monthly fee was a sticking point for students and casual players in SEA. With F2P access and an optional sub for committed players, NCSoft is positioning AION 2 for a much broader regional audience than the original ever managed to sustain.

The GT Take

AION 2 has a real chance to land well here. NCSoft knows the SEA market from its AION 1 history, the Asia server removes the latency issues that plagued regional players on Western infrastructure, and the free-to-play model eliminates the single biggest barrier to re-entry. Whether the Abyss captures the same magic as the 2010 peak days is something only the players can decide — but the bones are right. September can’t come soon enough.

AION 2 launches globally in September 2026 on PC via Steam and NC PURPLE. The Asia server is confirmed. Founder Packs with 5-day early access are available now via the Steam store page.

Game News, News

Warframe Tau and Soulframe Warsongs Revealed at TennoCon 2026

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After more than a decade roaming the Origin System, Warframe is finally going somewhere new. At TennoCon 2026 — Digital Extremes’ annual fan celebration — the studio pulled the curtain on Warframe: Tau, the game’s next major Narrative Chapter, alongside a raft of Soulframe news that gave Digital Extremes’ other free-to-play RPG its biggest reveal yet. Both games are free and fully accessible from Singapore across PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Nintendo Switch 2.

TennoCon 2026 | Warframe: Tau | Official Trailer — via PlayWarframe on YouTube

Warframe: Tau — A Second Star Chart Beyond the Origin System

Tau is not a replacement for the Origin System — it is a second, fully separate Star Chart opening up a new region of space orbiting a binary star. The launch content centres on Fornax, a colossal Sentient ring city that doubles as one of the most distinct environments in Warframe’s history: a lawless metropolis drenched in constant black rain, where an addictive substance called Bloom keeps the population docile and a criminal underworld rules the docks, casinos and slums. Think cyberpunk noir, but built from alien biomechanical architecture.

The faction controlling Fornax is headed by the Hunra, voiced by Jonathan Bullock, a crime boss who becomes the central antagonist of the Tau chapter’s opening arc. Digital Extremes has confirmed a second, as-yet-undisclosed location will launch alongside Fornax. The entire Tau chapter arrives as a free update for all platforms later in 2026 — community director Megan Everett described it as “one of the biggest updates we’ve ever done,” while being careful to note it is not a sequel.

Warframe players in the atmospheric corridors of Fornax, the Sentient ring city in Tau
Image courtesy of Digital Extremes

Meet Brysko: The Noir Warframe Voiced by Matthew Mercer

Headlining the Tau chapter is Brysko, a new “Chimera frame” — a Sentient-hybrid Warframe rebuilt by the series veteran Albrecht Entrati. Brysko is voiced by Matthew Mercer (Critical Role, Resident Evil Village, Overwatch), making him a rare non-Protoframe Warframe to receive a named voice actor. His role is equal parts detective and enforcer: his inner monologue narrates his cynical world-view as he infiltrates Fornax’s criminal underworld on Entrati’s behalf.

His arsenal leans into the noir aesthetic. His Exalted Pistol, the Corecracker, is a heavy revolver magnum, while his Exalted Melee — Rain & Shine — are a pair of brutal brass-knuckle fist weapons. He can also deal damage with explosive playing cards, which ties into Tau’s new mini-game, Portau — Warframe’s first card-based game, playable inside Fornax’s casinos.

Brysko holds playing cards across from an alien enemy at a casino table in the Portau card mini-game
Image courtesy of Digital Extremes

Fall 2026 First: Iceblade of Narin Before Tau Arrives

Tau will not be the first major update to land before the year is out. Digital Extremes confirmed Iceblade of Narin — the studio’s traditional autumn release — is also in the pipeline for 2026. It introduces the game’s 66th Warframe, an ice-themed frame, alongside the long-awaited Banshee Deluxe Collection and rework (Banshee’s first Deluxe since 2016) and Citrine Prime Access. Full details will be presented at a live devstream from Seoul, South Korea, on 4 September 2026.

Iceblade of Narin title card for the Fall 2026 Warframe update
Image courtesy of Digital Extremes

Soulframe: Warsongs — Wolf Mounts, Ben Starr and a Darkening Fable

TennoCon 2026 did not neglect Soulframe, Digital Extremes’ slower-paced, fantasy-RPG counterpart to Warframe. The studio revealed Warsongs, the next major Fable quest for Soulframe Preludes, described by the dev team as the darkest content yet. The new Fable introduces Tempest Bayor, a rare red-armed Envoy aligned with the invading Ode forces, voiced by Ben Starr — familiar to Singapore fans from his recent breakout performance in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Alongside Bayor is his faithful raven companion and the soaring Citadel as a new hub location.

Four Soulframe players riding giant wolf mounts through a forest stream in the Warsongs reveal
Image courtesy of Digital Extremes

The headline feature for many existing Preludes players is the confirmation that wolf mounts are finally coming to Soulframe this fall. The gameplay demo showed a full four-player squad riding large wolves across Alca, and players who have completed the Orangol quest already have a wolf pup that will grow through new bonding mechanics into a full rideable companion. The update also adds a fishing mini-game woven into the narrative, and a new corrupted progression path called the Vadagar Pact, which unlocks dark Virtues — Wrath, Doom and Death — for Envoys willing to embrace corruption.

Soulframe | TennoCon 2026 Official Warsongs Trailer — via Soulframe on YouTube

Singapore Players: How to Get In Right Now

Warframe is free-to-play with no region restrictions — download it now on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC via Steam, or Nintendo Switch 2. The Tau chapter and Iceblade of Narin update will roll out as free downloads when they launch later in 2026. Soulframe is in Preludes (early access) and is free on PC. There is one time-sensitive action for Singapore fans: sign up at soulframe.com before 11:59 PM ET on 12 July (that is around 11:59 AM SGT on 13 July) to secure permanent access to Soulframe Preludes. Miss the window and you will need to wait for a wider public launch date, which has not been announced.

For more free-to-play and live-service gaming news, head to our Game News archive.

Game News

Once Human Hits PS5 and Xbox Series X|S on 25 August — Free with New First-Person Mode

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PS5 owners, it is finally happening. NetEase Games and Starry Studio have confirmed that Once Human, their wildly popular free-to-play survival MMO, launches on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on 25 August 2026 — and it will cost you nothing to download. After two years as a PC-exclusive, the game is finally crossing over to the consoles that dominate Singapore living rooms.

A Whole New Way to Play: First-Person Mode

Once Human gameplay screenshot showing exploration
Image courtesy of NetEase Games

The console launch is not just a straight port. Starry Studio is introducing a first-person perspective that sits alongside the existing third-person camera — players can swap between the two at any time, even mid-combat. Weapon animations have been rebuilt from the ground up to match the tighter viewpoint, and the shift fundamentally changes how shooting and resource gathering feel. For players who found third-person survival games a little removed, first-person Once Human is worth a serious look.

4K at 60fps or 120fps — Your Call

Console players get two graphics presets out of the box. Quality Mode delivers a native 4K image at 60 frames per second, while Performance Mode trades some resolution for a buttery 120fps on compatible displays. PS5 players also get DualSense haptic feedback tuned to the game’s world — low-frequency rumbles when giant creatures are nearby, and trigger resistance that shifts during boss encounters. It is a small thing, but it makes the PS5 version feel genuinely at home on the platform.

Once Human screenshot showing the post-apocalyptic world
Image courtesy of NetEase Games

Cross-Play and Cross-Progression From Day One

This is the detail that matters most for Singapore’s gaming scene. Once Human on console will launch with full cross-play and cross-progression between PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. If you have been grinding on Steam since the 2024 PC launch, every hour carries over. If your friends are on different platforms, you are in the same session regardless. That kind of parity at a free-to-play title’s console debut is not something to take for granted — and it makes the August 25 date relevant to everyone, not just newcomers.

For an overview of what has been happening in recent game releases, check out our Game News section.

300+ Hours of Content at Launch

Once Human console launch promotional art
Image courtesy of NetEase Games

Console players are not getting a reduced build. The launch version ships with six full scenarios and an additional PVP spin-off, adding up to more than 300 hours of Day One content. There is also a paid option for players who want to hit the ground running: a Starter Pack at USD 9.99 and a Radiance Pack at USD 14.99 are available as pre-purchase options, though the base game remains entirely free.

Watch the Console Launch Trailer

Once Human | Global Console Launch on Aug 25 (PT) — via Once Human on YouTube
Once Human screenshot showing game environment
Image courtesy of NetEase Games

Once Human launched on PC in July 2024 and has accumulated a massive player base across Southeast Asia. The August 25 console release opens that same world to anyone with a PS5 or Xbox Series X|S — no purchase required. Mark the date.