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Elsword

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2014

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Quick resume

Global score

73/100

Genres

Action, Adventure, Casual, Massively Multiplayer, Role-playing (RPG), Free To Play

Pros

  • Diverse characters and classes
  • Engaging combo-based combat
  • Free-to-play with cosmetic customization
  • Cooperative multiplayer and guilds
  • Frequent updates and events

Cons

  • Pay-to-win elements especially in pvp
  • Grind-heavy and repetitive gameplay
  • Imbalance in pvp matchmaking
  • Declining player population in some servers
  • Technical issues with launcher and bugs

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players can choose from multiple characters and classes with different playstyles and skill combos, allowing personal decision making and experimentation."

  • Competence
    4

    "The game requires skillful combo execution and mastery of character abilities, with challenging PvE and PvP content that rewards player effectiveness."

  • Competition
    3

    "PvP is a significant part of the game with ranked modes and arenas, though it is criticized for imbalance and pay-to-win elements."

  • Continuation
    4

    "Many players report long playtimes, habitual grinding, and repeated dungeon runs, indicating strong desire to continue playing despite grind."

  • Cooperation
    3

    "The game supports cooperative dungeon runs and guilds, with social interaction being important for progression and enjoyment."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Players can customize characters with costumes and equipment, but the core gameplay follows predefined structures and repeated dungeons."

  • Domination
    2

    "Competitive PvP involves some power imbalance and toxic behavior, but shared decision-making and guild cooperation are also present."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players use the game as a fun distraction with anime aesthetics and engaging combat, often to relieve stress and pass time."

  • Expectation
    -3

    "Most players engage voluntarily for fun, though some feel pressured by grind and pay-to-win mechanics to invest time or money."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "The variety of characters and classes encourages trying new playstyles and experimenting with combos and builds."

  • Exploration
    1

    "Exploration is limited to progressing through dungeons and maps, with some discovery of secrets but mostly linear paths."

  • Expression
    3

    "Customization through costumes and cosmetic items allows self-expression, though some items are pay-to-win and temporary."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "The game features anime-inspired fantasy characters, stories, and settings with imaginative combat and lore."

  • Fellowship
    3

    "Guilds and social features foster community and group identity, though some players experience loneliness or toxicity."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players develop skills, learn combos, and progress characters through levels and job advancements, though grind is heavy."

  • Health
    -4

    "The game encourages long sedentary play sessions with repetitive grinding and limited physical activity."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention during combat and progression; not suited for background or casual idle play."

  • Intimacy
    1

    "Some social interaction and guild bonding exist, but emotional closeness is limited and interactions can be superficial."

  • Leadership
    1

    "Guild leadership and group coordination occur but are not central; many players participate equally or solo."

  • Progression
    5

    "Strong focus on leveling, gear upgrades, item collection, and character advancement as core gameplay drivers."

  • Relaxation
    1

    "The game can be fun and engaging but also involves grind and occasional frustration, limiting pure relaxation."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Flashy combos, colorful anime visuals, and intense combat provide sensory stimulation and excitement."

  • Status
    3

    "Ranking in PvP and rare cosmetic items confer social recognition and status within the community."

  • Story
    1

    "The story exists and is accessible but is generally simple and skippable; gameplay is the main focus."

  • Strategy
    3

    "Players must plan skill usage, combos, and gear builds, though much content involves repetitive dungeon runs."

  • Thrill
    2

    "PvP and boss fights provide moments of tension and excitement, but much gameplay is predictable grind."

  • Value
    2

    "Free-to-play with optional purchases; some players find good value in gameplay, others criticize pay-to-win aspects."

  • Violence
    3

    "Combat involves defeating enemies with combos and skills, featuring action and destruction typical of beat-em-ups."

  • Survival
    1

    "Players face challenges and threats in dungeons but overall operate in stable, controlled environments."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026