SUNSfan and Jenkins Announce New Game 'Relic Arena', a Successor to Ability Arena

In a strategic move following the monetization challenges in Dota 2 Arcade, renowned casters Shannon “SUNSfan” Scotten and Andrew “Jenkins” Jenkins have unveiled their latest gaming venture, 'Relic Arena' The standalone game, a spiritual successor to their popular Dota 2 custom game Ability Arena, introduces a unique blend of historical inspiration and strategic gameplay.

Relic Arena, launched through a Kickstarter campaign, aims to raise $25,000 for development. The game is a "build your hero" auto-battler, distancing itself from Dota 2 while maintaining the core concept that made Ability Arena a fan favorite.

Relic Arena: New Stand Alone Game

Departing from the fantasy realm, Relic Arena draws inspiration from historical figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, Cleopatra, and Alan Turing. Players will enhance their heroes not through traditional abilities but by selecting historical relics, each carrying unique powers and historical significance.

SUNSfan emphasized the vision for Relic Arena, stating, "A game that fits into your daily routine with ease but also boasts the depth and complexity to take center stage in competitive gaming arenas." The team aspires to deliver an experience that is both casual and competitive.

Unlike conventional auto-battlers, Relic Arena focuses on empowering players to craft their heroes. The absence of gacha or pay-to-win mechanics ensures a fair playing field, with the game adopting a free-to-play model complemented by a Battle Pass. This pass will feature cosmetics, leader unlocks, and visual effects, reminiscent of Ability Arena.

To support a thriving competitive scene, the development team plans extensive beta testing, bi-monthly balance patches, and regular tournaments. While the official release is slated for March 2025, backers of the Kickstarter campaign can participate in the Closed Alpha in March 2024 and the Closed Beta in September 2024. Interested players could access the beta version of the game by donating $50 to the Kickstarter campaign, however, it is no longer available.

With the announcement of the Kickstarter campaign, a timeline of various important events are noted. If things go according to plan, the game is set to be released on March 2025.

Relic Arena is set to be available on Windows, Steam, iOS (App Store), and Android (Google Play), ensuring accessibility across a diverse range of platforms. The Kickstarter campaign offers backers various tiers of rewards, including the opportunity to be a designer and exclusive packages like the "Whale Pack" which allows backers to celebrate the game's launch with SUNSfan and Jenkins.

With progress noted as "quicker than expected" the speculative release dates seem promising, marking the anticipation for Relic Arena's emergence as the next exciting chapter from the creative minds of SUNSfan and Jenkins.