A battle royale spin-off for BDO

Shadow Arena is an action game from Pearl Abyss that pits heroes against each other in fierce showdowns. Originally a mode within Black Desert Online, it’s been expanded into a 40-player standalone game that is reminiscent of battle royale games. However, it still has features drawn from its MMO roots, as well as MOBAs. As with any game of the same genre, the goal is to become the arena’s last survivor. Aside from battling other players, there will also be loot that you need to collect that can help you become the last player standing. 

A fantasy arena fighting game

Shadow Arena pits 40 players against each other in a fierce fight on the battlefield. In the game, players can choose from nine playable characters, each with their own abilities and different fighting styles. With this, the players will feel as if they are playing a regular MOBA hero. It is even more reminiscent of MOBAs, like Dota 2 and League of Legends, as the heroes have four abilities that will unlock with monster or player kills.

With the increase of levels and stats, the players will get skill points. They can then use these points on any of their four abilities until they are upgraded to the third tier. To climb to the top of the pack, players must not only slay monsters and other heroes. They must also collect loot to upgrade their gear and gain buffs.

You will get most of the EXP and loot you want from roaming monsters. As with typical battle royales, you will need to spend some time searching for the loot you want. However, for your convenience, the upgrade system automatically matches the loot to its slot and upgrades them when it’s able.

Suffering from class imbalance

Shadow Arena offers two gameplay modes. Players can flaunt their skills in the solo mode, or they can tag-team with a friend with the team mode. However, the latter requires complex strategic gameplay. Players can also experience a distinctive co-op mode with a new style of PvP action. The match-making in Shadow Arena is entirely skill-based. The better you perform, the stronger your opponents will be once you reach a new tier.

Most monsters aren’t a major concern, but there are rare boss monsters that can annihilate you if you are not careful. The boss monsters aren’t the only thing you need to watch out for, though. The more the arena gets confined, the more nerve-wracking the game becomes. It shrinks so fast that you wouldn’t have the time to find the gear that you want and get out. Another deal-breaker of the game is its massive class unbalancing, which is very melee-sided.

It is too easy for melee classes to run in the fight and stun-lock somebody to death. However, ranged classes need to play with every resource that they have to survive. Also, a caveat to the game is its RNG. Sometimes, it takes a while for your hero to stand up after getting knocked down, which can be frustrating as it can lead to your doom. Hitboxes also need more improvement, as it does not work most of the time. 

Survive the arena

Shadow Arena is an enjoyable game to play if you are a fan of Black Dessert Online or any battle royale game. It is an action-packed multiplayer fighting game that will definitely cater to fans of the said genre. Its battle system is very much like a MOBA gameplay, so adjusting to it shouldn’t be too hard. There are a few drawbacks that needed consideration, but all in all, it is a game that you will look forward to playing.