Blade & Soul NEO, a remastered version of the long-running action MMORPG, launched as a free-to-play title for PC in North America, Europe, and South America. The remaster was released on February 25, 2025, through NCSOFT’s proprietary distribution platform, PURPLE. It was also made available on Steam on April 23, 2025. The game is offered at no cost, with optional pre-order upgrade packages available for purchase. The remaster features enhanced graphics, refined gameplay mechanics, and the complete original storyline.
The launch provided specific free benefits for players. Those who pre-registered on the official website received a free cosmetic package. Additionally, pre-registration on the PURPLE platform allowed players to pre-download the game starting February 11, 2025, and begin character creation on February 18, 2025, ahead of the full launch. For the Steam launch on April 23, 2025, new players received two new free costumes to choose from and gained access to the "New Player Catch-Up Event," which was available across all servers for new and returning users. A returning user was classified as a player who had been dormant for 30 days. The Steam launch also introduced two new servers and fully functional cross-play between Steam and PURPLE.
Community engagement was encouraged through two player-driven contests hosted on the official Blade & Soul Discord. These contests, which ran for 30 days, included a Costume Design contest where the winning design would be added to the game. Additionally, a Community Contest was held.
For players interested in additional in-game items, exclusive pre-order packages were available for purchase. The Master Package, priced at $59.99, included a full Haran Outfit, Haran Weapon Skin, Chromatic Thread, 6,000 NCoin, and other items. The Ascendant Package was available for $29.99, and the Trainee Package for $9.99. These packages offered different rewards, with details and images available on the official Blade & Soul website.
The remaster is designed to provide a fresh start for players, running alongside the original game but not as a "classic server." It launches with early Blade & Soul content and gradually introduces newer classes and updates. Key new features include the Infinite Windwalk system, which expands exploration and movement, and various combat refinements for a more fluid and responsive experience. The core game remains the same but with upgraded visuals and gameplay improvements. The storyline allows players to re-live the original narrative, starting with the Hongmoon Clan led by Master Hong, and witnessing its destruction by the villainess Jinsoyun and her accomplices, Yura and Gubong. New players instantly gain access to the three content drops: Moonwater Plains, Pt. 1-3.
Sources
- NC America Press Release: Blade & Soul NEO Launch on PURPLE
- MMOS.com News Article: Remastered Blade & Soul NEO Launching on February 25 For Free
- Wccftech Article: Blade & Soul NEO Official Release Date February 25
- Noisy Pixel Article: Blade and Soul NEO PC Release Date Free-to-Play
- But Why Tho? Article: Remastered Blade and Soul NEO Launch