Corepunk, a Buy to Play MMORPG, Finally Enters Early Access

After years of delays, Corepunk has officially launched into early access. Developed by Ukrainian studio Artificial Core, the top-down isometric MMORPG-MOBA hybrid invites players into a rich, cyber-fantasy world filled with monsters, champions, and dynamic PvE and PvP content. The early access phase began on November 26, 2024, with the full release planned for the end of 2025.

What is Corepunk?

Corepunk combines elements of MMORPGs, MOBAs, and ARPGs into a seamless open-world experience. The game’s defining features include:

  • Fog of War: A mechanic that obscures unexplored areas, adding strategic depth to exploration and combat.
  • Diverse Classes and Customization: Intricate skill trees and diverse classes allow players to develop unique playstyles.
  • PvE and PvP Content: From extraction-based instances to battlegrounds, the game balances competitive and cooperative gameplay modes.

Set in an atmospheric world blending cyberpunk and fantasy aesthetics, Corepunk promises players more than 300 hours of content at this stage of early access.

Early Access Warnings

Developers have emphasized that the early access phase is still a “last stage of alpha testing,” meaning players should expect bugs, incomplete features, and evolving gameplay. In a message to fans, the developers acknowledged these challenges while reassuring players that issues, like missing skin appearances, will be addressed promptly.

Additionally, much of the game’s content has been held back to prioritize technical improvements. Players can expect major updates over the coming months as the team continues refining the experience.

Business Model and Availability

  • Buy-to-Play: Corepunk adopts a buy-to-play model, with no pay-to-win mechanics. The in-game shop exclusively sells cosmetic items, ensuring a level playing field for all players.
  • Not Yet on Steam: While the game is not currently available on Steam, it’s possible this could change as the team approaches the full release.

Future Plans

The early access launch marks a significant milestone for Corepunk, but the journey is far from over. The developers are targeting a full release by late 2025, with substantial content updates and quality-of-life improvements planned along the way.

Given the lengthy delays and general competitiveness of the MMORPG market, time will tell if Corepunk has any legs. The buy to play business model will likely be a turn off for many, especially given the countless free to play options out there.

Corepunk: Official Early Access Trailer

Further Reading: Official Website