Triarchy, the fantasy action RPG developed by Digital Confectioners, has been renamed Keelblade. Driven by player feedback, the co-op capacity has expanded from 3 to up to 6 players, with enhanced focus on pirate adventures, archipelago exploration, and custom shipbuilding. The game will host its final Steam Playtest on September 11, expected to last approximately 48 hours.
The original name, Triarchy, stemmed from the initial design: three bosses, three-player online co-op, and three distinct combat roles. As early testing progressed, players requested more content to explore, prompting the development team to reshape the game world into an open archipelago, making sailing central to exploration and adventure progression. The number of bosses, character equipment, and talent systems were gradually expanded, shifting the game from knights exploring dark dungeons to pirates adventuring among dangerous islands.
Custom shipbuilding is a key part of this change. Players can directly build workshops, warehouses, kitchens, and research facilities on their ships, turning their pirate vessel into a mobile base ready to set sail at any time. After exploring islands, searching for treasure, and gathering resources, you can research new technologies, craft equipment, and continue expanding your seafaring home.
In terms of combat, the game retains Souls-like mechanics, emphasizing observing enemy moves, timing attacks, dodging, and parrying. There are no fixed class restrictions; players can freely combine weapons, equipment, talents, and magical skills, experiment with different dual-wielding setups, and choose between frontline combat or supporting teammates.
Keelblade can be played entirely solo or supports online co-op for up to 6 players from start to finish. The co-op mode imposes no distance limits between teammates, allowing you to stick together or split up to explore. When playing together, each member's quest progress advances. The party remains grouped even after defeating bosses or entering new areas.
In the game world, "Keelblade" is a legendary title for pirates. Those who earn this title have their names and deeds remembered throughout the archipelago. The new name also reflects the game's themes of shipbuilding and setting sail with companions on grand adventures.
Keelblade will launch a larger public demo during the October Steam Next Fest, with a planned release on Steam in 2027.