Game of Thrones: Kingsroad Faces Mixed Reviews in Early Access Launch

LOS ANGELES, CA – The much-anticipated mobile RPG, Game of Thrones: Kingsroad, developed by Netmarble, launched its Early Access version this March, with its official release on May 21, 2025.

Set during the tumultuous events of HBO’s acclaimed series, Kingsroad plunges players into the world of Westeros as a bastard child and heir of House Tyre. The primary goal is to gather support and ultimately claim the lordship. Player choices allow them to select a character archetype, from a balanced Knight to a ferocious Sellsword or agile Assassin, impacting gameplay style.

After 20 hours exploring the early version, many players have expressed mixed feelings. While the stunning graphics, powered by Unreal Engine 5, create an immersive environment, technical issues and a heavy focus on monetization weigh down the experience. Players often encounter repetitive NPC designs and unpolished character movements that distract from the breathtaking settings.

“I felt initially captivated by the world. However, prolonged play reveals the layers of problems impacting immersion,” shared one early player. “Combat becomes monotonous and feels too much like a grind, pushing players toward microtransactions for progression,” they added.

Progression within the game requires gathering resources and clearing quests, which some players say leads to frustration. Online forums have reported lengthy main story completion times without spending money, resulting in reports of weeks-long delays.

Netmarble has announced regular updates aimed at refining gameplay based on community feedback. The cooperative mode has garnered praise, allowing players to team up against formidable creatures like dragons. Nonetheless, the overarching concern remains the game’s monetization strategy, with purchases necessary to speed up advancement.

As anticipation builds for the full release, the gaming community remains split on whether Kingsroad lives up to the legacy of its source material. Fans of the franchise are hopeful that further updates will improve both gameplay and the overall experience in the future.