Arcanists
Released Jul 2024
Players take turns in a race against the clock, utilising an array of spells to defeat their opponents in battle! Victory is accomplished by becoming the 'last man standing' (or last team) after all other players have been reduced to zero hitpoints.
84% positive · 708 reviews
Not yet
Released, ongoing live service game
High confidence
Live Service
Not yet
Released, ongoing live service game
High confidence
Live Service
Where to get it
Free on Steam
Evaluation
Arcanists launched on July 15, 2024 as a free-to-play multiplayer game and has been receiving a high volume of updates ever since. The developer shipped the Book of Sands expansion on October 15, 2024, adding a new spellbook, map, and a range of gameplay features. This was followed by multiple feature patches through 2025 (Patches 8.2, 8.4, and others), and then a landmark update — the Rated Seasons Update (v9.0) — on July 1, 2026, described by the developer as the largest update in the game's history.
The v9.0 update is the clearest signal of the game's design direction: it introduced a rotating seasonal system where spellbooks and maps available in rated play change on an approximately four-month cycle, along with seasonal battle passes that reward cosmetics and grant enough in-game currency to purchase the next season's pass. Pets, emotes, and a purchasable in-game store for cosmetics were also added as part of this update. A developer diary published on June 27, 2026 explained the rationale and long-term vision for this seasonal model, including future team-ranked ladders still described as works in progress.
Since v9.0 shipped, the developer continued posting patches through August 14, 2026, including feature patches (9.1, 9.1.2) and bug fixes (9.1.5, 9.1.7), maintaining the consistent rapid update cadence that has characterized this game since launch.
The game is structured around an indefinite, recurring seasonal content cycle — new battle passes, rotating competitive content, and ongoing store additions — with no indication from the developer that this model will conclude. The most recent communication was August 14, 2026.
Evidence
Update 9.0 ships the Rated Seasons system, battle passes, pets (some purchasable in-store, more to be added), emotes purchasable in the store, and multiple new game modes. Battle pass described as WIP, and the rated queue rework also marked WIP — indicating ongoing development.
Developer diary announces the Rated Seasons Update (v9.0), explicitly describing a recurring seasonal system: ~4-month cycles with rotating spellbooks, map pools, and new battle passes each season. Confirms the first battle pass is free and that future battle passes can be purchased using in-game currency earned from each pass.
Media
Details
Developer
Publisher
pur3 extreme
Achievements
100
Platform
Windows, macOS, Linux
Controller
—
Steam Deck
Playable
Players
Multiplayer · Co-op · PvP
About this game
Arcanists is a thrilling competitive + casual, multiplayer, turn-based, artillery game.
Players take turns in a race against the clock, utilizing an array of spells to defeat their opponents in battle!
Victory is accomplished by becoming the 'last man standing' (or last team) after all other players have been reduced to zero hitpoints.
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100+ Achievements to Earn
Achievements are given for completing certain challenges in Arcanists and unlock special awards such as new outfits to use within Character Creation. These award Orb Points and Orb Coins, some of which are needed for the Prestige requirements (see below re. Prestige).
While some achievements are very easy to get, others are very difficult and could take several weeks to execute as one waits for the right circumstances to occur within the game!
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Character Creation
Customise your very own Arcanist character, with over 100,000 costume combinations to choose from!
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Spell Selection
Choose from a vast selection of 150+ extraordinary spells to bring in multiplayer battle!
- There are a total of 15 uniquely themed spellbooks, each containing 12 magical spells.
- Selecting all spells from one spellbook unlocks a 'Familiar' effect enabling use of a special ability/extra spells.
- You're limited to just 16 spells in your book... so choose wisely and be sure to read the descriptions...!
Map Environments
Select one of 16 unique map arenas on which to battle and vanquish your opponents!
Beware! Most maps have a powerful 'Armageddon' effect which initiates after a 10-turn countdown...
...Gradually destroying the map terrain, making it difficult for you to escape its destructive wrath!
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Gameplay Special Features
Choose from a wide range of game options and decide how you want to play!
- 24 Player Battles:
Play with up to 24 players online in epic free for all's or team games! More players = crazier gameplay!
- Play either Casual or Competitively:
Play casual games in unranked with up to 24 players, or climb the rankings ladder in Ranked battles and climb the ladder to Rank #1!
- Random Spells Mode:
Unsure which spells to use? No problem! All players' spells become randomised by the game. RNG will decide your fate now!
- Save your Custom Outfits & Spellbooks:
As your game data is stored locally on your PC, you can save your costumes and spellbooks locally. Choose one of the presets in-game using a quick select menu!
- On-Demand Gameplay Replay:
Save replay files after spectating or playing a game and watch them whenever you like, on demand. Replay files can also be shared with others, accessible via the Main Menu!
- Share Spellbooks & Outfits:
Show off your custom outfit designs and spellbook creations with other players in the multiplayer lobby.
- Design and Create Tutorials:
Our tutorial framework enables you to create custom guides to help teach others how to become an Arcanists expert!
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Are these done yet?
Last evaluated Aug 19, 2026
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