Solo Leveling began as a web novel and has grown into a global franchise spanning webtoons, games, and animation, earning immense love from fans worldwide. Among its many adaptations, Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE, developed by Netmarble Neo and published by Netmarble, is an action RPG that achieved over 60 million users within ten months of its official launch on May 8, 2024. It also received the Grand Prize at the 2024 Korea Game Awards.
Building on this success, Netmarble is expanding the Solo Leveling IP with several new titles. The next entry is the action RPG Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE, a new version optimized for PC and console platforms. Scheduled for release on November 18 via Steam and Xbox PC, pre-orders are now live.
▲ Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE Key Art Image
The Shadow Monarch arrives in San Diego
On October 17, about a month before its global launch, Netmarble showcased Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE at TwitchCon 2025.
▲ TwitchCon is a comprehensive content festival hosted by Twitch.
Hosted by the global streaming platform Twitch, the event is a festival where streamers and fans gather to celebrate gaming culture through exhibitions, tournaments, workshops, and meetups.
This year’s TwitchCon marked its 10th anniversary and was held from October 17 to 19 at the San Diego Convention Center. Located in Southern California, San Diego offered its signature clear blue skies and warm weather throughout the weekend, perfect for enjoying the palm-lined streets and scenic harbor surrounding the venue.
▲ A panoramic view of the San Diego Convention Center, an exhibition hall that stretches widely from side to side
Netmarble set up a dedicated booth in Hall D, featuring a triangular overhead display for visibility and an interior filled with hands-on demo stations and photo zones.
▲ View of the booth of Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE
Exploring the Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE booth
From early morning, long queues formed as visitors eagerly waited for their turn to experience the demo. Players tested the game using both keyboard and mouse setups as well as gamepads, each fighting intense battles against monstrous enemies.
Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE introduces new systems designed specifically for PC and console gameplay.
Notable additions include Guard and Parry mechanics, where a successful QTE after a parry can briefly break the enemy’s stance. Players can also experience Monarch Mode, where Jinwoo transforms into the Shadow Monarch for powerful combat, and systems such as Overdrive and Chain Smash, which emphasize teamwork and combo action.
These features enhance the game’s action intensity, providing more variety and depth than ever before.
Gameplay modes and player reactions
The demo version available to players featured two main modes
World Map : players hunt monsters to collect materials and growth items.
Battle of Time : a time-attack boss raid that supports up to four players in co-op multiplayer.
Players immersed themselves deeply, embodying Jinwoo as they fought through challenging encounters. Many proudly took photos of their scores after defeating bosses, smiling with satisfaction.
▲ Visitors completely immersed, becoming Sung Jinwoo in the game world
▲ Players snapped photos of their record after finishing the demo
Photo zones, mini-games, and official merch
The photo area recreated the “Cartenon Temple,” where Jinwoo awakens as a Player, complete with giant statue panels for fan photos.
A punching machine mini-game let participants test their “Hunter Power,” while roulette events rewarded players with exclusive merchandise such as stickers, keychains, and T-shirts.
Netmarble also hosted an official cosplay event, drawing attention from both fans and creators.
▲ Players who tried the game got a chance to win official merchandise through a roulette event
Streamers join the Overdrive
As TwitchCon is a global streaming event, several invited influencers and streamers joined the action.
They broadcasted their multiplayer sessions of Battle of Time live from the open streaming booth, sharing the excitement with fans worldwide.
Even those watching remotely could feel the vibrant energy of the show floor.
Looking ahead
The Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE booth at TwitchCon 2025 captured the enthusiasm of countless fans around the world who continue to support the Solo Leveling universe.
It was a strong reminder of how beloved this IP has become and how much anticipation surrounds its upcoming release.
With only a month left until launch, developers are fine-tuning the final build.
Fans everywhere are eagerly awaiting November 18, when the Shadow Monarch rises once again, this time on PC and console.
