Notorious Studios has announced that Eldegarde will officially launch in version 1.0 on Steam on January 21, 2026, marking the end of its early access period and a full reintroduction of the game under a new name. Previously known as Legacy Steel and Sorcery, the fantasy-themed extraction RPG has spent nearly a year in early access following its initial release in February 2025.
The game blends traditional fantasy role-playing elements with extraction-based multiplayer design, placing players in hostile environments where survival and escape are just as important as combat. Players choose from classic fantasy archetypes such as Warrior, Rogue, and Wizard, venturing into sprawling outdoor areas, dense forests, and underground crypts filled with monsters, rival adventurers, and valuable loot. Successful runs depend on both combat skill and knowing when to extract safely.
Since entering early access, the project has evolved significantly through ongoing feedback from its growing community. Notorious Studios has expanded the experience with additional maps and new playable classes, including the Paladin, while continuing to refine the core multiplayer systems. The studio has emphasized that much of the game’s direction during development was shaped directly by player response over the past eleven months.
One of the most notable additions arriving with the 1.0 release is a dedicated PvE mode. This option removes the pressure of player-versus-player encounters, allowing users to explore the game’s systems at a more relaxed pace. According to the developers, the mode is designed for players who want to learn combat mechanics, understand map layouts, and engage with the fantasy setting without constant competitive tension. It also opens the door to a broader audience that may have found the original PvPvE focus too demanding.
Chris Kaleiki, founder of Notorious Studios, said the early access phase played a critical role in shaping the final product. He noted that while the game originally leaned heavily toward hardcore PvPvE design, player feedback revealed strong interest in a more traditional cooperative experience. That shift ultimately influenced the rebrand to Eldegarde, a name that reflects the game’s broader world and its mix of activities, including PvE content, PvP arenas, a social hub, and dungeon-based challenges.
Eldegarde will launch as a complete experience on January 21, 2026, with all early access owners receiving the 1.0 update at no additional cost. The game remains available for purchase on Steam ahead of launch, allowing new players to jump in early before the full release arrives early next year.
