The wait for a refined, high-fantasy extraction experience is almost over. Notorious Studios has officially announced that its debut title, Eldegarde, will transition out of Early Access and launch in version 1.0 on January 21, 2026. Originally known as Legacy: Steel & Sorcery, the game has undergone a significant rebrand and content expansion to reflect its evolution into a multi-faceted fantasy epic.
From Blizzard Veterans to Indie Innovation
Founded by Chris Kaleiki, a veteran of the World of Warcraft core team, Notorious Studios has spent the last eleven months working alongside its community to sharpen the game’s "pulp fantasy" edge. Players step into the shoes of iconic classes—including the Warrior, Rogue, Wizard, and the newly added Paladin—to explore verdant fields and sinister crypts. The goal remains classic: defeat monsters and knights, secure rare loot, and extract alive.
Expanding the World: The New PvE Mode
The most significant addition coming with the 1.0 launch is the inclusion of a dedicated PvE Mode. While the game began as a hardcore PvPvE experience, the developers listened to player feedback and created a way for users to master combat mechanics and explore the world without the threat of player-to-player conflict.
"We learned that players also wanted something akin to a ‘mini-MMO’," says Kaleiki. "Eldegarde now provides a variety of experiences, including PvP Arenas, a Social Hub, and PvE Dungeons, welcoming both casual adventurers and competitive extractors."
Join the Evolution
By shifting the name to Eldegarde—the name of the game's world—the studio signals a move toward a more immersive, lore-rich universe. The game is currently available on Steam Early Access, and anyone who purchases it now will receive a free upgrade to the full 1.0 version upon release.
With a team of 30 developers focused on "player-driven narratives," Notorious Studios is poised to make Eldegarde a staple of the extraction genre when it officially arrives late this month.
