Chrono Odyssey is an upcoming MMORPG by Korean studio NPIXEL. The game was initially scheduled for a 2022 launch but there was a massive change in development plans and the game is getting an update from Unreal Engine 4 to Unreal Engine 5, which could lead to a noticeable graphical upgrade. The game will release on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox but there is no confirmed release date in sight. The game was planned for mobile but it will not release on the platform and the developers are focusing on a PC and console release only.
The World of Chrono Odyssey
From what we know so far, Setera is a peaceful world at first glance but it has been combating the Void since time immemorial. NPIXEL describes the world as a “land filled with the dangers and chaos caused by the twisted time and space and contradicting timelines.” Time travel will play a major role in shaping the world of Chrono Odyssey and as we explore the world of Setera, we will uncover the mysteries of the Void.
We will get to interact with a device known as the Chronotector which as an artifact that can manipulate space and time. The device yields to its holder’s will and it was created by The Great Ones, who we can assume to be godlike beings.
Not much else is known about the game world at the time of writing but the premise seems promising and if the time travel elements, gameplay, and story are done right, it could be worth checking out if you are looking for something new.
What is the Gameplay Like?
Behind all of the flashy visuals, here’s what we know about the actual gameplay. Chrono Odyssey will feature a job system similar to Final Fantasy XIV and we don’t know if players can switch between jobs whenever they want. There will be a total of six jobs to choose from which is a dip from the original 18 that were planned. Each class has access to two weapon types.
The game will feature both PvE and PvP on all platforms. The game will feature a seamless open world with seamless movement from one zone to another, which likely means that there will be no loading zones during exploration.
The game will feature open-world events and boss battles where multiple players can join in and take on powerful foes. The game will feature dynamic weather and seasons but we don’t know if they will exist for visual effects only or if they will affect gameplay as well.
In terms of combat, players will get to swap between weapons in real-time and you can carry multiple weapons at once to switch between them on the fly. The game will also feature “unpredictable” enemies which will require players to think twice but it is something that is hard to implement.
Chrono Odyssey Factions
The Guardians: The faction consists of greater beings who oversee everything that oversees Setera and their followers. Guardians can vary in appearance and temperament and are not inhabitants of this world. The Guardians came to this world after their worlds were destroyed and were called upon by the Great Ones.
The Void: Members of the Void are immortal and incredibly powerful. The only reason Setera is able to keep The Void and its champions at bay is by limiting its powers. But the Void is growing in power and we will be tasked with stopping them.
The Broken: They are known as the World Movers. Their bodies have been contaminated by the Void and they suffer from seizures and a breakdown of their bodily functions. If the Void contamination reaches a critical point, it breaks down the energy flow in their bodies and leaves them in a zombie-like state. They do not lose their sense of self completely but they attack anything on sight to restore their lost energy.
World Movers: The World Movers are the surveyors of the Void’s destruction of their homeland. They have escaped to Setera and are blessed with strength or luck, which allows them to take on challenges and powerful foes. There are three different factions within the World Movers but their ultimate goal is to ensure survival and prosperity for the entire faction. While their goals are aligned, the factions experience a power struggle and are constantly fighting for influence, rights, and personal interests.
The Outcasts: The Outcasts are former World Movers who were removed from their faction due to internal differences. The group is known for immoral acts and is hostile towards the currency World Movers. They are human which makes it easy for them to stay in hiding and are known to scam World Movers.
Chrono Odyssey Development Update
It can take a lot of work to find information about Chrono Odyssey developer NPIXEL. The CEO of NPIXEL is Spike Bong-gun Bae who is known for his developmental roles in Seven Knights and DK Online. NPIXEL achieved fame through Gran Saga. The company received a significant investment from SAEHAN Venture Capital, Altos Ventures, and Aspex last year.
The game was being developed in Unreal Engine 4 but it has shifted to Unreal Engine 5 which is promising as the graphical jump could be massive. The publisher has also signed Cris Velasco who has worked on games like StarCraft, God of War, and Overwatch.
Chrono Odyssey Release Date
There is no official release date at the moment. The game was scheduled for release in 2022 but things got delayed due to the switch to Unreal Engine 6. It will release on all platforms at the same time and we might get a Korean release this year, with a global release scheduled for a later date.
There is a lot of hype and anticipation around the game in parts of the MMO community. The premise of the game is promising and we hope NPIXEL sticks the landing with this one.