When Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE was first announced, fans worldwide had one burning question: could Netmarble truly capture the lightning-fast action and raw emotion of the hit series in an interactive experience worthy of the name?
During TwitchCon San Diego 2025, BGN got the chance to chop it up with game director Kwanghun Kim from Netmarble, the brilliant minds behind ARISE OVERDRIVE. We talked about the hurdles, the fresh ideas, and the dope collaborations that brought Sung Jinwoo’s journey to life on PC.
Translating Intensity into Interactivity
BGN: Solo Leveling is legendary for its heart-stopping action and high-stakes storytelling. What were the biggest challenges in bringing that heat to the gameplay?
Netmarble: Our main focus? It wasn’t just about the monsters; it was about Sung Jinwoo himself. We zeroed in on how he attacks, not just the behavior of other hunters or creatures. The real challenge was making those controls intuitive and easy for everyone to pick up. We wanted that powerful, almost cinematic feeling to resonate, even for fans who aren’t hardcore gamers.
The result is a game that mirrors the signature rhythm and raw power of Solo Leveling‘s battles, but still feels smooth and inviting.
Expanding Beyond the Mobile Version
BGN: How does ARISE OVERDRIVE build on, or break away from, the original Solo Leveling: ARISE?
Netmarble: We tossed in a bunch of new mechanics, like parry and guard systems that weren’t in the mobile version. We also dropped skill combos like the Synchro Chain and the Overdrive System, letting three hunters unleash coordinated attacks together. It gives players total control over every move and every moment.”
With these upgrades, ARISE OVERDRIVE feels like a true next-gen evolution, not just a simple port.
New Systems, New Transformations
BGN: What new gameplay mechanics or character systems can fans expect to experience for the first time in Overdrive?
Netmarble: Three big things. First, the Monarch Transformation. Sung Jinwoo can now fully transform into the Monarch of Shadows – something we really wanted to capture. Second is the Overdrive Skill, unique to each hunter. It’s inspired by familiar action systems but tailor-made for the world of Solo Leveling. And third, the Synchro Chain – that moment when all three hunters attack together. It amps up the sense of power and teamwork like crazy.
Working Closely with the Creators
BGN: Did you work with the original Solo Leveling creators or animation team during development?
Netmarble: Absolutely. We were in constant contact with the original writer and other stakeholders. For example, we added a customization system where players can tweak Sung Jinwoo’s hairstyle or add accessories. We made sure the IP owner was comfortable with that, and they loved the idea. Everything we added went through that approval process to stay true to the soul of Solo Leveling.
A Game Made by Fans, for Fans
With its amped-up mechanics, high-def visuals, and faithful character portrayal, Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE is a total reinvention. Netmarble’s love for the source material shines in every motion, combo, and transformation.
Get ready to step into the shadows yourself when Solo Leveling: ARISE OVERDRIVE drops this November on Steam and Xbox PC.
Jamie Broadnax is the creator of the online publication and multimedia space for Black women called BlkCosmo Blerds. Jamie has appeared on MSNBC’s The Melissa Harris-Perry Show and The Grio’s Top 100. Her Twitter personality has been recognized by Shonda Rhimes as one of her favorites to follow. She is a member of the Critics Choice Association and executive producer of the BlkCosmo Blerds Podcast.
