Bylina Launches on Steam: Slavic Action-RPG Challenges Koschei the Deathless (April 20, 2026)

Bylina Launches on Steam Today — Slavic Mythology Gets Its ARPG Studio Far Far Games and publisher Digital Vortex Entertainment launched Bylina on April 20, 2026 across Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG . The semi isometric action RPG rooted in Slavic folklore puts you in the boots of Kestrel (or Falconet, depending on region), a young bogatyr trying to claw back his soul from Koschei the Deathless in the Thrice Nine Kingdom. It's one of the most distinct ARPG launches of 2026 — and it fills a gap the genre rarely touches. Most action RPGs pull from Norse, Greek, or Japanese mythology. Bylina is the first major 2026 launch built entirely around Eastern European folklore — the immortal sorcerer whose death is hidden in a needle in an egg in a duck in a chest on a remote island. If you've burned out on Diablo clones and want something with real cultural texture, this is the one. Bylina Launch Details — At A Glance Here's everything you need to decide whether to grab it on day one: | Detail | What It Is | | | | | Launch Date | April 20, 2026 (13:00 UTC) | | Platforms Today | Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG | | Console Release | PS5 + Xbox Series X\|S — later in 2026 | | Developer | Far Far Games (Cyprus) | | Publisher | Digital Vortex Entertainment | | Engine | Unreal Engine 5 | | Base Edition | $24.99 USD | | Digital Deluxe | $29.98 USD | | Launch Discount | 30% off via Steam | The PS5 and Xbox Series X\|S versions are confirmed but undated , with Fulqrum Publishing handling the console rollout later in 2026. The Story — Kestrel vs. Koschei the Deathless You play as Kestrel, a young bogatyr (Slavic warrior hero) born without the innate powers expected of a legendary fighter. He's underestimated, unmarked by destiny, and trying desperately to follow in his father's footsteps — until a simple mission ends with his death in the Thrice Nine Kingdom . Death is only the beginning. Kestrel is revived by an enigmatic spirit that now shares his body , and the two must work together to uncover an ancient plot and stop Koschei before the realm falls. It's dark fantasy with sharp humor threaded through it — think No Rest for the Wicked with Slavic gallows comedy. Combat & Progression — Skill Based, Not Button Spam Bylina is explicitly not a mindless hack and slash . Far Far Games built it around timing, positioning, and mastery. Every engagement rewards studying enemy patterns over mashing attacks. Core Combat Systems Real time skill based combat — dodge timing, movement, and positioning matter. Wide arsenal — swords, shields, spears, bows, plus magical spells. Nonlinear progression — shape your hero through unique skills and bizarre gear. Crafting system — combine materials for new weapons, armor, and consumables. Deep armor sets — many visually inspired by Slavic fairy tales. The comparison most Steam reviewers are making is a more skill intensive Diablo or a semi isometric Souls like . If you enjoyed No Rest for the Wicked's combat weight, Bylina scratches the same itch from a completely different cultural angle. Digital Deluxe Edition — Worth The Extra $5? The Bylina Digital Deluxe Edition costs $29.98 — just $5 more than the base game. It's one of the better value deluxe bundles of the year because the extras are actually substantive: Base game (full Bylina experience). Digital Artbook (concept art + creature compendium). Full Original Soundtrack (OST) . Digital Comic Book (expanded lore). Cozy Armor (cosmetic set). Armor of the Toad King (cosmetic set). If you're into Slavic mythology, the artbook + comic book combo alone makes this the pickup. For the skeptical buyer, the base $24.99 edition is still a complete experience. Early Player Reception — What Steam Reviews Say The first day Steam reviews are trending positive, with players highlighting: Distinct Slavic atmosphere — "you can see some parallels with The Witcher universe, but in its own style." Strong combat — movement and target planning are essential, especially above the easiest difficulty. Unexpected tone shifts — "sometimes creepy, sometimes wholesome." Solid performance — no major launch day optimization complaints. One flagged issue to watch: text size at 4K resolution is small , so 4K players may want to wait for a UI patch or play at 1440p. Is Bylina Worth Buying Today? Yes — if you're an ARPG fan hungry for something outside the Norse/Greek/Japanese rotation. Slavic mythology is genuinely underrepresented in AAA and indie RPGs, and Bylina treats the source material with both reverence and sharp humor. The 30% launch discount on Steam makes the entry price extremely fair. Wait if: you're a 4K only player sensitive to UI scaling, or you'd rather hold out for the PS5/Xbox console port later in 2026. Who Bylina Is Perfect For Fans of No Rest for the Wicked looking for a new skill based ARPG. Black Myth: Wukong players who want another mythology driven action game. Diablo veterans craving a fresh setting with real narrative weight. Witcher fans who want more Slavic fantasy in their library. Completionists — the secrets, hidden dungeons, and achievement list are dense. Verdict — Grab Bylina At The Best 2026 Price Bylina is a Steam/Epic/GOG day one release, and key resellers are already offering region discounted keys below the Steam price . If you want the Digital Deluxe Edition or just the best possible entry point, compare these stores before checkout: 🔑 Grab Bylina on Kinguin → — Best for Standard and Deluxe Edition regional discounts. Always verify platform (Steam / Epic / GOG), edition, and region lock before checkout. Bylina is the kind of ARPG that rewards early adopters — grab it today, face Koschei, and help shape the community feedback for the inevitable console launch. Related paths Related game Related guide Related section