DRIMAGE JAPAN Press Release: Long-Awaited CBT for 'Arkheron' Finally Launches! Haven't Pre-Registered? No Problem – Join Anytime Now!

Arkheron Global Simultaneous Closed Beta Test Launches – Servers Open at 10:00!

Make Friends in Arkheron! Discord Community Campaign to Boost CBT Engagement Starts Today

Arkheron Beginner Exchange Match Kicks Off!

DRIMAGE (Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea; CEO: Jeong Woo-yeong), the gaming division of HYBE — the global entertainment lifestyle platform behind artists like BTS and SEVENTEEN — and its Japanese subsidiary DRIMAGE JAPAN (Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan; CEO: Keita Nakanishi), are launching a full-scale global communication campaign for 'Arkheron', the next-generation team-based PvP game developed by Bonfire Studios and published by DRIMAGE.

As of 10:00 JST today, July 16, 2026, the Closed Beta Test (CBT) for 'Arkheron' on Steam has officially begun. This CBT is being conducted simultaneously worldwide and represents the latest version of the game, incorporating feedback and improvement requests from testers gathered during last September’s alpha test and the demo version released in February.

This press release announces the start of the CBT and confirms that registration for participation will remain open throughout the testing period.

Register for CBT access here!

About Arkheron

'Arkheron' is a next-generation 3v3 PvP game offering two distinct gameplay modes.

The main mode, 'Ascension', delivers the ultimate competitive experience in Arkheron, where up to 45 players compete in teams to reach the top of the tower, with only one team emerging victorious.

'Spires' is a fast-paced 3v3 mode focused on combat and experimental building mechanics.

Arkheron Global Simultaneous Closed Beta Test Launches – Servers Open at 10:00!

Servers officially opened at 10:00 today, marking the start of the CBT.

While pre-registration was available, we have now enabled participation at any point during the test period by following the CBT registration steps below.

Even if you haven’t pre-registered, you can still join the CBT if invited by friends or acquaintances. We encourage you to sign up now!

About the Latest CBT Version '0.21.0' of 'Arkheron (Arkheron)'

The latest CBT version '0.21.0' of 'Arkheron' incorporates player feedback from previous tests and focuses on improvements in the following four areas:

- Enhanced Feedback Response: Addressed major issues such as initial gameplay experience and matchmaking quality. - Introduction of New Player Modes: Added new modes 'Learning Spires' and 'Spires', designed to help new players gradually learn battle systems and item builds. - Collection System Implementation: Introduced a collection system to encourage repeated gameplay. - Improved Performance and Stability: Reduced crashes, improved ping, shortened loading times, and optimized CPU/GPU usage to lower PC system requirements, enabling more players to enjoy the game comfortably.

Test Period

July 16 (Thu), 2026, 10:00 – July 27 (Mon), 2026, 16:00 JST (11 days)

Daily Test Schedule

- Always Available: Learning Spires, Spires (except during Ascension access hours), Tutorial, Training, Bot, Custom Games - Weekends and Holidays Only: Ascension (available 21:00–24:00 only)

CBT Registration Steps

1. Visit the 'Arkheron (Arkheron)' Steam store page 2. Click 'Request Access' to Playtest (sign in if required) 3. You will receive an email notification from Steam when the test begins

Important Notes

- Players who previously participated in the Arkheron Playtest's 'Friday Night Fights' do not need to re-register. - Ensure your game client is updated to the latest version to participate in the CBT. - Scheduled times for CBT content may change without prior notice.

For first-time players, detailed gameplay instructions are available on the official note page. Please refer to it for guidance.

Visit the Official Arkheron Note

Make Friends in Arkheron! Discord Community Campaign to Boost CBT Engagement Starts Today

In response to feedback from new players expressing the need for teammates, the official Arkheron Discord server is launching a 'Discord Community Campaign' to foster connections.

About the Discord Community Campaign

The campaign runs from today, July 16, 2026 (Thu), through the CBT period until July 27, 2026 (Mon).

On the official Arkheron Discord server, participants who complete either:

- [A) Create and post a self-introduction card within Discord] - OR - [B) Post a party recruitment and successfully form a party]

will receive a special Discord role. Additionally, 50 lucky winners will be randomly selected to receive a 1,000 JPY Amazon gift card (20 winners from entry A, 30 from entry B).

Entering both tasks doubles your chances of winning — we encourage everyone to participate!

For more details, visit the official note.

Arkheron Beginner Exchange Match Kicks Off!

The 'Beginner Exchange Match' launches today, designed for new players who have just discovered 'Arkheron' through the CBT announcement.

This event uses the 'Custom Game' mode to facilitate interaction and connection among beginners.

For instructions on joining Custom Games, please refer to the official note. Custom game codes required for participation will be shared on the official Discord server.

Use the official Discord link, join the server, claim the Japanese role, and check the '#Custom Game' channel for details.

Official Discord

※ A Discord account is required for access.

For more information, please visit the official Arkheron website and social media channels.

Players interested in joining the CBT should check the official website and user community platforms such as 'Discord' and 'X' to follow the official Arkheron Discord channel and Japanese X account.

Official Discord

Japan Official X

■ About 'Arkheron (Arkheron)'

'Arkheron' is a next-generation team-based PvP game currently in development by Bonfire Studios.

Set in a dark, surreal dimension built from the emotional memories of a living world, players team up in groups of three to