Paladins Realm Royale Closed Alpha Released, Details Emerge

I’ve made a lot of fun of Paladins and their upcoming Battle Royale mode. And much of it is well-deserved, but now that we live in a world where Path of Exile also has a battle royale mode, I think it’s a bit unfair to pick on Hi-Rez studio as if they have the most outrageous example of the genre. This is doubly true now that we’re actually getting more information about the game, and I have to begrudgingly admit, it’s starting to shape itself into something almost interesting.

The game, now called Paladins Realm Royale (and is an independent title) has been “available” to the public ever since Hi-Rez president Stewart Chisam tweeted instructions on how to sign up, but since players are forced to keep quiet about the game and refrain from posting any videos or pictures, we’re not likely to know exactly how different it is to the competition. But a few details were leaked by the company itself, and like I said, they’re actually really solid ideas.

Inspired perhaps by the game’s MOBA roots, not only are you looting weapons and armor, but you’ll also be searching the map for abilities you can use to improve your odds in a fight. That alone makes the game fairly unique, but it goes one step beyond with a weapons crafting system – basically, anytime you pick something up, you can break it down into shards. If you take 100 of these shards to one of the forges dotted around the map, you can transform it into a random legendary item or ability.

Which is a cool system, giving people a reason to be excited about all the loot they come across rather than just upgrades. Plus, it adds another natural camping spot for players looking to ambush each other, adding an extra strategic edge to the game.

So, I apologize, Paladins. There might be more to this than I first thought.