Corepunk is a promising hybrid game that blurs the lines between MOBA and ARPG. But can its combat system, quests and story live up to the hype?
Corepunk is an open-world MMORPG that seamlessly merges gameplay elements of League of Legends and Diablo.
The Early Access version has been available since November 26, allowing players to explore the game and provide feedback.
Currently, Corepunk is not available on Steam, instead, it must be accessed via its own launcher.
Developer Artificial Core has committed to delivering regular content updates, ensuring a steady stream of improvements and expansions.
The full release is slated for the end of 2025, giving the developers ample time to refine the game based on player input.
An overview of Corepunk
An isometric perspective for thrilling battles:
Corepunk combines the best of LoL and Diablo.
You play from an isometric (top-down) perspective, reminiscent of ARPGs, but with the strategic battles and team play of a MOBA like LoL.
Exploration and combat in a dark fantasy world
As you roam the atmospheric world of Corepunk, you will fight enemies, farm equipment and upgrade your character.
Over 350 quests await you as you team up with friends to defeat 15 powerful world bosses.
PvE Meets PvP in the Fog of War
Corepunk’s Extraction Battlegrounds blend PvE and PvP gameplay, encouraging players to fight for loot in dynamic environments.
A standout feature is the Fog-of-War mechanic, which restricts visibility to nearby players and surroundings.This mechanic enhances strategy and immersion, creating a gameplay style that will feel familiar to MOBA enthusiasts.
Additionally, the server structure prevents overcrowding, preserving balance and ensuring smoother exploration experiences.
Progression and customization through crafting and skills
Character development in Corepunk is deeply tied to crafting, resource gathering, and interaction with NPCs.
By collecting resources like wood and meat, players can craft equipment, enhance their builds, and prepare for new challenges.
Collect everything you can! Even materials from the early areas are still valuable in the endgame and can be used efficiently.
Corepunk offers extensive opportunities for tailoring your character with eight passive skills and three talent trees.
However, note the difference between skills and talents:
- Talents: Talent trees provide permanent bonuses, such as increased attack power or health. These improvements encourage long-term specialization and strategic planning.
- Skills: Skill points are used to enhance active combat abilities, with points earned through leveling. These upgrades allow for dynamic gameplay adjustments, keeping combat fresh and engaging.
The game’s story unfolds across multiple seasons, focusing on the power struggles between opposing factions.
Corepunk offers everything you could wish for in a successful fusion of MOBA and ARPG.
Tactical combat, flexible character development and an open world with unique features make the game an exciting alternative for fans of both genres.
Reaction from the community
Apart from the disappointment that Corepunk is not available on Steam, the initial reactions have been largely positive:
It was a fantastic time playing #Corepunk yesterday on stream! Early access is live as of yesterday!!! Corepunk is an open-world MMORPG that blends elements of MOBA's and ARPG's together with a map shrouded in Fog of War! Try out the game here: https://t.co/OeJkild8cG Thanks to... pic.twitter.com/ni9h4z32qx
— Lacari (@tk_lacari) November 28, 2024
Other users have already complained about the lack of quest indicators on the map and the slow gameplay:
I spent about 6 hours leveling in Corepunk today. This MMO does not hold your hand. It doesn't show quests on the map or where to go when you have quests. It took me 6 hours to hit level 4. pic.twitter.com/7sVgrsyKcm
— Fernwytch VTuber (@Fernwytch) August 7, 2024
I like the sandbox route this MMORPG takes, but while playtesting, it felt very slow. What do you think about having to spend so much time killing even the lowest-level mobs?I find it difficult to get used to such combat after playing games like V Rising
— Gameoneer (@GameoneerGaming) August 7, 2024
What do you think of Corepunk? Let us know in the comments!
