The DragonSword: Awakening roadmap for late 2026: four free new heroes (Ryza, Jerome, Veronica, Logan), the Rift System, photo mode and the QoL list.
DragonSword Awakening Roadmap — Four Free Heroes, Rift System & QoL (H2 2026)
Hound13 laid out its post-launch plans during the official DragonSword: Awakening Stream #4 (late July 2026), and the roadmap is unusually generous: four free new heroes, a new dungeon-style system, expanded Hero Quests, and a long quality-of-life list. Here's everything confirmed, in order.
Here's what you'll learn:
- The four free heroes and their kits (Ryza first)
- The new Rift System
- New Hero Quests and story expansion
- The full QoL list and the ~30 Familiar plan
The Four Free New Heroes
Hound13 confirmed four new heroes for the second half of 2026, all free additions to the base game, released sequentially:
- Ryza — "The First to Arrive." A shock-specialized character who throws her spear, then teleports to its location to continue the assault — fast, stylish, and the first hero out.
- Jerome — Knockdown Specialist. A small-statured character wielding a massive greatsword. The current lineup lacks a dedicated knockdown specialist, so he's prioritized right after Ryza. He unlocks various skills on Super Armor Destruction and uniquely uses a Grab up to three stages.
- Veronica — Bare-Handed Combat + Gun. Built from community requests for "a character who fights with fists": she fires a gun at range and uses martial arts up close, with Stun as her primary attribute.
- Logan — Tank Specialist. A shield-wielding tank who protects allies; Hound13 plans to make him more versatile before his debut.
These join the 19 launch heroes to expand the roster to 23 — and they're free. Our characters guide tracks the roster as it grows.
The official Q&A confirmed companions are unlocked via story progression and the new heroes are included in the base game — no paid DLC for the roster.
The Rift System
A brand-new Rift System is in development: dimensional portals scattered through the world that let you enter alternate realms and battle there. Hound13 is keeping full details under wraps to avoid spoilers, but frames it as a key part of post-launch content — the natural home for the harder content the community has been asking for.
New Hero Quests
The story expands beyond the main campaign through new Hero Quests — character-specific storyline chapters. The first planned quest centers on Othello, followed by one centered on Ryza. These matter mechanically too: Hero Quests are a Fate's Invitation ticket source (see the unlock guide) and grant exclusive Karma weapons.
The QoL List
Following significant community feedback, the roadmap includes:
- More responsive combat and stronger hit feedback
- Less floaty jumping, instant sprint, and auto-run options
- Camera overhaul — expanded view controls, greater view distance, customizable sensitivity, improved lock-on
- UI hiding and an in-game help system
- Photo Mode (planned, refined over time)
- Ongoing balance updates — economy systems and combat mechanics under continuous review
Several of these already landed: the 1.0.7 patch delivered matchmaking, a retry feature, and combat-feel improvements — see our updates guide for what shipped when.
The ~30 Familiar Plan
The roadmap also confirmed the Familiar roster target: about 30 Familiars, roughly two-thirds earnable through standard gameplay and the rest as DLC — with an explicit note that paid and free Familiars are cosmetic only. Full details in the Familiars guide.
Official source: Hound13 roadmap report — simulationdaily — "The developers announced several major gameplay additions and quality-of-life improvements, including New Hero Quests that will expand the story beyond the main campaign."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is coming to DragonSword: Awakening? Four free heroes (Ryza, Jerome, Veronica, Logan), the Rift System, new Hero Quests, ~30 Familiars, and a long QoL list.
Are the new heroes free? Yes — all four are free additions to the base game.
When is Ryza coming? She's first in line for H2 2026, ahead of Jerome, Veronica, and Logan.
What is the Rift System? Dimensional portals into alternate realms — full details still under wraps, but positioned as key post-launch content.
Related Guides
- DragonSword: Awakening Guide — Everything You Need to Know
- Updates & Patch Notes Guide
- Characters Guide — All 19 Heroes Explained
- Story Guide — Orbis, the Six Heroes and the Ending
- Side Quests Guide — Hero Quests, Bond Quests and Rewards
- Reddit & Community Guide
Official resources: simulationdaily roadmap report · Steam News hub · Official YouTube channel
Last updated August 12, 2026. Roadmap details from Hound13's Stream #4 coverage; release order (Ryza → Jerome → Veronica → Logan) per the official announcement, with exact dates pending.
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