Tarae: The Unbound Developers Hope Its East Asia Folklore Aesthetic Sets It Apart From Western Medieval Action RPGs Like Diablo

Tarae: The Unbound is a new action RPG developed by South Korean studio Boundary and published by Krafton. The game is set in East Asia during the 15th to 17th centuries, unlike most action RPGs that are set in medieval Europe. Developers hope that the game's unique Eastern aesthetic and folklore will set it apart from Western medieval action RPGs like Diablo.

Tarae: The Unbound features a mix of Chinese, South Korean, and Japanese influences in its boss fights, which are the best examples of the game's Eastern aesthetic. The game offers six classes, each reinterpreted from Eastern cultures, including the Samurai melee dealer, Tiger Hunter, Manshin (Korean shaman), Geomancer, Kunoichi (ninja), and Warfiend (brawler).

The game consists of six acts, each with three or four chapters, and features a linear narrative. Boundary, the studio behind the game, emphasizes that the playstyles are very different, making each class feel unique. The campaign includes a god system with eight gods, both friendly and unfriendly, that can assist or hinder the player in combat.

Boundary and Krafton face a challenge in convincing Western gamers to try Tarae: The Unbound, especially considering the time investment they may have already made in other games. However, developers are confident that Tarae offers something enticing. The studio plans to release new content via a seasonal model, adding new characters in each season and releasing a DLC for a new region each year. Boundary aims to make Tarae: The Unbound a long-term project. The game is set to release on PC and consoles in 2027.