Digital Extremes launches Soulframe fantasy action MMORPG open alpha for PC this November
Digital Extremes is finally opening the gates to its fantasy MMO, Soulframe, moving the project into an open alpha phase. This shift marks a significant milestone for the title, which has spent years in a restricted testing period.
The transition to "Open Preludes" begins on Friday, November 6, allowing any PC player to access the game via its own dedicated client rather than through Steam. This move follows a long development cycle that began with a cinematic reveal at TennoCon 2022 and subsequent limited pre-alpha access in 2023. By removing the invite system, the developer is shifting toward a more open community-driven approach to shape the experience of the action hybrid MMORPG.
Set in the world of Alca, the game casts players as Envoys tasked with restoring balance between nature and machines. The environment is a blend of handcrafted areas and procedural elements, specifically within the cave networks and crevasses, drawing inspiration from the themes of Princess Mononoke and The NeverEnding Story. While the world has been described as brighter and more hopeful than typical dark fantasy settings, the gameplay is designed around a "slow and heavy" approach to melee combat, emphasizing timing, dodging, and blocking over the high-speed action found in the studio's previous work on Warframe.
The Evolution of Alca
Recent iterations of the alpha have focused on expanding the immersive qualities of the world. The Preludes 16: Of Hook & Hound update introduced a dynamic weather system that pairs environmental changes, such as foggy mornings or rainy nights, with gameplay effects like reduced enemy perception or increased lightning damage. This update also added a fishing mechanic featuring six unique fish, including the Boilhead Wumper and Emerald Prickleback, and a revamped Tempers system that gives players more agency when adjusting weapon modifiers with the blacksmith Tuvalkane.
These additions laid the groundwork for a deeper relationship between the player and the fauna of Alca. Players can now bond with a wolf pup companion through activities like playing fetch, walking, and feeding them fish. This companion system is intended to evolve further, as the upcoming Update 17, titled Verse of the Veilands, will officially introduce mounts, allowing players to ride their trained wolf pups.
The upcoming November update also signals a shift in the game's aesthetic and structural direction. The introduction of Ode'n corruption will rework the region of Midrath, introducing Ode Syphons that steal energy from the land. To cleanse this corruption, players must complete objectives known as Votives to unlock unique songs for each region. According to Creative Director Geoff Crookes, this will initially make Alca feel more unforgiving and bleak, providing a stark contrast once the zones are healed.
Combat and Community Design
Alongside the environmental changes, Update 17 introduces the Ode Strike Pact, a new class focused on stealth, deception, and traps. The kit for this Pact includes an AoE spike attack, a spinning bola, and Ode balloons capable of removing enemies from combat. This new class is supported by a fresh array of weapons and armor, including a specific dagger for the Ode Strike role. Additionally, the seasonal Bita's Eve Halloween update returns, bringing a new sickle, talisman, and mask.
This iterative development process reflects a philosophy of trust and community feedback. While the studio has noted that the combat pacing of titles like Elden Ring has been a point of internal conversation regarding camera and pacing, the developers have stated that Soulframe was not designed as a "Soulslike" or a hardcore MMORPG. Instead, the focus remains on the interaction between the Envoy and the natural world.
The move to an open alpha suggests that Digital Extremes is entering a more confident stage of development, transitioning from a technical demo to a playable experience. As the player base expands, the focus will likely shift toward balancing the new Pact and mount systems based on a wider array of user data. While a full public release date has not been announced, the current trajectory indicates a move toward stabilizing the core loop of corruption cleansing and character customization before a final launch.
