Eko Software and NACON have peeled back the curtain on Dragonkin The Banished, revealing the mechanics of the new Hack’N’Slash skill system. This new system called the Ancestral Grid, allows players to create their most effective builds to overcome the hordes of enemies that reign in this dragon-corrupted world.
The Eko Software team made up of Hack’N’Slash fans, wanted to introduce this new and unique feature, which invites deep customization and engaging theory-crafting and gives players the tools to build unique builds.
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What is the Ancestral Grid, and what are fragments?
Dragonkin The Banished’s skill system is based on the Ancestral Grid, an interface that evolves with the character. More than just a skill tree, the Ancestral Grid functions like a puzzle. Each class has its own Grid, which expands as players gain levels. The Grid only becomes a powerful asset when fragments are added to it.
On this Grid are placed Fragments, hexagonal pieces of loot containing skills or modifiers. The further players progress in the game, the more powerful the Fragments become and the more complex their shape. By aligning these Fragments, players customize their playstyle: skills are added to the character’s skill bar, while modifiers boost the effectiveness of skills they are in contact with.
A new companion joins the adventure
The Wyrmling joins the adventure as a companion. It is a creature with unique powers tied to an element. Players can change the type at any point, so they are not tied to it. The Wyrmling is also tied to the Ancestral Grid. They also have their own skills. By placing a Fragment containing a Wyrmling skill right next to a Fragment with a compatible character skill, players can trigger an additional effect.
Keep in mind that a Wyrmling skill can only be activated if a condition is met. A character skill can also trigger multiple Wyrmling skills, which broadens customization possibilities for the character.
What is Dragonkin The Banished about?
In Dragonkin The Banished, the world has been corrupted by the blood of dragons, where evil creatures rise from the entrails of the earth. Choose one of the legendary hero classes, each with a single mission: hunt down and destroy the draconic creatures. Each battle brings you closer to your ultimate goal: finding and eliminating the terrifying Dragon Lords. Experience an epic adventure and forge your legend with the blood of your slain enemies!
Fight draconic monsters and reveal their story by travelling across the world of Dragonkin. Traverse jungles, ancient islands, toxic swamps, vast plains and many more settings. As players hunt, they will discover everything the world has to offer. Each region has its own culture, from ancient civilizations to the people of the north. Original monsters also lurk within, each possessing abilities and elements (Ice, Poison, Fire, Electricity) that set them apart, as well as resources players can use to upgrade their hero.
The world of Dragonkin is constantly changing, and each mission is a new game experience. Players can re-explore areas that they’ve already visited to see them in a whole new light. They may encounter rain, fog and storms, depending on their mission.
During early access, the game will be updated regularly with additional content. There will be a new hero, new biomes, and new End Game options to explore. Dragonkin The Banished will be available in early access on Steam from 6 March 2025 and on consoles when it is finalized.
