Spellbreak Rises From the Ashes: The Wizard Battle Royale is Back

Spellbreak may have been written off as a doomed battle royale, but like any good wizard, it’s pulled off a magical comeback. Launched in September 2020, Spellbreak garnered positive reviews for its unique spell-slinging gameplay, where players combined elemental abilities to rain magical destruction on their foes. Despite its initial appeal, the game struggled to maintain a player base and was shut down in early 2023 after Blizzard acquired developer Proletariat to bolster the World of Warcraft team.

But here’s the twist: Spellbreak didn’t completely vanish. Last month, Proletariat quietly released a free, community-driven version of the game, allowing fans to host their own PvP servers. “In order to help memorialize Spellbreak and allow players to continue to enjoy the Hollow Lands, we created a standalone version where players can host their own servers, play with their friends, and explore the game-space at their own pace,” Proletariat announced.

Thanks to this new version, Spellbreak has been experiencing a surprising revival in 2024. The game’s community has grown, and several media outlets have even covered its unexpected comeback. It’s a refreshing example of games preservation, especially in an era when so many online titles (including MMOs and MMORPGs) vanish for good once their servers shut down.

For those unfamiliar with Spellbreak, the game mixes fast-paced battle royale gameplay with elemental magic. Players choose from different elemental classes like Fire, Ice, and Lightning, combining spells to create devastating effects. Firewalls meet tornadoes, lightning storms crackle across the battlefield, and icy traps freeze unlucky foes in place. While it might not be getting any more updates, Spellbreak remains a gem for those who enjoy magical mayhem.