The MMO RPG genre has faced challenging times recently, with several games shutting down and many others never leaving the development phase. Even the MMOs that do manage to launch often linger in extended alpha or beta periods, leaving players in a state of anticipation rather than enjoyment. Yet, among the crowded landscape of upcoming titles, from Cacao Games and Krono Studio stands out as a potential diamond in the rough—one that has captured attention and continues to show promise as we move into 2026.
A Glimpse at Chrono Odyssey
Set in the vast open world of Satara, Chrono Odyssey aims to bring something unique to the MMO genre. Built on Unreal Engine 5, this title combines a dark, gothic aesthetic with a deep focus on story, exploration, and time-and-space-based combat. The game is planned for both PC and next-gen consoles, offering players traditional MMO staples such as dungeons, puzzles, crafting, trade skills, and expansive skill trees—all wrapped in a true action combat system.
What sets Chrono Odyssey apart is its combat. Unlike most MMOs that rely on tab-target mechanics, this game leans into a Soulslike approach reminiscent of Elden Ring. Players will experience combat with perfectly timed dodges, parries, active blocking, aiming, and challenging boss encounters. Even in the first closed beta back in June 2025, the combat system was widely praised for its responsiveness and depth, providing the kind of high-stakes encounters that make action RPGs thrilling.
Progress Since Closed Beta
Since the initial closed beta, Krono Studio has been actively listening to player feedback. A number of significant improvements have been implemented, showing a strong commitment to refining the game:
Lighting and Visuals: The previously washed-out visuals have been reworked, with new lighting and performance optimizations that make the world feel vibrant and alive.
Combat Hitboxes: Monster hitboxes were adjusted for better accuracy, ensuring that dodges, parries, and attacks feel precise—a crucial factor for a Soulslike combat system.
Camera Improvements: Lock-on camera angles have been refined, improving visibility during battles with large monsters and enhancing overall gameplay fluidity.
Performance Optimization: The developers aim for smooth gameplay on mid-range hardware like the RTX 2070, making the game accessible to a wide player base.
The developers have also shared detailed comparisons of “before and after” adjustments, allowing the community to see the tangible results of their feedback. This transparency in development demonstrates a level of care and attention that is often missing in the MMO industry.
Developer Insights
In a recent interview, Executive Producer Yun discussed the purpose of the closed beta: to gather player feedback on content completeness, gauge what players find enjoyable, and identify areas that need refinement. He emphasized the importance of open communication and responsive design, highlighting that the development team is taking player feedback seriously to ensure the game delivers an enjoyable and polished experience.
Why Chrono Odyssey Excites
For MMO fans craving an action-oriented, visually stunning, and deeply engaging world, Chrono Odyssey is shaping up to be a standout. With the decline of games like New World, many players seeking challenging PvP, exploration, and intricate combat may find a new home here. The combination of thoughtful development, open-world exploration, and precise action combat gives this MMO a solid foundation to grow from.
While the next beta test does not yet have a confirmed date, the developers are wisely focusing on quality over speed, implementing feedback carefully before opening the game to more players. This cautious approach bodes well for a polished, balanced, and exciting MMO experience.
Final Thoughts
In an era where many MMOs struggle to capture attention or maintain momentum, Chrono Odyssey has already shown that it has both the ambition and the talent behind it to succeed. With its improvements in combat, visuals, and overall gameplay experience, it deserves a spot on any MMO fan's radar for 2026.
Whether you're drawn by its challenging action combat, the dark and immersive world of Satara, or the transparent and responsive development process, is shaping up to be one of the most promising MMO releases in recent memory.
