Featuring 10-Star Kyo Kusanagi, the arrival of new Legendary fighter Leona Heidern, and a host of anniversary events and rewards.
LOS ANGELES – AUGUST 20, 2026 – Netmarble, a renowned developer and publisher of high-quality games, is celebrating the first anniversary of its AFK RPG THE KING OF FIGHTERS AFK with a special update centered on Fighters Festa, running from August 20 to September 16. Players can also experience a new fighter, new growth content, a major Team Battle renewal, and more.
At the heart of Fighters Festa is the Kyo Kusanagi Arrival event, spotlighting Kyo Kusanagi (KOF ‘98 version) who can be raised up to 10-Star during the event and carries [Endurance] Synergy. To thank players for a year of support, the celebration also delivers a Thank-You Gift of 500,000 Rubies and a 1st Anniversary Special Check-In event with daily login rewards. In addition, a set of limited-time benefits are now available, including increased Legendary rates on the Arrival Pick-Up Summon; the returning Ruby BACK Event; and a Premium Summon Rate Up & Point Boosting Event with boosted chance to summon Legendary fighters and bonus Premium Points. The Minigame Arcade, featuring five mini-games from the game’s history, opens August 27.
This new update adds Legendary fighter Leona Heidern (KOF XIII version). A mercenary commander who navigates the battlefield with calm composure and carries [Rush] Synergy. Leona Heidern’s arrival event and the [Rush] Synergy Pick-Up event are now underway through September 2 that give players the opportunity to obtain Leona and fighters with [Rush] synergy, respectively.
Keepsake is a newly-added system that lets players upgrade unique items symbolizing each Legendary fighter for additional stats and effects. Each fighter will receive a Keepsake, joined by a matching Pick-Up Summon Rerun. The first is Athena Asamiya, arriving August 20 with an [Endurance] Synergy running through September 2.
Team Battle also receives a major renewal this update: fighter deployment expands from 5 to 7 members, a new Formation System grants team-wide bonus buffs for a chosen formation such as offense or defense, and rotating Season Buffs bring bi-weekly changes to the competitive environment. Alongside these changes, Practice Mode has been improved to let players test team compositions under the same penalty conditions as live matches.
Story Stages, Growth Dungeons, and other progression content receive further expansion, including Gold Rush, Void Sanctuary, City of Vengeance, Paradox Research Lab, and Influence.
THE KING OF FIGHTERS AFK is based on SNK’s “THE KING OF FIGHTERS” IP. The game features iconic fighters from “THE KING OF FIGHTERS” series reimagined in pixel art graphics that gamers are familiar with from THE KING OF FIGHTERS R-2 on NEOGEO POCKET COLOR, allowing players to build their own team of favorite Fighters and enjoy dynamic combats. Players can strategically create their decks by combining at least 5 and up to 25 different Fighters and formations.
For the latest news and information on THE KING OF FIGHTERS AFK, visit the official website.
“THE KING OF FIGHTERS” is an iconic fighting game series that led the fighting game craze in the 1990s, with over 15 titles released to date. THE KING OF FIGHTERS and its Fighters have been receiving strong support among fans around the globe for decades as the series’ systems and stories have evolved over time.
About Netmarble Corporation
Founded in Korea in 2000, Netmarble Corporation is a leading global game developer and publisher. Through acclaimed franchises and strategic partnerships with top-tier IP holders, the company delivers innovative and engaging gaming experiences to audiences worldwide. As a parent company of Kabam, SpinX Games, Jam City, and a major shareholder of HYBE and NCSOFT, Netmarble’s diverse portfolio includes Solo Leveling:ARISE, Seven Knights Re:BIRTH, RAVEN2, MARVEL Future Fight, and The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross. More information can be found at http://company.netmarble.com.
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