Elsword

Elsword (Korean: 엘소드) is a free-to-play, 2.5D action MMORPG developed by the South Korean company KOG Studios. It features real-time action gameplay and includes both player vs. environment and player vs. player modes. There are thirteen playable characters within the game, each with unique backstories and distinct abilities. While playing the game is free, some items and costumes can be purchased through an in-game "Item Mall" using real currency. The game was originally made with the intention of being the spiritual successor to "Grand Chase" by upgrading the graphics from 2D to 2.5D.
Gameplay.
"Elsword" features skill-based action gameplay combined with role-playing elements and community features typical of an MMORPG, such as guilds, chat, and item trading. Gameplay can be controlled using either a keyboard and mouse or a gamepad. It is based on arcade Beat 'em ups, and require the player to properly execute combos within the specific range of their character much akin to a fighting game, mixing the elements to provide a side-scrolling beat 'em up fighter.
Characters.
In the world of Elsword, player are able to choose classes by choosing a character, each with their own backgrounds and characteristics. Each character is able to choose from three job paths, each with their own fighting mode and personalities.
As of August 2016, all classes can advance to the "Transcendence mode" where they gain two new passives, one active, and three special actives starting from level 70, and two additional skill slots. Transcendence is also considered as a third job advancement, despite being a same class.
When characters achieve level 99 and having Transcended, they can advance to 3rd job, by either purchasing an item from the mall (this applies to all jobs) or completing the quest provided by an NPC. The quest is the same across classes and characters.
Skills.
Different types of skills are automatically unlocked as a player levels up. The player can also choose skill traits for a skill (only Special Active, Active, and Buff), which grants additional buff like damage increase, mana usage decrease, and anti-mana break skill, with some cost, a sacrifice like cool down skill or mana usage increase.
Elsword's skills except Passives and Hyper Actives are also divided into four types: Flexibility (Active skills), Tenacity (50~120MP), Strength (150~200MP), and Bravery (250~300MP).
Background.
Players traverse the land of Elrios, defeating enemies and leveling-up to unlock new job classes and skills. As players explore the world, they travel to thirteen unique regions, each containing a "hub" town and around six dungeons. In towns, players can receive quests from NPCs, purchase items, and interact with other players. Dungeons are instanced, usually offering co-op play for up to four players at a time. Some dungeons feature branching paths, light puzzle-solving, and interactive elements such as collapsing buildings. The game also features a number of special dungeons. Presently, there is a total of 91 different levels.
There are thirteen different playable characters as of September 2019, each with three different job class paths (except Rose who has four) that can be chosen starting at level 15. Each job class path offers specialization in a different play style along with unique skills.
PVP.
Player vs. player (PvP) takes place in a special sparring arena designed for different numbers of players. Up to eight players can brawl at the same time. Both "survival" (i.e. everyone vs. everyone) and "team" modes are available, with team battles supporting up to 4 vs. 4. Servers have the option to fight 1 vs. 1, 2 vs. 2, and 3 vs. 3 matches. In the Korean version of "Elsword", 2 vs. 2 was removed due to its unpopularity. This option was also removed later in the North American and European version, but was re-installed on July 14, 2014 for the North American version and on July 30, 2014 for the European version.
Server merge.
As of December 4, 2015 "Elsword" servers for the Philippines, Indonesia and India have now been merged into the Elsword International Server, which is published by KOG Games.
Media.
Manhwa.
There are a series of manhwa based on the game, published by Korean publisher Haksan Culture Company in a series of magazines called "ElType". The magazines are published by KOG Studios, the creators of "Elsword". They involve a main story in each magazine with short comic gags at the beginning and end. After the first four volumes were released, the series went on a hiatus due to the main artist of "Elsword" leaving. KOG later created a short series of manhwas different from "ElType", involving Chung and his transformation into his second job advancement. During the release of Ara, "ElType" was rebooted with a new team of artists, entitled "ElType" Season 2. The first volume introduced Ara and her lore, along with numerous different short comics, each illustrated by several different artists. Add was later featured in "Eltype" Season 3.
Official guidebook.
An official guide was released on October 2, 2000.
Japanese-style webcomic.
In 2014, an "Elsword" manga-style webcomic was released in Brazilian territory, exclusive to the website. It was written by Fábio Yabu, responsible for the already established series "Combo Rangers", and is freely available. The webcomic is aimed at children. There are twelve volumes of the webcomic and one special volume.
There is a seven-page mini manga about Lu and Ciel.
Animation.
An animation version of the game titled "" adapts the story from Hamel to Lanox. DR Movie produced the anime while NZ wrote the story. The anime is scheduled to have 12 episodes, each 12 minutes long. The first episode released on a screening event on December 10, 2016, following the online release 3 days after. The original cast from the game voiced their original character with the exception of Aisha.
Light novel.
A light novel series focuses on Add, set in an alternate reality from the game. The story is written by NZ and illustrated by Takoman, and is titled "Elsword: Time Trouble". The first volume was released on August 7, 2015. So far, eight volumes were released. Each comes with an in-game accessory.
Relationships with "Grand Chase".
"Elsword" was originally a reboot of "Grand Chase", another MMORPG created by KOG Studios. The two shared many similarities, such as Elsword, Aisha, and Rena, formerly named Elesis, Arme, and Lire, respectively, who were a few of the main characters of "Grand Chase". The original Elesis was also eventually released. The obvious identical traits were scrapped when "Elsword" came out of beta testing, as the two games were hosted by different companies. However, there are many similarities between the two games, such as similar skill systems, names, character stories, traits, and monsters.