Dragonkin: The Banished Breaks Free: A New Contender in the ARPG Arena
The action RPG (ARPG) market is currently experiencing a surge, fueled by the success of titles like Diablo 4, Path of Exile 2, and Last Epoch. Into this competitive landscape steps Dragonkin: The Banished, the latest offering from Eko Software, a Parisian studio previously known for Warhammer: Chaosbane and the How to Survive series. The game is now available on PC via Steam, and for owners of the Digital Deluxe Edition on consoles, with wider console availability following on March 19.
Beyond the Diablo Clone: A Fresh Approach to Build Crafting
Many ARPGs lock players into a single class from the outset. Dragonkin: The Banished distinguishes itself by allowing players to sample all classes during the tutorial. Afterward, players choose between the Knight, Barbarian, Oracle, and Tracker, each starting from scratch. The game’s skill system, dubbed the Ancestral Grid, is a key differentiator. It features interconnected primary and support skills arranged on a hexagonal grid. Initially, much of the grid is locked, with additional slots unlocked as players level up.
A significant pain point for players of games like Diablo and Path of Exile is the difficulty of switching between different character builds. Dragonkin: The Banished addresses this by enabling players to create and save multiple builds, facilitating seamless transitions.
Early Access Success and Community Feedback
Dragonkin: The Banished benefited from a year-long early access period, beginning on March 6, 2025. This allowed Eko Software to incorporate community feedback directly into the game’s development. As of March 16, 2026, the game boasts over 1,000 positive reviews on Steam, with 85% of recent reviews being positive.
What Players Are Saying
Players praise Dragonkin: The Banished for its innovative gameplay and a satisfying endgame experience, a feature often lacking even in established titles like Last Epoch. Some critics, however, view it as a derivative of Diablo 2, lacking originality. Despite these differing opinions, the game is attracting attention from players seeking a new ARPG experience.
Currently, Dragonkin: The Banished is available on Steam for $22.49, a 10% discount from its original price of $24. This promotion is valid for a limited time.
The Future of ARPGs: What’s Next?
The success of Dragonkin: The Banished, alongside other recent ARPG releases, highlights a growing demand for this genre. Developers are increasingly focusing on addressing player frustrations with existing titles, such as build inflexibility and lackluster endgames. We can expect to see more games experimenting with skill systems and character customization options, moving beyond traditional class-based structures.
The integration of community feedback, as demonstrated by Dragonkin: The Banished’s early access period, is likely to turn into a standard practice. Developers are recognizing the value of involving players in the development process to create games that better meet their needs and expectations.
Did you know?
Eko Software is a Parisian studio with a diverse portfolio, including titles in the survival horror genre like the How to Survive series.
FAQ
Q: When was Dragonkin: The Banished fully released on PC?
A: March 16, 2026.
Q: When will Dragonkin: The Banished be available to all console players?
A: March 19, 2026.
Q: What other games has Eko Software developed?
A: Warhammer: Chaosbane and the How to Survive series.
Q: Where can I purchase Dragonkin: The Banished?
A: Currently on Steam.
Q: What is the Ancestral Grid?
A: A unique skill system in Dragonkin: The Banished where skills are arranged on a hexagonal grid.
Ready to dive into the world of Dragonkin: The Banished? Explore the game on Steam today!
