It’s free, it features an open world filled with highly intelligent NPCs, and soon you’ll be able to try it yourself to see why it captivated 40 million fans in just one month. Sword of Justice took China by storm in 30 days, and now NetEase is preparing its Western launch.

We’ve said it before: there’s no shortage of MMOs, especially those from Asia that set their sights on Western audiences. Sword of Justice, NetEase’s MMORPG, is a prime example. Released in China, the game amassed 40 million players in only one month, thanks to its wuxia-inspired world and AI-powered NPCs that aim to revolutionize in-game interactions. Now, Western gamers will get a chance to try it during the first closed beta, marking a new milestone for the MMORPG.

Sword of Justice blends wuxia aesthetics—a mix of high and low fantasy rooted in Chinese tradition—with cutting-edge visuals powered by its AI framework, advanced lighting, and ray tracing. The game is designed to deliver a visual and narrative experience that appeals to both seasoned MMO fans and newcomers, offering a richly detailed world that begs to be explored.

One of the biggest draws lies in its intelligent NPCs. Unlike traditional non-playable characters, who are limited to pre-written responses, these NPCs use artificial intelligence to react dynamically to player choices and actions. Each encounter promises to be unique, creating a more immersive and lifelike experience. That said, we’ll have to wait for the Western beta to see how well this AI adapts across different languages and gameplay contexts.

Save the Date: Sword of Justice Closed Beta

The Western closed beta will run from September 26 to October 9, with sign-ups open from August 29 to September 16 on the official website. Selected players will be able to explore the game on PC and mobile, dive into PvE and PvP combat, and earn exclusive rewards like a player banner to carry over to the final release.

While an official Western release date has yet to be confirmed, Sword of Justice promises a fair, accessible free-to-play system without gacha mechanics, starting right from the beta stage. With its vibrant world, advanced AI NPCs, and a reward system designed to foster long-term engagement, the MMORPG is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated new titles of the year, signaling a major step in the expansion of Chinese MMOs to the West.

Source: 3djuegos