Hello!

This is Nexon PICKER, Pistime.

Nexon’s new title NAKWON first made its public debut

through a pre-alpha test in 2023.

Its fresh premise as a Korean zombie apocalypse extraction shooter

also made it a major talking point.

If Nexon’s ARC Raiders is leading a new generation of extraction shooters,

NAKWON looks like it could be one of the games that expands the genre’s range.

In this post, I’ll go over how to join the NAKWON alpha test

and share some brief hands-on impressions.

NAKWON Alpha Test

How to Participate

To take part in the NAKWON alpha test,

you’ll need to log in to Steam and apply for the test.

< Go to the NAKWON Steam page >

This alpha test runs from March 12 to 16,

and if you submit your application and wait, you may be selected to play.

If you have a Steam friend who already has access,

they can immediately grant play access to up to three people through invitations.

NAKWON Alpha Test

Play Impressions

Compared with the alpha test in 2023,

the overall improvement in quality was immediately noticeable.

Story elements and cutscenes have been added in particular,

making the game’s world and background much easier to follow.

The tutorial has also been polished,

and its connection to the story gives it a stronger sense of immersion.

Above all, one of NAKWON’s biggest strengths is its Korean setting.

The maps are filled with distinctly Korean details throughout,

and Unreal Engine 5 brings them to life with visuals that are genuinely enjoyable to take in.

The gameplay follows a PvPvE format, much like ARC Raiders.

The developers seem to have recognized the strong demand for PvE in ARC Raiders,

as powerful boss zombies equipped with high-end gear appear alongside regular zombies,

placing greater emphasis on PvE while still allowing for both competition and cooperation.

There is also a system called Last Stand,

which gives you one more chance even after going down once,

making the overall experience feel a bit lighter and more accessible.

Leveling up also unlocks traits,

allowing you to learn a variety of active and passive abilities.

On top of that, features such as a housing system have been added,

giving players more incentive to keep playing while adding some satisfying RPG appeal.

That wraps up this quick overview of my NAKWON play impressions.

It feels like a game that could broaden the spectrum of extraction shooters.

I was disappointed that ARC Raiders’ pre-launch server slam was so short,

and NAKWON makes me want to freeze-dry it as it is and keep playing for much longer.

I’m looking forward to seeing how NAKWON shapes up after incorporating alpha test feedback and further improving its overall polish.