Nexon hosted the Mabinogi 22nd Anniversary Fantasy Party at KINTEX on the 27th. The event featured a showcase detailing the summer update and the 'Project Eternity' initiative to transition the game to Unreal Engine 5, alongside various performances and on-site festivities.

Mabinogi Director Choi Dong-min took the stage to outline the upcoming summer update. The focus is on lowering the barrier to entry by revamping growth structures and introducing high-end content like Arcana Awakening. First, they are removing equipment inheritance fees and allowing gear inheritance between items of different materials, provided they share the same equipment slot and the target item can support the inherited options.

Dungeon entry is also getting a facelift. The most significant change is the removal of 'Near,' introduced last summer, and a return to the classic ticket-based replay structure for Ula Dungeons and Tech Duinn. These tickets can be purchased from NPCs using gold. Furthermore, players can use 'Dungeon Explorer's Seals' earned through gameplay to acquire entry tickets for Crom Bas, Glenn Bearna, and Blaanid's Rêve.

New growth milestones are on the horizon, headlined by Arcana Awakening and advanced skills. Once a player reaches Rank 10, they can accumulate experience through major dungeons to level up their Arcana Awakening, granting stat bonuses and effects. Reaching the max level unlocks the 'Arcana Awakening Skill,' which provides invincibility and critical hits, essential for clearing mechanics and bursting damage.

A new item type, 'Ogeom Word,' is also arriving. There are 26 types in total, obtainable through dungeon runs, and combining three yields powerful effects. Once the Arcana Awakening level hits certain stages, you can equip up to five at once. The first two combination effects will be revealed in July, with more arriving in August.

In September, the new top-tier dungeon 'Tala Gah' will open. It accommodates up to four players and features Normal and Hard difficulties. Hard mode drops top-tier loot. The boss, 'Poinche,' features complex mechanics, and clearing it rewards 'Dusk Bound' armor, which allows players to selectively apply their preferred set bonuses.

Summer update events are in full swing too. The '2026 Get It Beauty' event offers various 'Beauty Coupons,' and the new supporter pet 'Hamzzi' makes its debut. A 'Fever Season' event is also running, gifting players Ferghus weapons, Refined armor, and accessories.

Director Choi Dong-min noted, "I am truly grateful to everyone who spent their precious weekend with us. The past year has given our team much to reflect on, and thanks to you, we have realised where we were falling short. We will continue to listen to our players to make Mabinogi even better."

Finally, General Director Min Kyung-hoon introduced 'Mabinogi Eternity.' The alpha test is scheduled for this autumn, and a playable demo was available at the Fantasy Party. Project Eternity aims to transition Mabinogi to Unreal Engine 5, with the goal of creating more vivid world and character visuals while improving quality-of-life features like dye management.

At the Fantasy Party, attendees could experience character customisation, exploration of Erinn, and various events. The customisation demo offered 227 costumes (30 sets) and a full array of 'Fixed Colour Dye Ampoules.' The exploration section featured locations like 'Tir Chonaill,' 'Dugald Aisle,' 'Dunbarton,' 'Abb Neagh,' and 'Gairech Hills.' In the 'Suspicious Event,' players could defeat 'Suspicious Treasure Chests' appearing across the field to collect 'Suspicious Fragments' for special rewards.

Beyond the tech demos, there were plenty of activities for Milletians. Minigames themed around the game—such as the Saint Bard performance, Sinead's secret mission, playing music with Briana, donating ancient books to Arjella, and a game of tag—kept everyone entertained. I've captured the highlights of the Mabinogi Fantasy Party below.