South Korean indie developer Sanctuary Games has revealed Zanerdin: The Unbound, a PlayStation 5 and PC collectible turn-based strategy RPG that embraces gacha mechanics without a single microtransaction in sight. The PS5 and PC game is the debut title from the studio, which was founded in April 2025 by former NEOWIZ business development manager Hyunduk You. NEOWIZ, of course, is best known for titles such as DJMax and Lies of P.
At first glance, a game with gacha mechanics might raise red flags for some players. Traditionally, that term persists for free-to-play gacha games where randomized draws are funded by real-world money. But Zanerdin: The Unbound takes a decidedly different route, one that could set a new precedent if successful.
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Gacha RPG Without Paywalls Announced
Zanerdin: The Unbound‘s release date or price has not been locked down yet, but it’ll certainly be a highly anticipated gacha game for some players. That said, those interested in news and updates can wishlist the game on Steam and the PlayStation Store. In a press statement, founder Hyunduk You explained the team’s philosophy plainly: “We believe gacha gameplay can exist and be enjoyable without microtransactions.” Rather than paying to summon new characters or gear, players will unlock every piece of content through progression. Characters, pets, and equipment are all acquired through exploring battle stages, tackling raids, and earning rewards. Sanctuary Games wants the focus to be on strategy and collection earned through gameplay, not monetization hooks.
Rearrange the covers into the correct US release order.
Rearrange the covers into the correct US release order.
Easy (5)Medium (7)Hard (10)
The game is set in the fantasy world of Kalatos, a land shaped by six elemental Blessings: Water, Fire, Earth, Metal, Wind, and Electric. Players take on the role of Zanerdin, a protagonist born in the chaotic, powerless fringe of society called the Chaos region. From there, the story unfolds across more than 60 battle stages, each delivered with hand-drawn narrative cutscenes that serve both story and tactical context. Combat revolves around assembling teams from a roster of more than 25 playable characters, each tied to specific elemental Blessings and battlefield positions. Much like Cookie Run: Kingdom and its player-friendly gacha system, all content available in the base version of Zanerdin: The Unbound can be unlocked without paying extra. The developers have confirmed plans for additional story packs and playable characters via DLC, but pricing details have yet to be outlined.
The reaction from gamers has been largely optimistic, with many expressing relief that a “gacha-style” RPG doesn’t mean endless paywalls and RNG cash shops. That hybrid design — combining beloved collection mechanics with progression that doesn’t target wallets — may appeal to both RPG purists and players who enjoy the thrill of discovering rare units through gameplay alone. Zanerdin: The Unbound‘s model is much closer to traditional RPG progression than modern gacha systems, where storefronts and currencies are tied to real cash. And that paid model has translated into negativity for some titles. For example, Heartopia just responded to its own gacha criticism.
While Heartopia players think its free-to-play gacha needs work, Zanerdin: The Unbound will have a different focus. Its ability to maintain balance without microtransactions while still delivering satisfying progression will be a key test as more details emerge. But if Sanctuary Games can pull it off, this indie title might just inspire other developers to rethink how gacha mechanics are implemented in mainstream games. For now, those interested who own a PS5 or PC can keep an eye on the project and wishlist it ahead of its launch window announcement.
