It’s been quite a while since we’ve heard any about the lore of Rune. But, using the Unreal Engine, Human Head Studios and Ragnarok Games are in the development of Rune II that will be directly inspired by the first game back in 2000. With veteran gamers of the first installment excited to return to Norse mythology, new players should be able to jump right in by themselves or alongside a group of friends.

Rune II will surround players in a Norse universe at the end of days, or Ragnarok, “where gods, beasts, and the last remaining humans struggle to survive.” In an RPG style, players’ heroes have been selected by the gods to save Midgard and because of that are blessed with extraordinary abilities. Using these abilities, saviors will have to take down Loki and his hordes in order to prevent Ragnarok and the destruction of Midgard.

Most of the weapon combat will be up-close and personal with melee attacks using giant swords, axes, and more. To help on this journey players can find rare resources to collect and discover ancient artifacts that can be used to weaken the Realm Gate and craft some of the deadliest tools in the game. Rune II is unique in that players’ customizable Vikings will align with their chosen god who will aid them along the way with certain abilities and guidance to take down the many factions: Surt Warriors, Dwarves, Giants, Draugr, Cannibals, and Bandits.

Rune II has gone through a couple title changes throughout its development, going from Rune: Ragnarok to just Rune then finalized as Rune II. It makes sense that Human Head would stray away from naming it Rune so not to confuse it with the classic game. Rune II has no set release date, but the developers are planning on a 2020 launch as an Epic Games store exclusive that will eventually come to Steam.