Is DragonSword Awakening Coming to PS5 or Xbox? Deluxe vs Standard Edition Comparison
When I first saw DragonSword Awakening, I honestly expected another flashy anime RPG filled with stamina meters, premium currencies, and endless banners asking players to spend more money. Instead, Hound13 completely changed the direction of the project. The studio abandoned the original free-to-play structure, removed the entire gacha system, and transformed the game into a premium single-player RPG that you purchase once and own without worrying about microtransactions.
That decision alone makes DragonSword Awakening one of the most interesting RPG launches of the year.
Since the PC release date was officially announced, two questions have dominated Reddit discussions, Steam forums, and YouTube comment sections.
- Will DragonSword Awakening release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S?
- Is the Deluxe Edition actually worth buying over the Standard Edition?
After following official developer livestreams, reading every available FAQ, and watching community discussions grow over the past several months, here’s everything you need to know before deciding which edition deserves your money.
Is DragonSword Awakening Coming to PS5 and Xbox?
The short answer is encouraging.
Yes, console versions are officially planned.
Unfortunately, they won’t arrive alongside the PC launch.
DragonSword Awakening launches exclusively on Steam on July 23, 2026, but Hound13 has already confirmed that PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions are part of the studio’s long-term development roadmap.
During an official developer livestream, producer JYJ explained that the team’s immediate priority is delivering the best possible PC experience before allocating resources toward console development.
That strategy feels completely reasonable for an independent developer. Launching simultaneously on multiple platforms requires significantly more testing, optimization, certification work, and technical support. Rather than spreading the development team too thin, Hound13 has chosen to focus on one polished launch before expanding to additional platforms.
Considering DragonSword Awakening is built with Unreal Engine 5 and features a seamless open world, dynamic action combat, aerial traversal, underwater exploration, and optional cooperative content, concentrating on one platform first is probably the smartest decision they could make.
When Could the Console Version Release?
Although the developers haven’t provided a specific release window, there are enough clues to make an educated estimate.
Looking at previous Unreal Engine 5 titles from independent studios, a PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S launch during mid-to-late 2027 appears to be the most realistic expectation.
| Development Factor | Impact on Console Launch |
|---|---|
| PC-first development | Allows developers to stabilize the initial release |
| Unreal Engine 5 optimization | Requires additional performance tuning for consoles |
| Sony certification | Mandatory approval before PlayStation release |
| Microsoft certification | Additional testing and compliance checks |
| Publishing agreements | Regional storefront preparation |
| Quality assurance | Extensive bug fixing across multiple hardware configurations |
One positive sign is that DragonSword Awakening already includes excellent controller support. The interface feels naturally designed for a gamepad rather than being a simple keyboard adaptation. Since the project originally targeted multiple platforms, much of the groundwork for a console release already exists.
How DragonSword Awakening Changed from a Gacha Game into a Premium RPG
The game’s development history is honestly one of the biggest reasons it has attracted so much attention.
DragonSword Awakening wasn’t originally designed as the premium RPG we see today. Early in development, it was planned as another live-service title featuring many of the monetization systems players have become familiar with.
- Premium character banners
- Random summons
- Daily login rewards
- Energy limitations
- Microtransactions
Everything changed after Hound13 separated from its original publishing agreement.
Instead of searching for another publisher willing to continue the live-service model, the developers made a bold decision that very few studios would seriously consider.
They removed the monetization systems entirely.
That wasn’t simply a matter of deleting an in-game store. Removing gacha mechanics affects progression systems, character unlocks, balancing, rewards, player motivation, economy design, and dozens of interconnected gameplay features.
In many ways, Hound13 rebuilt large portions of the game from the ground up.
As someone who has spent hundreds of hours playing gacha RPGs over the years, I genuinely respect that decision. It would have been much easier—and probably far more profitable—to leave the monetization systems intact.
Instead, the developers chose to create something that feels much closer to a traditional Japanese RPG.
Every Character Is Unlockable Through Gameplay
One of the biggest concerns within the community was whether playable characters would remain locked behind paid content or DLC.
Fortunately, that isn’t the case.
DragonSword Awakening features 19 playable characters, and every single one can be unlocked naturally through story progression and dedicated character quests.
That design immediately brings back memories of classic JRPGs where discovering optional party members was one of the most rewarding parts of the adventure. Instead of spending real money hoping luck is on your side, players simply enjoy the game and gradually build their roster.
For longtime RPG fans, that’s a refreshing philosophy.
DragonSword Awakening Standard Edition
The Standard Edition launches at $29.99 USD, making it considerably cheaper than most modern AAA releases.
Even more importantly, it includes the complete gameplay experience.
| Included Content | Standard Edition |
|---|---|
| Full Story Campaign | ✔ |
| All 19 Playable Characters | ✔ |
| Open World Exploration | ✔ |
| Flying Mounts | ✔ |
| Underwater Exploration | ✔ |
| Optional Co-op Raids | ✔ |
| Abyssal Direwolf Familiar (Launch Promotion) | ✔ |
Nothing essential has been removed from the Standard Edition. Players purchasing during the launch promotion also receive the Abyssal Direwolf Familiar completely free, provided they claim the game before the promotional deadline.
Everything Included in the Deluxe Edition
The Deluxe Edition costs $49.99 USD, although launch discounts reduce that price slightly.
Unlike many modern Deluxe Editions, this version doesn’t lock gameplay behind an additional purchase. Instead, it focuses entirely on collectible digital content.
| Feature | Standard | Deluxe |
|---|---|---|
| Base Game | ✔ | ✔ |
| Digital Artbook | — | ✔ |
| Original Soundtrack | — | ✔ |
| Brave Baby Dragon Familiar | — | ✔ |
That’s the complete package.
There are no exclusive weapons, additional story chapters, bonus experience boosts, hidden dungeons, or exclusive combat abilities.
Personally, I think that’s exactly how Deluxe Editions should work. Players who only care about gameplay aren’t punished, while collectors still receive worthwhile digital bonuses.
Does the Deluxe Familiar Provide Gameplay Advantages?
This is probably one of the most frequently asked questions.
The answer is simple.
No.
The exclusive Brave Baby Dragon Familiar included with the Deluxe Edition is entirely cosmetic. According to Hound13, it doesn’t possess stronger combat abilities, better statistics, or exclusive gameplay mechanics.
That clarification immediately eased concerns about possible pay-to-win systems.
Roughly two-thirds of all Familiars available in DragonSword Awakening can be earned naturally while playing, ensuring that everyone enjoys the same gameplay balance regardless of which edition they purchase.
Which Edition Should You Buy?
Your decision really comes down to what kind of player you are.
If your priority is simply experiencing DragonSword Awakening, the Standard Edition offers exceptional value. It includes every important gameplay feature, every playable character, every major boss encounter, and every core progression system.
- Complete story campaign
- Full roster of playable heroes
- Every gameplay mechanic
- Entire open world
- Optional cooperative content
The Deluxe Edition appeals more to collectors and dedicated fans. The digital artbook, original soundtrack, and exclusive cosmetic dragon companion make it an attractive option for players who enjoy exploring concept art or supporting independent developers.
There’s another reason many fans have chosen the Deluxe Edition.
They simply want to reward Hound13 for abandoning aggressive monetization in favor of a traditional premium RPG. In today’s gaming industry, that’s becoming increasingly rare.
Community Reception So Far
Gaming communities are usually skeptical whenever developers promise player-friendly business models, especially when a project originally started life as a gacha game.
DragonSword Awakening has managed to earn surprisingly positive reactions across Reddit, Steam discussions, YouTube previews, and JRPG communities.
The same strengths continue appearing in player conversations.
- No gacha mechanics
- No premium currency
- No paid playable characters
- Affordable launch pricing
- Strong single-player experience
- Optional cooperative multiplayer
Of course, not everyone agrees on every decision. Some players hoped for a simultaneous console release, while others wanted physical editions alongside the digital launch.
Even so, the overall reception has been overwhelmingly more positive than many expected when the project first appeared several years ago.
Should Console Players Wait?
If PlayStation or Xbox is your preferred platform, waiting is probably the right choice.
Hound13 hasn’t abandoned console development. The studio has simply chosen to prioritize the PC release before expanding onto additional hardware.
Considering the existing controller support and the project’s original cross-platform ambitions, there’s every reason to believe DragonSword Awakening will eventually make its way to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S once optimization and certification are complete.
Tears of Metal Steam Deck Best Graphics Settings for Max FPS
Final Verdict
DragonSword Awakening isn’t just another anime action RPG trying to compete in an already crowded genre. Its development story alone makes it one of the most fascinating releases of 2026.
Watching a studio abandon a potentially lucrative gacha business model in favor of a complete buy-once experience deserves recognition. It wasn’t the easiest path, but it’s one that many RPG fans have been asking the industry to embrace for years.
If you’re planning to play on PC, the Standard Edition is easily the best value. For just $29.99, you’re getting the complete adventure with every playable character, optional co-op content, extensive exploration, and no pressure to spend additional money after purchase.
The Deluxe Edition is best suited for players who appreciate digital collectibles, love the game’s visual style, enjoy listening to orchestral soundtracks, or simply want to support Hound13’s player-friendly direction. The exclusive Brave Baby Dragon is a fun cosmetic companion, but it doesn’t alter gameplay balance, which is exactly how premium bonuses should be handled.
As for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S owners, the wait isn’t over, but the future certainly looks promising. Hound13 has already confirmed that console development is the next major objective after the PC launch. If everything proceeds according to plan, players on both consoles may finally explore the world of Orbis sometime during 2027.
Sometimes the best games are worth waiting for, and DragonSword Awakening is shaping up to be one of them.
