NPCs that remember – free-to-play MMO hits #1 on Steam ahead of release
Sword of Justice was developed by Chinese studio ZhuRong and is based on the novel of the same name by author Wen Ruian. Originally created by NetEase Games, the project aims to reimagine the classic MMO experience with a completely pay-to-win-free approach – at least according to the developers.
The MMO immerses players in a world of conflict and mystery, deeply rooted in Chinese mythology. One of its standout features is a dynamic NPC system – characters remember how players act and respond accordingly. Help a merchant during a raid, and he might later greet you by name and offer a discount. Entire villages react in similar ways: repeated misbehavior can get you banned from homes or even attacked by guards, while earning a good reputation may unlock entirely new storylines. This memory-based interaction system is one of the game’s defining features and a key factor behind its growing popularity, particularly in China.
Sword of Justice places a strong emphasis on player freedom within its combat system. Rather than relying on traditional MMO classes or fixed roles, players can fully customize their fighting style. With hundreds of available skills, the game encourages deeply tactical and highly personalized builds. Combat is fast-paced, focused on parries and precise timing. Instead of a tab-targeting system, the developers opted for a more dynamic approach – similar to what players might know from New World or Black Desert Online.
In addition to PC, Sword of Justice will also be available on Android and iOS. On the technical side, the MMORPG impresses with cross-play, ray tracing support, and synchronized saves across platforms. However, its mobile roots are particularly noticeable in the interface. According to players, the PC version’s UI can feel clunky and is clearly designed for touchscreen use – an area that still leaves room for improvement.
Although Sword of Justice doesn’t officially launch until November 7, players can already preload the game and create their characters. This pre-launch access has pushed it to the top of Steam’s “Free and Trendig” category and earned it a solid average rating of 86% from more than 150 reviews. The developers continue to emphasize the complete absence of pay-to-win mechanics – but whether the MMO can sustain player interest over time remains to be seen. The servers are scheduled to go live on November 7 at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.
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