Blue Archive, Nexon‘s anime-inspired tactical RPG, is now available on Steam, marking its official debut on PC after years as a mobile exclusive. The move brings the game’s blend of strategic combat and character-driven storytelling to a wider audience, building on its strong following since its original launch. The Steam launch happened on July 4 and since it has peaked at 22,049 concurrent players. Not bad!
First released in 2021, Blue Archive quickly gained traction among fans of anime aesthetics and turn-based RPGs, thanks in part to its ongoing updates and robust community. The game’s setting, Kivotos, a sprawling city made up of multiple academies which serves as the backdrop for a series of episodic storylines involving both everyday school life and larger conspiracies.
Since launching on Steam, Blue Archive has received a positive reception, maintaining a ‘Very Positive’ 91% user rating with over 9,000 reviews. For those new to the title, players take on the role of an advisor working with the Federal Investigation Club, SCHALE, navigating various incidents and building relationships with a diverse cast of students. The gameplay mixes tactical strategy with RPG progression and character collection elements, making it a notable entry in the anime-RPG genre.
Key points from the Steam launch and latest update:
- Steam version includes all previous mobile content, offering parity across platforms.
- Players can expect tactical combat and an episodic narrative focused on academy life and broader conspiracies in the city of Kivotos.
- The launch coincides with a new story event, “Code: BOX – The Shadow Approaching Millennium,” centered around a secret infiltration at the Millennium EXPO.
- Several new characters are introduced in this update:
- Seia (3★, Piercing-Type STRIKER): Reduces an ally’s EX Skill cost and boosts their cost recovery.
- Asuna (School) (3★, Explosive-Type STRIKER): Increases attack power for herself and a Special Student ally.
- Rio (3★, Mystic-Type SPECIAL): Can draw and copy an ally’s EX Skill Card, while boosting their attack.
- Neru (School) (3★, Piercing-Type STRIKER): Enters a Duel state to inflict additional damage and unlocks a skill unique to that state.
- The popular character Hanako (Swimsuit) also returns for this event.
Further reading: Steam store page