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New Depths in Blade & Soul NEO: The Update of "Shikkoku no Rōkaku"

NCSOFT Japan has officially announced the latest update for their popular online game, Blade & Soul NEO, set to be released on December 17, 2025. This update introduces a thrilling new 12-player raid dungeon titled "Shikkoku no Rōkaku" (Black Pavilion). Alongside the update, special events to celebrate this milestone and a live Christmas special broadcast are also in store for the players.

Launch of the New Raid Dungeon

Update Timing

• - Date: December 17, 2025
• - Time: During the regular maintenance

Overview

The "Shikkoku no Rōkaku" raid dungeon marks a significant addition to the game. Situated in a realm contaminated by the "Tori Maō" (Bird Demon King), it comprises a series of four obstacles, each guarded by formidable boss monsters. The challenge level in this dungeon is ramps up, but players can look forward to rewarding drops such as essential materials for soulstone development and exclusive rewards like shiny skill book boxes, various seals, and legendary graphic boxes. We encourage players to form parties and take on these obstacles together.

Additionally, a new boss named "Sosa Yansa" has emerged in the solo dungeon "Bushin no Tō" (Tower of the Martial God). Armed with the Kōryū Engetsutō (Yellow Dragon Crescent Blade), this powerful foe offers both a fierce challenge and enticing rewards like linked star stone boxes and costumes themed after Sosa Yansa. Expect modifications in player experience through balance adjustments and new gathering lists aimed at making gameplay smoother.

For more details on the "Shikkoku no Rōkaku" update, check out the official announcement here.

Celebration Events for Shikkoku no Rōkaku

Event Duration

• - Start: December 17, 2025, post-maintenance
• - End: January 21, 2026, pre-maintenance

Event Details

In light of the new updates, players can participate in unique events designed to enhance character and equipment strength:
1. Tori Maō Necklace Event:
Players can obtain "Tori Maō Necklace Strengthening Stones (Event)" from flying dragon shops using coins and exchange them for random enhanced "Tori Maō Necklaces". At +3 enhancement and above, the necklace opens opportunities for various exchanges, while +8 offers a distinct transformation challenge.

2. Fragments of Growth Event:
During the event, players can collect "Fragments of Growth" and special rare fragments through daily tasks to trade for experience charms, boosting character enhancements significantly.

For full details on the Shikkoku no Rōkaku event, visit here.

Kōgō Tournament & Wanderer's Games

Event Duration

• - Start: December 17, 2025, post-maintenance
• - End: January 21, 2026, pre-maintenance

Overview

This event span entails two fun mini-games: Kōgō Tōrnament and Wanderer Games, designed for players looking for a fun challenge.
Kōgō Tōrnament involves utilizing dexterity and skill in a special race map to compete against others while Wanderer's Game challenges players to safely cross a perilous bridge made up of panels that might fall away. Successful gamers can earn memory outfit tokens to exchange for exclusive event costumes such as the NEO Down Jacket and the Zerohyak outfit from past events. Join in for fun festivities and prizes! For more details on these mini-games, view here.

Pre-Christmas Live Broadcast

Broadcast Timing

• - Date: December 19, 2025
• - Time: 7:00 PM
• - Link: Watch Live

Participants

• - FS Gralka
• - FS Funkou

Join the FS Gralka and FS Funkou as they host an exciting pre-Christmas live stream. Expect an interactive session filled with mini-games and lots of festive giveaways for viewers. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to engage with your fellow players and creators during this holiday season. For further details regarding the live broadcast, check out here.

Game Overview

Blade & Soul NEO

Since its launch in 2014, Blade & Soul has maintained its action-packed gameplay while enhancing graphics and character growth systems in this remake version. Players can choose from four distinct factions—Jin, Gon, Lyn, and Kun—and select from eight unique classes, offering greater flexibility in play styles. With improved graphics achieving a more realistic texture and lighting, players can appreciate advanced action mechanics during combat and travel.

Game Details

• - Title: Blade & Soul NEO
• - Genre: MMORPG
• - Launch Date: March 12, 2025
• - Usage Fee: Free-to-play with in-game purchases

For further updates, visit the official website at NCSOFT. Join the community on various social platforms including X (formerly Twitter), Discord, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and Bluesky.

(c) NCSOFT Corporation. Licensed to NC Japan K.K. All Rights Reserved. Please note that the information in this press release reflects the status as of December 17, 2025, and is subject to change.