New Game of Thrones RPG just dropped – it’s free, but heavily criticized
Game of Thrones: Kingsroad is a story-driven co-op action RPG from Netmarble Neo, officially released on May 21, 2025, following a two-month Early Access phase. At first glance, it seems to hit all the right notes: players step into the shoes of custom heroes, explore iconic locations like Winterfell and King's Landing, and dive into a fresh narrative set in the familiar Game of Thrones universe. The game earns praise for its immersive atmosphere, compelling soundtrack and responsive combat system with block and dodge mechanics. Many reviews also highlight the engaging quests and generous content as strong points.
The initial interest was strong – according to SteamDB, Game of Thrones: Kingsroad peaked at over 3,100 concurrent players on launch day. It currently holds the top spot in Steam’s “Trending Free” chart. However, the user reviews tell a different story. Of more than 1,100 reviews, only 63% are positive. The biggest point of criticism: monetization. But that's not the only issue players are raising.
Aggressive monetization
The main source of frustration is the game's aggressive monetization. A complex system involving energy mechanics, multiple premium currencies and paid access to dungeons makes it increasingly difficult to progress without spending money. Even players who purchased starter packs report hitting a paywall after around 30 hours of gameplay.
Flaws in design, technical stability and co-op experience draw criticism
Structurally, Kingsroad also falls short for many PC players. As one Steam reviewer put it, the game feels “like a mobile game on steroids” – with UI design, reward loops and progression systems that seem better suited to smartphones than to a full-fledged PC title. On top of that, the much-promoted co-op mode is limited to instanced boss fights – there’s no option to explore the open world together.
On the technical side, the game shows its limitations. The graphics feel dated, character customization is minimal and many NPCs look nearly identical – leaving the RPG aspects lacking in depth. Balancing is another sore point, with players reporting sudden difficulty spikes in the midgame that stall progression and disrupt the overall flow.
Only for GoT fans
Despite its many flaws, Kingsroad does manage to capture the authentic Game of Thrones atmosphere – which might make it worth checking out for die-hard fans of the series. Since the game is technically free to play, there’s no financial risk in giving it a try. However, for most players, the negative aspects – from aggressive monetization to design and technical issues – are likely to outweigh the positives.
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