ArcheAge returns to PC next year with brand new game
Seongnam, South Korea — August 3, 2026 | Publisher Kakao Games is thrilled to announce ArcheAge S: Strait of Freedom, an upcoming PC MMORPG from development studio XL Games.
ArcheAge S: Strait of Freedom aims to build on what fans know and love about ArcheAge, while modernising the classic series for today’s MMORPG player. At the forefront of this vision is project director Kim Kyung-tae, who served as lead game designer and producer on the original ArcheAge, which launched in Korea in 2013, and in Europe and North America in 2014.
Inspired by the ArcheAge novels from Korean fantasy author Jeon Min-hee, XL Games’ flagship MMORPG franchise is widely regarded for its rich world, high degree of player freedom, and large-scale battles. ArcheAge S: Strait of Freedom is the latest title in the ArcheAge IP, alongside the upcoming console and PC action RPG, ArcheAge Chronicles, and the 2023 PC and mobile MMORPG, ArcheAge War. The game carries forward the franchise’s core identity while reimagining it for modern MMORPG players.
“We believe ArcheAge S will deliver a fresh experience, while faithfully carrying forward the core appeal that has made the ArcheAge IP beloved by players around the world for many years,” said Siwoo Lee, Co-CEO of Kakao Games. “We will work closely with XL Games to ensure the franchise’s strengths resonate with players worldwide and prepare for a successful global launch.”
“We are delighted to partner with Kakao Games, whose expertise in MMORPG publishing and live service operations has been well established,” said Kwan-ho Choi, CEO of XL Games. “We are committed to faithfully preserving the identity of the original ArcheAge while delivering a new experience that meets the expectations of players around the world.”
ArcheAge S: Strait of Freedom is currently scheduled to launch on PC in 2027.
About Kakao Games Corp.
Kakao Games (Co CEOs Taehwan Kim and Siwoo Lee) is a game company specializing in both publishing and development across a wide range of genres, from casual to hardcore titles on PC and mobile. Since its KOSDAQ listing in September 2020, Kakao Games has successfully developed and launched popular titles such as Odin: Valhalla Rising, Uma Musume Pretty Derby, Eversoul, Guardian Tales, and PUBG: Battlegrounds, with multiple global releases on the horizon. Kakao Games remains committed to expanding its portfolio and exploring new opportunities in the evolving gaming landscape.
