Rogue Masters Launches Free-to-Play with Souls-Like Co-op Combat

Advance Garde and Main Leaf have officially launched Rogue Masters as a free-to-play title on Steam, marking its transition from early access to version 1.0. Originally released in late 2023, this souls-inspired horde survival game shifts from paid early access to a monetization-free model, lowering entry barriers while raising questions about long-term viability. The release focuses on cooperative combat against waves of corrupted enemies across forgotten civilizations, anchored by a "Willpower" resource system that demands tactical coordination.

Core gameplay revolves around six-player co-op—a notable departure from the typical three or four-player formats in titles like Dark Souls or Remnant. Teams face escalating enemy swarms culminating in Champion boss fights requiring precise teamwork. Combat mechanics emphasize deliberate, high-risk attacks reminiscent of FromSoftware's design philosophy, though with a greater focus on group dynamics. Player feedback highlights exceptional weapon balance: all archetypes remain viable in the current meta, supported by a robust transmog system allowing extensive visual customization without altering stats.

Technical execution reveals significant trade-offs. The peer-to-peer networking architecture frequently causes latency during intense battles, contrasting with dedicated-server competitors such as Deep Rock Galactic. While developers added online PvP during early access, the engine lacks 4K resolution support—a surprising omission for a 2026 release that limits appeal on premium hardware. Steam Deck compatibility requires manual tweaking for native resolutions, and UI elements remain undersized on the handheld's display despite its "Playable" verification.

Community scrutiny persists around alleged asset reuse, particularly character rigs and animations resembling Dark Souls. Identical attack timings and movements in trailers fuel these claims, though developers haven't publicly addressed them. With 223 Steam reviews yielding a "Mostly Positive" rating (71% approval), the free model attracts players but relies solely on non-monetized progression systems. This approach avoids pay-to-win mechanics yet pressures developers to sustain content updates without revenue streams.

Rogue Masters suits budget-focused gamers seeking challenging co-op without upfront costs. Its deep customization and unique player count differentiate it from peers, but networking flaws and technical limitations may frustrate enthusiasts with high-end setups. The game exemplifies how indie studios can innovate within crowded genres, albeit with compromises in polish and scalability.