Seoul, Korea, July 1 - The developers of the highly anticipated Vindictus: Defying Fate are thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of the game’s alpha test phase. Held from June 8 to June 16(PDT) during Steam Next Fest, the test gathered invaluable feedback and suggestions from players - insights that are now helping shape the future of Vindictus: Defying Fate as it moves toward launch.
The alpha drew over 400,000 players, securing the game a spot on Steam’s official “Next Fest: The 50 Most-Played Demos of the June 2025 Event” list. It also generated valuable feedback that will help refine future gameplay, balance and overall game experience. The Vindictus: Defying Fate team extends their sincere gratitude to the community for their time, enthusiasm, and insights. To connect with fans and share the gameplay experience, the team hosted a special two-hour Vindictus: Defying Fate gameplay preview stream during Steam Next Fest, featuring live commentary and in-depth gameplay straight from the game’s combat and monster designer.
Following the conclusion of the Alpha, the team has some exciting stats to share with the public that were gathered during the alpha test, including:
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Total Players: 426,176
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Blood Lord Defeated: 154,426 times
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White Tyrant Defeated: 351,674 times
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Countries Represented: 189
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Total Playtime: 1,151,621 hours (equivalent to 131.46 years)
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Total Monsters Defeated: 42,626,277
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Total Player Defeats: 7,240,480
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Defeats by Rolling Logs: 37,987
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Deadliest Boss: Gnoll Chieftain Crimsongale
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Delia was the most played character
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Fiona was the most chosen follower
So what’s next? With the alpha phase complete, the team will focus on implementing player-driven improvements before the next test. In a recent development letter, the team has responded about some main points of feedback, including:
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Performance Optimization: “While the goal of the alpha test was to identify performance bugs, we received feedback that performance was below standard, resulting in many players experiencing disruptions due to low frame rates and input delays. This feedback has become a top priority for the team, and we will work diligently to ensure a significant improvement optimization in the future.”
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Combat Direction: “The team received a lot of feedback regarding the current state of combat, with many players stating that it felt restrictive and repetitive. In response, the team is working to shift the combat experience towards a more fluid and dynamic experience compared to what players experienced in the alpha build. This includes speeding up attack animations, improving the transition timing between actions and allowing players to chain attacks or react more intuitively even mid-interruption depending on the character's mechanics. The aim is to encourage reactive, expressive combat that rewards player intuition and skill.
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Hit Feedback: “We’re now working on improving camera shakes, effects, recoil feedback, and technical elements to enhance the feel of every hit, both when attacking and when getting hit.”
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“In addition to these core issues, we’re also reviewing and adjusting various other features based on your feedback. Once again, thank you for participating in the alpha test and sharing your honest feedback. We always believe there’s room to improve, and that mindset drives us forward. We will continue to strive toward making a better game.”
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You can read the full developer note with more details here.
Fans can expect more updates soon. In the meantime, stay connected by following on X (formerly Twitter), following along on Discord, catching updates on YouTube, or keeping up with the latest news on http://vdf.nexon.com/ and wishlisting on Steam.
More about Vindictus: Defying Fate
Vindictus: Defying Fate is an adrenaline-fueled action RPG that builds on the legacy of original Vindictus IP. Developed using Unreal Engine 5, the game features high-quality graphics and delivers a unique combat experience defined by perfectly timed dodges, powerful counters, and impactful strikes. Players can explore a rich 3D world filled with customizable characters, detailed outfits, and a unique companion system. The game has successfully concluded the alpha test this June 2025, and preparing for its next step by refining the experience based on player feedback.
About NEXON Korea
Founded in 1994, NEXON Korea is engaged in the production, development, and operation of online games. With a diverse portfolio of over 45 live games available in more than 190 countries, NEXON Korea offers engaging entertainment experiences across PC, console, and mobile platforms. Renowned for its iconic franchises, including MapleStory and Dungeon&Fighter, as well as newer titles like The First Descendant and The First Berserker: Khazan, NEXON Korea is dedicated to delivering innovative, high-quality game experiences to players worldwide. For more information, visit the official website: https://company.nexon.com/en/.