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| Pictured - an ingame screenshot from Rogue Masters. |
After over two years in early access, Rogue Masters has officially launched its 1.0 version, marking a significant transformation for the cooperative action title. Developers Advance Garde and Main Leaf released the full version on January 10, 2026, alongside a major strategic shift: the game is now entirely free-to-play.
Initially debuting in late 2023, Rogue Masters carved out a niche by blending the punishing, deliberate combat of "souls-like" games with a high-stakes, six-player horde survival format. The narrative backdrop—fighting a cosmic decay known as "Entropy" within ancient ruins—remains, but the launch build showcases a level of mechanical polish that early access players had been anticipating.
The Core Loop: Six-Player Chaos and Deep Customization
At its heart, Rogue Masters is defined by its six-player cooperative PvE framework, a deliberate step above the more common three or four-player squad sizes. Teams must manage a shared "Willpower" resource to survive waves of corrupted enemies, with coordination peaks demanded during brutal "Champion" encounters.
A consistent highlight from player feedback is the game's weapon balance and customization. In a rarity for the genre, nearly every weapon archetype appears viable in the current meta, supported by a robust build-crafting system. The developers have also included a comprehensive transmog system, allowing for extensive visual customization without affecting combat stats—a feature often praised by the community.
However, one significant technical hurdle remains. The game's reliance on peer-to-peer (P2P) connections, rather than dedicated servers, means player-hosted sessions can suffer from noticeable latency, especially during the most intense waves. This design choice continues to be a point of contention among players seeking a seamless co-op experience.
You can explore the new free-to-play version and its current player reception for yourself on the official Rogue Masters Steam page.
Scrutiny and Technical Considerations
Rogue Masters has not been without controversy. Since its early access debut, community discourse has been rife with analysis of its character animations, with many alleging direct lifts from the Dark Souls series. These claims are fueled by side-by-side comparisons showing identical attack timings and specific moves. The developers have remained quiet on these specifics, focusing instead on content expansion like the six-player mode and added online PvP.
Technically, the launch presents some curious limitations for a 2026 release. The engine still lacks native 4K resolution support, which may deter players with high-end setups. For handheld gamers, the title carries a "Playable" rating on Steam Deck but requires manual tinkering to set correct resolutions, and some UI elements reportedly remain too small for the device's eight-inch screen. (The Steam Deck is currently priced around $795 on Amazon).
Launch Reception and The Free-to-Play Future
The pivot to a free-to-play model has undoubtedly boosted accessibility. At launch, Rogue Masters holds a "Mostly Positive" rating on Steam based on over 223 reviews, with a 71% positive rate. The move eliminates the upfront cost barrier, potentially ensuring healthier matchmaking pools.
This shift, however, places all monetization pressure on the game's cosmetic and convenience item shop, as all gameplay-affecting items can be earned in-game. The long-term sustainability of this model will depend on the team's ability to deliver compelling new content that keeps players engaged—and willing to support development through optional purchases.
For those interested in tracking the game's post-launch health, detailed player count and historical data can be found on its SteamDB charts page.
The 1.0 launch of Rogue Masters represents a bold reboot. By going free-to-play, Advance Garde and Main Leaf are betting that its unique blend of souls-like tension and chaotic co-op survival can find a massive, enduring audience. While technical quirks and animation debates linger, the refined core gameplay and deep customization offer a solid foundation for its new life as a live-service title.