NCSoft has confirmed that Blade & Soul Heroes, its collectible action MMORPG spin-off of the popular Blade & Soul franchise, will shut down in South Korea on February 19, 2026. Launched in August 2024, the game was designed as a prequel set three years before the events of the original Blade & Soul, offering fans a chance to explore familiar lore through a gacha-driven hero system. Here you can read the official announcement.
Development-wise, Blade & Soul Heroes was ambitious in concept, blending collectible mechanics with action combat and narrative depth. Players could recruit iconic characters, customize builds, and engage in dungeon-style battles. However, monetization and limited global rollout hindered its growth. Unlike Grand Cross or Honkai: Star Rail, which leveraged strong international marketing, Heroes remained largely confined to Asian markets, with no confirmed worldwide expansion.
From a player’s perspective, the shutdown is disappointing but not surprising. The game’s reliance on nostalgia and collectible mechanics wasn’t enough to compete with more polished rivals. While the addition of Poharan and other limited heroes briefly boosted engagement, the lack of broader accessibility and esports-level support limited its potential. NCSoft has promised refunds for recent purchases, with applications accepted until March 21, 2026, and app downloads disabled (here Google Play Link) after the closure date.
