Funktronic Labs just announced the most ambitious genre mashup of the year. Scramble Knights Royale drops 32 players into a Legend of Zelda-inspired archipelago where they explore dungeons, complete quests, gather loot, and eventually murder each other to win the favor of a princess. The game launches on Steam and Xbox Series X/S in 2026 with a playtest coming soon, proving that no gaming genre is safe from the battle royale treatment.
Zelda Meets Fortnite Meets Dark Souls
Every match starts the same way. You jump off a boat and ride a turtle to shore, immediately establishing the game’s commitment to charming weirdness. From there, you’re loose in an archipelago packed with towns, dungeons, quest givers, and treasure chests. The map feels like a condensed version of A Link to the Past or Link’s Awakening, with that same top-down perspective and colorful aesthetic.
But unlike those classic adventures, 31 other players are exploring the same world with identical goals. You need to find better weapons, armor, and accessories before the inevitable confrontation. The ring slowly closes like every other battle royale, forcing everyone together for increasingly chaotic encounters. Players who have tested the closed beta compare the combat to Dark Souls meets Ocarina of Time, requiring skill and strategic timing rather than just button mashing.
The Power Fantasy Progression Loop
What separates Scramble Knights from typical battle royales is its emphasis on adventure game progression. You don’t just find guns with different stats. You discover equipment that fundamentally changes your capabilities, visit blacksmiths to spend gems on upgrades, and make strategic build choices that determine your playstyle. Every weapon features multiple moves to master, creating depth beyond simple damage numbers.
The game leans into power fantasy hard. Funktronic Labs wants you to feel progressively stronger as matches unfold, transforming from a weak starting knight into an overpowered champion before the final confrontation. This creates a different rhythm than shooters where everyone has roughly equal firepower. In Scramble Knights, someone who spent their time efficiently exploring dungeons and upgrading gear can absolutely dominate players who rushed toward the center too quickly.
Quests and Dungeons Replace Looting Buildings
Instead of running through generic structures hoping for good RNG, Scramble Knights gives you actual adventure game content during the exploration phase. Quest givers send you on missions with specific objectives. Dungeons feature puzzles and bosses that drop valuable rewards. The archipelago feels alive with NPC interactions and environmental storytelling rather than empty buildings stuffed with weapons.
This structure addresses one of battle royale’s most persistent problems: the boring mid-game. In most BR titles, you spend significant time wandering around hoping to find either good loot or opponents. Scramble Knights fills that downtime with actual gameplay challenges that meaningfully impact your power level while keeping you engaged even when you’re not fighting other players.
Die as a Knight, Spectate as a Chicken
One of the most charming features might be the spectator mode. When you die, you don’t just watch a killcam or spectate normally. You turn into a chicken and can waddle around watching the rest of the match unfold. It’s a small detail that captures the game’s personality perfectly, turning elimination into something slightly less frustrating through sheer absurdity.
The game also includes a Homestead system where you can decorate your personal space away from battle and hang out with friends between matches. It’s essentially a hub area that you customize with items earned through play, giving progression meaning beyond just unlocking cosmetics. Speaking of which, seasonal content provides tons of customization options for your knight’s appearance.
Multiplayer Options Beyond Solo Queue
At launch, Scramble Knights will support solo free-for-all matches where you can queue with friends but compete against them. Later in 2026, duo queue arrives for proper team-based play. Perhaps most interesting is the online split-screen feature, letting two players share a screen while competing in online matches. It’s a rare feature in modern multiplayer games that solves the problem of wanting to play battle royales with someone physically next to you.
The player count stays at 32 rather than the 100-player lobbies common in shooters. This feels appropriate given the adventure game pacing and more involved combat system. Thirty-two players provides enough competition without overwhelming the map or turning every match into total chaos from the opening seconds.
Pricing and Availability
Funktronic Labs hasn’t locked down final pricing but estimates somewhere between $5 and $10 at launch. Purchasing the game unlocks the first battle pass completely, giving you immediate access to seasonal content. A playtest is happening very soon for players who want early access. You can sign up on the Steam page, which also allows you to wishlist the game and stay updated on development progress.
The 2026 release window leaves plenty of time for polish and iteration based on playtest feedback. Given that closed beta players have been testing the game for several months already, Funktronic Labs appears committed to getting the balance right before full launch.
FAQs
What is Scramble Knights Royale?
Scramble Knights Royale is a 32-player battle royale inspired by classic Legend of Zelda games. Players explore an archipelago filled with dungeons, quests, and treasures while competing to be the last knight standing.
When does Scramble Knights Royale release?
The game launches in 2026 on Steam and Xbox Series X/S. A playtest is happening soon for players who sign up on the Steam page.
How much will Scramble Knights Royale cost?
Funktronic Labs estimates the price will be between $5 and $10. Buying the game unlocks the first battle pass completely.
Can you play Scramble Knights with friends?
Yes. At launch you can queue with friends in free-for-all mode where you compete against each other. Duo queue for team-based play arrives later in 2026. The game also supports online split-screen for local co-op.
What platforms is Scramble Knights coming to?
Scramble Knights Royale releases on PC via Steam and Microsoft Store, plus Xbox Series X/S. No other console versions have been announced.
How does combat work in Scramble Knights?
Combat combines elements of Dark Souls and Zelda with strategic timing and weapon mastery. Every weapon has multiple moves to learn, and your equipment build significantly impacts your effectiveness in fights.
What happens when you die in Scramble Knights?
When eliminated, you turn into a chicken and can waddle around spectating the rest of the match, adding a humorous twist to defeat.
Does Scramble Knights have progression systems?
Yes. The game includes a Homestead you can decorate, seasonal cosmetics to earn, and battle pass content. During matches, you explore dungeons, complete quests, and visit blacksmiths to upgrade equipment.
Battle Royale Finally Gets Interesting
The battle royale genre has struggled with innovation lately. Most new entries just tweak existing formulas with slightly different mechanics or themes without fundamentally changing what makes the genre work. Scramble Knights Royale actually tries something different by replacing mindless looting with adventure game content that gives the exploration phase meaning. Instead of hoping RNG drops good weapons, you’re actively playing through dungeons and quests that test your skills while preparing you for PvP encounters. The Zelda inspiration works because those games already featured combat, exploration, and power progression, all essential battle royale elements. If Funktronic Labs can nail the balance between adventuring and fighting while keeping match times reasonable, Scramble Knights could carve out its own niche in an oversaturated genre. At minimum, dying as a chicken beats staring at a generic elimination screen.