Discover the latest indie battle royale that channels Zelda vibes with charming Link’s Awakening-inspired graphics—play it this week before its official release later this year!

Modern online gaming presents a bit of a conundrum for me: I enjoy the structure of battle royales, yet I struggle with multiplayer shooters. Fall Guys was a refreshing change, allowing me to showcase my platforming skills instead. Now, Scramble Knights Royale is stepping in to offer royal battles in a genre I’m more at home with: action-adventure games reminiscent of Zelda.

Scramble Knights Royale was revealed not too long ago—perhaps you caught a glimpse during a recent showcase—and it’s set to launch later this year. However, we won’t have to wait long to dive in, as a playtest is happening this weekend, from January 9 to January 11, with sign-ups currently open on the game’s Steam page. Just a heads up, though: this playtest is limited to North America.

One of the first things that stands out about Scramble Knights Royale is its adorable aesthetic. The art style draws inspiration from the Link’s Awakening remake and Echoes of Wisdom, but it leans even more into a claymation feel, featuring wobbly character models that seem like they’re being playfully manipulated by unseen hands.

In matches, 32 players will drop onto an island (via turtleback, of course) and embark on their own unique adventures. Players can hunt for treasures and tackle dungeons filled with monsters, all aimed at powering up their characters for the inevitable showdowns with others, with the ultimate goal of being the last knight standing.

It appears to be a charming twist on the battle royale concept, and I’m excited to see how the community reacts to the initial playtest. Launching a multiplayer game during a time when a solid player base is crucial can be challenging, but I’m hopeful that Scramble Knights Royale will carve out its niche in the crowded battle royale landscape.