Notorious Studios has announced that Eldegarde, its fantasy-themed extraction RPG formerly known as Legacy: Steel & Sorcery, will officially launch in version 1.0 on January 21, 2026, exclusively on Steam. The rebrand coincides with the game’s exit from Early Access following nearly a year of community-driven development.
Originally released into Steam Early Access in February 2025, the PvEvE title built a dedicated player base and received strong feedback as it evolved through regular updates and balance changes.
A World of Magic, Steel, and High-Stakes Extraction
In Eldegarde, players choose from classic fantasy archetypes such as Warrior, Rogue, and Wizard, venturing into a pulp fantasy world filled with monsters, rival knights, and other players. Expeditions take place across lush fields, dense forests, and ominous crypts, where players must gather valuable loot and successfully extract to survive.
The game blends PvE and PvP encounters into a tense multiplayer loop, rewarding smart decision-making, mastery of combat systems, and knowledge of each map’s dangers.
New Classes and PvE Mode Arrive with 1.0
One of the biggest additions arriving with Eldegarde’s 1.0 launch is a dedicated PvE mode, designed for players who want to explore the game’s systems without the pressure of hostile players. This mode allows newcomers and more casual fans to learn combat mechanics, enemy behaviors, and map layouts at their own pace.
The full release also expands the class roster, introducing new options such as the Paladin, alongside refinements to existing classes like the Wizard. Additional content includes new maps and expanded social features, further broadening Eldegarde’s appeal.
Community-Driven Development from Industry Veterans
Notorious Studios was founded by Chris Kaleiki, a Blizzard Entertainment veteran known for his work on World of Warcraft, including Wrath of the Lich King and Mists of Pandaria. Over the past eleven months, the team has worked closely with its Early Access community to refine Eldegarde’s multiplayer systems and overall structure.
“We’re incredibly excited to finally launch into 1.0,” said Kaleiki. “Early access has been an incredibly useful and rewarding experience, allowing us to shape and refine our game alongside our dedicated community.”
Kaleiki also noted that while Eldegarde began as a hardcore PvPvE experience, player feedback made it clear there was demand for a more flexible structure. The result is a world that now supports PvE, PvP Arenas, a Social Hub, and PvE Dungeons, offering something for a wide range of playstyles.
Eldegarde Launch Details
Eldegarde launches on Steam in version 1.0 on January 21, 2026. Players can still purchase the game in Early Access today and will receive the full 1.0 update at no additional cost when it goes live.
