Notorious Studios is officially wrapping up early access and stepping into full release with Eldegarde, its fantasy extraction-RPG formerly known as Legacy: Steel & Sorcery. The rebranded title launches in version 1.0 on Steam on January 21, 2026, marking a major milestone after nearly a year of community-driven development.
Originally entering Steam Early Access in February 2025, Legacy: Steel & Sorcery quickly carved out a dedicated player base thanks to its mix of classic fantasy flavor and high-stakes PvPvE extraction gameplay. Now reborn as Eldegarde—the name of the game’s world itself—the full release reflects how much the project has evolved based on player feedback.
At its core, Eldegarde lets players choose from familiar fantasy archetypes like Warrior, Rogue, and Wizard, then venture into dangerous regions filled with monsters, rival knights, and other players. Across forests, crypts, and open fields, the goal is simple: grab valuable loot and make it out alive. Since early access began, Notorious Studios has expanded that foundation with new maps and additional classes, including Paladin and Wizard, further deepening the game’s combat and progression systems.
One of the biggest additions arriving with the 1.0 launch is a full PvE mode. Designed for more casual or exploratory players, PvE allows newcomers to learn combat mechanics and map layouts without the pressure of PvP encounters. According to founder Chris Kaleiki—formerly of Blizzard Entertainment (World of Warcraft, Wrath of the Lich King, Mists of Pandaria)—this shift was a direct response to how the community engaged with the game.
What started as a hardcore PvPvE experience has grown into something broader, featuring PvE content, PvP arenas, a social hub, and dungeon-based gameplay that leans into a “mini-MMO” feel. The result is a more flexible fantasy sandbox that welcomes both competitive players and those looking for a slower, cooperative adventure.
Eldegarde launches in version 1.0 on Steam on January 21, 2026. Players can still jump in via Early Access now, with a free upgrade to the full release when it goes live.