- The Drakantos closed beta runs from May 22 to 24, 2026, starting at 9 AM ET on Friday.
- This beta introduces PvP content with 13 maps across 3 modes: Control, Escort, and Assault.
- Major gameplay changes include free movement and a full action combat system.
- All players get access to 15 heroes and special Beta Boxes for testing builds.
- Previous beta participants retain access and can invite up to 3 Steam friends.
Drakantos Closed Beta: Key Dates and Access
The highly anticipated Drakantos closed beta is officially underway, offering players a chance to experience significant gameplay overhauls and brand-new content. Running from May 22 to May 24, 2026, this testing phase begins promptly at 9 AM ET on Friday. It's an essential opportunity for both returning and new players to dive into the evolving world of Drakantos.
Video Highlights:
- Official announcement of the Closed Beta dates and times.
- Overview of how to gain or retain access to the beta.
- Details on friend invites and server regions.
How to Join the Beta
Access to the Drakantos closed beta is managed through Steam. Here’s a breakdown of how you can participate:
Previous Participants
If you received access during the prior beta, your access remains active. You do not need to re-request it.
New Players
New players can request access directly through the official Drakantos Steam page. Invitations will be sent out gradually over time.
Friend Invites
Players who already have access can invite up to three friends, provided they have been Steam friends for at least 30 days. This is a Steam platform rule, not a Drakantos specific one.
Server Regions
Four server regions are available: North America (NA), South America (SA), Europe (EU), and Asia (AS). Once a region is selected, it cannot be changed during this beta test.
Due to major gameplay changes, servers are under significantly heavier load. A queue system may be implemented to ensure stability as server capacity is gradually scaled. The developers appreciate player patience, especially on the first day.
All progress made during this beta test will be wiped before the full game release. This is standard practice for beta phases to ensure a fair and fresh start for all players at launch.
Major Gameplay Improvements and New PvP Content
This Drakantos closed beta marks a pivotal moment for the game, introducing a host of significant gameplay enhancements and, for the first time, robust Player-versus-Player (PvP) content. While the previous beta focused on PvE progression, this iteration shifts focus to validating core mechanics and competitive play.
Revamped Combat and Movement
The developers have implemented several critical changes to the game's core mechanics, aiming for a more fluid and engaging experience:
Movement System
Transitioned from tile-based to fully free movement, allowing for more dynamic positioning and evasion. Controller movement is particularly smooth, supporting 360° directionality.
Combat System
Shifted from a hybrid system to full action combat. Attacks are now entirely action-based, requiring players to aim skills with the mouse. Left-click is basic attack, right-click is special (hold for enhanced effect).
Control Scheme
Revamped mouse controls for better precision. Characters automatically face the mouse direction when attacking, simplifying targeting. Basic attacks now operate on a stamina-like system rather than strict cooldowns.
Hero Experience
With these changes, many of the 15 available heroes will feel distinctly different, offering a fresh experience even with familiar characters.
While keyboard and mouse controls are designed to feel easier overall, controller movement, though more fluid, may require some adjustment time. Practice aiming and movement to fully adapt to the new action combat system.
Introducing PvP Modes
The Drakantos closed beta proudly unveils its PvP content, featuring the Arena with 13 maps across three distinct modes. This allows players to test their skills against others and explore competitive strategies.
| PvP Mode | Objective | Key Mechanics | Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Control | Capture and hold control zones to earn progress. First team to fully capture all zones wins. | Maps can have one or two control points; dominate all. Progress bar shows team and individual point status. | Proportional to match length; faster achievements due to shorter matches. |
| Escort | Escort your crystal to the final point while preventing the enemy from escorting theirs. | Crystal moves when allies are nearby, stops if enemies are close. Progress bar and minimap track crystal route. | Proportional to match length; faster achievements due to shorter matches. |
| Assault | MOBA-like mode: destroy enemy towers and core. | Towers share health, expose core when destroyed. Towers prioritize minions but target heroes attacking other heroes. Attack buff appears mid-map every 3:30. | Higher rewards due to longer match durations. |
In PvP, all players are set to max level with maximized equipment and skills. Trophies and Artifacts are also maximized, even if not yet unlocked. Hold TAB while hovering over an item to see its max-level stats. Artifact charges are halved in Control and Escort modes.
Beta Boxes and Character Roster
To facilitate comprehensive testing of the new combat and PvP systems, the Drakantos closed beta provides players with an extensive roster of heroes and unique "Beta Boxes" designed to accelerate build testing.
Playable Heroes
Players will have immediate access to a significant lineup of 15 heroes from the start, allowing for diverse team compositions and playstyle experimentation.
| Hero Name | Primary Role | Key Trait |
|---|---|---|
| Liam | Melee DPS | High burst damage |
| Marly | Ranged Support | Healing & buffs |
| Zeugladius | Tank | High defense, crowd control |
| Reya | Caster DPS | Area-of-effect spells |
| Yura | Assassin | Stealth, single-target damage |
| Ojore | Bruiser | Sustained damage, durable |
| Thomas | Ranged DPS | Consistent ranged attacks |
| Byron | Support | Utility, debuffs |
| Iris | Healer | Strong single-target heals |
| Ozul | Mage | Powerful elemental magic |
| Faendar | Defender | Shielding, protective abilities |
| Arryn | Archer | High mobility, precision shots |
| Orbryn | Controller | Disruption, debuffs |
| Yuki | Fighter | Close-quarters combat |
| Korz | Warrior | Frontline initiator |
Special Beta Boxes
To ensure players can properly test various builds and the impact of endgame items within the short beta window, special Beta Boxes are available. These boxes are exclusive to the beta and will not be present in the full release.
Beta Box Types:
- Orb Box: Grants Orbs for character customization.
- Artifact Box: Provides powerful Artifacts to enhance abilities.
- Trophy Box: Offers endgame Trophies for unique bonuses.
These boxes can be obtained through both PvP and PvE activities. Each box type can appear in different rarities, and upon opening, you get to choose 1 item from 3 different options.
When opening an Orb Box, make sure you are currently playing the hero you wish to receive an Orb for. One of the options is guaranteed to be specific to your active hero, allowing for targeted build optimization.
Twitch Drops and Community Engagement
Beyond gameplay, the Drakantos closed beta offers opportunities for community interaction and rewards through Twitch drops. This encourages streaming and sharing experiences, further building the game's community.
Earn Rewards with Twitch Drops
Players can earn special rewards by watching Drakantos streams on Twitch. This is a great way to get temporary in-game items and support your favorite streamers.
Watch Streams
Tune into any channel streaming Drakantos in the game's category on Twitch.
Link Accounts
Once you have downloaded the game, navigate to Settings > Account > Twitch within the game.
Receive Rewards
Ensure your Twitch account is correctly linked to receive the drops.
All items obtained through Twitch Drops during the Closed Beta are temporary and will be reset once the test concludes. They are intended solely for enhancing the beta experience.
The developers encourage players to stream or record their gameplay and share their best clips on the official Drakantos Discord server. They plan to compile a video featuring memorable moments from the community during the beta. Engaging with the community is key to shaping the game's future.
FAQ: Drakantos Closed Beta
Q: When does the Drakantos closed beta run?
The Drakantos closed beta runs from May 22 to May 24, 2026, starting at 9 AM ET on Friday.
Q: How do I get access to the Drakantos closed beta?
Players who participated in the previous beta automatically retain access. New players can request access via the Drakantos Steam page, and invitations will be sent gradually. Existing players can also invite up to three Steam friends.
Q: What new content is featured in this Drakantos closed beta?
This beta introduces PvP content with 13 maps across three modes (Control, Escort, Assault) and major gameplay improvements including fully free movement and a full action combat system. PvE content from the previous beta is still available.
Q: Will my progress from the Drakantos closed beta carry over to the full game?
No, all progress made during the Drakantos closed beta will be wiped before the full release of the game.