On May 13, 'Blade & Soul Revolution' (hereafter B&S Revolution) unveiled its 'B&S Revolution NEXT Showcase,' detailing upcoming massive updates and a content roadmap for 2026. The event was hosted by MC Kim Soo-hyun, with Netmarble Business Division Head Jung Seung-hwan, Netmarble F&C Director Ryu Jae-sung, and Netmarble F&C Planning Team Leader Lee Hwan-jong in attendance to break down their respective domains.

The showcase was split into three distinct themes: 'Leap, Thrill, and Connection,' representing the Unreal Engine 5 upgrade, the new 'Illusionist' class, and the launch of the new 'One and Only' server alongside the 2026 content roadmap. Players were particularly keen on the first reveal of future updates, including the unique 'Gwi-cheon' and 'Yong-gwon-sa' equipment.

The first mobile game engine upgrade! A visual leap with 'UE5'

Seeing is believing, and the Unreal Engine 5 upgrade was showcased through footage of the 'Muilbong' scenery, demonstrating an overwhelming visual disparity. The focus wasn't just on making things look 'pretty,' but on capturing genuine 'vibrancy.' Improved background graphics and character modelling allow for a deeper immersion into the signature B&S Revolution aesthetic.

A closer look at the revamped terrain reveals a stark difference in the density of grass and trees, colour palettes, and light reflections. This is thanks to a massive improvement in texture resolution for various objects, which enhances the sense of depth in distant scenery. The real showstopper, however, is the lighting in dark areas; the 'real-time lighting' technology allows light to cast naturally across walls and floors. With natural shadows and contrast, the space feels far more three-dimensional—proving this is more than just a simple engine version bump.

There is also news that will delight fans of the Lyn race—the icons of cuteness in B&S Revolution. While many love the small and adorable nature of the Lyn, quite a few players wanted a sleeker, more refined proportion. This engine upgrade introduces the 'Long-Lin' body type. It doesn't just change the proportions; it preserves the unique silhouette of the Lyn while adding a polished finish that maximises the dynamism of combat motions. Additionally, ear and tail customisation has been significantly expanded for those who love to tinker with their look.

The thrill of psychological warfare! The new 'Illusionist' class is a master of distraction

The protagonist of the showcase's second theme, 'Thrill,' is the new Illusionist class. Its core identity revolves around 'illusion' and 'distraction,' blurring the lines of reality to throw foes into chaos. Its unique skills, such as 'Stellar Journey,' appear to offer a stealth effect by hiding behind starlight mirages, while abilities like 'Confusion,' 'Shatter Illusion,' and 'Radiate Presence' allow the class to materialise from unexpected locations to unleash rapid attacks using light and hallucinations.

On a battlefield where an Illusionist is present, you simply cannot trust your eyes. They can scatter stars around the field while turning into a starlike form themselves to cause confusion, and link skills to inflict 'faint' on enemies. Furthermore, Illusionists can intentionally manipulate the timing of their stun skills to exploit enemy invincibility frames.

The showcase described these as 'delayed skills.' By flexibly managing skill duration depending on the situation, it becomes difficult for enemies to predict the exact timing of the Illusionist's stun. For the player, maintaining initiative and never letting it slip away is paramount. Through this psychological warfare and unconventional skill management, players can expect to taste the pinnacle of strategic combat in B&S Revolution.

New 'One and Only' server arrives with a full set of Mythic grade gear

With the engine upgrade and a new class out, it's time to welcome new and returning players. The 'One and Only' server is opening with the slogan 'Zero Barrier to Settlement.' Players will be gifted a full set of equipment on their first day, and the 'Growth Challenge Guide' will assist in adapting to the game's vast content, offering an unprecedented stream of benefits to support character development.

Furthermore, through popular events like 'Raising Baek-mong Season 2' and 'Equipment Boosting,' players can acquire a vast amount of top-tier Mythic equipment. Securing a full Mythic set brings a player to the level required to join core content without any gaps in their growth. The system is designed so that you can simply follow the guide without overthinking, making the challenge all the more fun.

'Yong-gwon-sa and Gwi-cheon' equipment: 2026 B&S Revolution update blueprint

The final part of the showcase presented the connection points for the future of B&S Revolution. First up is the launch of the 'Revolution Remote' service via 'Netmarble Connect.' Netmarble Connect is a service that allows you to remotely play PC games running through the Netmarble Launcher using an app. If you have a mobile device with the app installed, you can play freely from anywhere.The app also provides easy access to the official community, further strengthening the social connections within the game.

The 'connection' theme continues into a packed 2026 roadmap. In Q2 of this year, the first Mythic dungeon, 'Garden of Poison,' will be introduced. A new 'Tower of Trials' content will also be added, along with improvements to the class change system, streamlining the process so players can enjoy new content with whatever style they prefer at any time.

A major upheaval is expected in Q3 with the arrival of the new 'Yong-gwon-sa' class, which promises heavy-hitting impact, a new PvE dungeon 'Hell Mode,' and the unique 'Gwi-cheon' equipment. Business Division Head Jung Seung-hwan emphasized the Gwi-cheon gear as the first-ever unique equipment in B&S Revolution history. Represented by the 'Gwi-cheon Sword'—which shares a deep connection with the main narrative—he stated that players would feel its overwhelming prestige. Note that the materials for this equipment will be gathered through the revamped 'Blood Wind Zone,' and he explicitly promised that there are no plans to add this to the paid Monetization, much to the delight of the player base.

The final quarter of the year is declared a 'festival.' With the 8th anniversary of B&S Revolution, another massive update is teased, along with a new class, a new Mythic dungeon, and additional scenarios to ensure there isn't a single dull moment.

A sincere 'connection' with the players

In closing, Business Division Head Jung Seung-hwan stated that he would be the most reliable supporter for the new leap of B&S Revolution. He promised that 2026 would go beyond one-way communication via developer notes, focusing on sharing deep concerns and thoughts on how to make B&S Revolution even more enjoyable together.

The first session for this is the 'Developer Live' on May 22 at 7 PM. To foster even closer dialogue with the players, Update Special Page has been set up for 'Letters to the Devs.' You can write up to 5,000 characters of feedback or questions for the development team and click the 'Send Letter' button. These letters will be meticulously reviewed and answered during the Developer Live. Letters can be submitted from May 7 at 12 PM until May 20 at 7 PM via the B&S Revolution Update Special Page.

Meanwhile, B&S Revolution has used this showcase as a starting point to reveal additional information previously hidden on the special page. You can now view the teaser video for the new Illusionist class, check out new server benefits, and experience the Unreal Engine 5 upgrade comparison. While you're writing your letter, make sure to visit the Special Page to check the update info for May 28 in advance. Furthermore, this showcase can be rewatched on the official B&S Revolution community and their official YouTube channel.