Newly formed South Korean indie developer Sanctuary Games has announced its debut project, Zanerdin: The Unbound, a collectible turn-based RPG that aims to reimagine gacha systems without microtransactions.
Currently in development for PC via Steam and PlayStation 5, Zanerdin: The Unbound will include its gacha mechanics within the base game purchase. According to the studio, all collectible characters, pets, and gear can be earned entirely through gameplay progression.
A Gacha System Without Paywalls
Led by CEO and founder Hyunduk You, Sanctuary Games says its philosophy centers on creating player-friendly experiences. While Zanerdin features traditional gacha elements, the studio emphasizes that there will be no microtransactions tied to collecting characters or gear.
Players will unlock content by progressing through 60 turn-based battle stages, Boss Raids, Abyss Boss Raids, and a hidden Raid. Gacha materials and in-game currency are earned through gameplay, allowing players to rank up equipment and expand their roster without spending additional money.
Enter the World of Kalatos
Zanerdin: The Unbound is set in the fantasy world of Kalatos, shaped by six elemental Blessings: Water, Fire, Earth, Metal, Wind, and Electric. Each person is born aligned with one of these elements, except for those born in the Chaos region, where individuals possess no power at all.
Players take on the role of Zanerdin, born in the Chaos, who ventures into the Blessed lands in search of answers about his family. The story unfolds through hand-drawn narrative cutscenes as players explore new regions and confront growing conflicts that threaten the planet’s balance.
Strategic Turn-Based Combat and Endgame Content
Combat revolves around assembling teams from more than 25 playable characters, each defined by their elemental Blessing and battlefield Position. Tactical systems such as “Theme” and “Synergy” encourage strategic party-building to overcome increasingly difficult encounters.
Beyond the main campaign, players can participate in a 5v5 tournament mode against AI-controlled opponents. Victorious champions unlock a post-game “Hardcore” battle stage, extending replayability. Additional story content and new playable characters are planned as DLC.
Zanerdin: The Unbound marks the first original IP from Sanctuary Games, with pricing details to be announced at a later date.
