Skara: The Blade Remains Enters Free-To-Play Open Alpha

Melee combat arena game Skara: The Blade Remains has been around for a while now; it first launched on Steam Early Access on October 27, 2014. At the time, it didn't take off, which likely had to do with its $20 price point at launch. In fact, the only time it has had a peak concurrent user count over 200 was in September 2016, almost two years after it launched. The next month, it dropped back to a concurrent user count of less than 20.

Today, the game entered Open Alpha, which means that it is finally a free-to-play game. The Open Alpha build comes with the introduction of a friends list, party system, and chat feature, as well as a "streamlined" match creation and matchmaking process. There is a new 3v3 mode called "Last Team Standing" that lasts for three rounds; in this mode, players can only die once per round.

To celebrate Open Alpha, a new event called "Cataclysm" has begun. Over the next 72 hours, players will be able to influence the lore of the game world by simply playing the game. Those that rank highly within the competitive ladder will be given various rewards, including the ability to be "forever registered in Skara Lore as Heroes, Generals, and Chiefs" of your chosen culture. The player with the highest rank each day will be recognized in in-game news and on social media. Players can also submit their "best plays videos" to be "incorporated in the Skara universe."

If you've previously played the game before, your account has been reset. The playing field is now even for all players, be they newcomers or veterans.

You can find more information about Skara: The Blade Remains' Open Alpha here. Those interested can download the game now through Steam.