DragonSword: Awakening First Hours After Launch
Last updated: July 2026
Retail Chapter 1 route, mercenary trio unlock order, Direwolf claim timing, and settings every new hero should enable.
Hour Zero: Install and Settings
After purchasing on Steam, install to SSD with 60 GB free space. Select subtitle language among eleven supported options — voice acting remains Korean with full localization for English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Japanese, Thai, and Chinese (Simplified & Traditional). Enable lock-on and optional aim assist before the first combat tutorial.
Claim the Abyssal Direwolf
Open the in-game promotional menu or Steam DLC tab and add Abyssal Direwolf at 100% discount — free through August 31, 2026. This launch thank-you from Hound13 expires after the window and reverts to paid pricing. See Free Rewards for details.
Chapter 1 Progression Route
Lute arrives in Orbis and joins Johnny Mercenary alongside Castella. Complete the Basic Combat Text tutorial teaching Tag Combos — dodge into skills, watch for Tag prompts, swap with number keys for Switching Signals. Early errands include lunch delivery to the main gate, introducing exploration and cooking systems alongside combat.
Rush main story until Johnny, Castella, and Aria form your mercenary trio — this unlocks the canonical Break → Stun → Airborne loop showcased in official marketing. Side quests can wait until after the trio assembles; our Chapter 1 walkthrough lists objective order from demo parity content.
First Boss and Familiar Flight
Mid-chapter encounters teach Super Armor break on mini-boss structures. After clearing Chapter 1 narrative, activate an Eona's Legacy mill to unlock map fog and test Familiar aerial traversal. The embedded gameplay video shows open-world exploration with Korean voice acting and subtitle options.
Where to Go Next
Read Beginner Combat Tips, browse the Full Roster Tier List framework, and check Launch Reviews for press impressions scoring the action combat at 8.5/10 in Korean coverage.
Video Tutorial
DragonSword: Awakening — Open World Gameplay Demo Part 3
Related in This Section
Complete tutorial index for DragonSword: Awakening
Launch Day ChecklistEdition choice, free Direwolf claim, and settings
Beginner Combat TipsTen essential tag-team lessons for new heroes
Tag-Team CombatMaster Status Ailments and Signal Skills
Steam Launch GuideRelease times, wishlist, and launch trailer
How to Use CastellaBreak and Stun axe specialist guide
How to Use AriaFire and Airborne bomb specialist
How to Play JohnnyMercenary leader and party anchor
How to Play LuteProtagonist combat and healing guide
Demo WalkthroughEverything the Steam demo covered
Developer WalkthroughBoss fights, raids, and co-op from JYJ
How to Use DanaAlchemist and ice golem Chaco guide
How to Use KalienFire spirit summoner breakdown
How to Use TheresiaBleed and Stun inquisitor guide
How to Use OrnettePhantom thief combat style
How to Use OthelloKnockdown heavy attacker from launch PV