RuneHero, a multiplayer online role-playing game set in a fantasy world, has launched its first Closed Beta Test, known as CBT1. The test period is now live and will continue until May 24. During this phase, players can participate in various in-game activities and events designed to test the game’s systems and offer real incentives such as cash rewards, NFTs, and rare in-game items. Access to CBT1 is limited and requires either an active xRune NFT or a valid Access Code.

About RuneHero

RuneHero is an online role-playing game that integrates web3 technology to offer ownership of in-game assets through NFTs. Set in the magical world of Herud, the game features a flexible multi-class system that allows players to tailor their heroes to different playstyles, whether that involves dealing damage, withstanding attacks, or relying on speed and agility. The game includes both PvE dungeons and PvP arenas, providing a variety of gameplay modes that encourage both solo and competitive engagement.

The xRune NFT serves as RuneHero’s genesis access pass. It grants holders early access to game phases like CBT1, additional Arcane Crystal slots, transaction rebates, and seasonal gameplay benefits. A total of 3,600 xRune NFTs will be available, with 1,200 already minted. Out of those, 1,000 were made available for public purchase while 200 are held by the development team. 

RuneHero Closed Beta Offers $20K Prize Pool

Access, Prize Pool, and Player Rewards

Entry into RuneHero CBT1 is restricted to users who hold an activated xRune NFT or a one-time Access Code. These two entry methods serve as the only way to access the game during the beta period. All player progress made during CBT1 will be reset once the test concludes, ensuring all participants begin the next phase of testing on equal footing.

The closed beta features a base prize pool of $20,000. In addition to this fixed amount, 60 percent of all in-game spending by players during the test period will be added to the total prize pool. This revenue-share model aims to increase engagement and reward participation by returning a portion of spending directly to the community.

PvP Arena and PvE Leaderboard

For players focused on competitive combat, the game offers a PvP Arena mode. The PvP leaderboard distributes a portion of the prize pool consisting of $10,000 and 20 percent of player spending. Rewards are distributed based on Arena Points, with higher ranks receiving a combination of cash prizes, Celestial Stones, and whitelist spots for future game events and NFT releases. The first-place finisher will receive $2,000, along with one Celestial Stone and two whitelist spots, while players in lower ranks are also eligible for progressively smaller rewards and varying numbers of whitelist spots.

Players who prefer player-versus-environment gameplay can compete on a separate PvE leaderboard. This leaderboard is supported by a pool of $10,000 and 40 percent of player spending. The top three performers will receive the largest share of this pool, with the first-place player earning $3,333. Other participants ranking up to 500th place will also receive cash rewards, making PvE progression a viable way to earn incentives during the beta test.

RuneHero Closed Beta Offers $20K Prize Pool

Relic, Arcane Crysta, and Other NFTs

In addition to monetary rewards, players have the opportunity to collect Celestial Stones. These rare items are necessary for crafting Legendary Weapons, which are among the most powerful gear available in RuneHero. Each Legendary Weapon requires three Celestial Stones to craft. These stones are significant not only because of their value in gameplay, but also because they will carry over into CBT2, allowing players to retain an advantage in future testing phases.

RuneHero CBT1 also includes opportunities to earn Relic NFTs, which enhance hero progression. Players can obtain Relics by leveling their hero’s talents. Fully leveling all three talents in a ring to Level 5 provides two Level 5 Relics. Reaching Level 4 yields one Level 5 and one Level 4 Relic, while achieving Level 3 grants one Level 4 and one Level 3 Relic. Players can also combine three Relics of the same level to form a stronger one, allowing for long-term strategy in hero development.

Players can also earn whitelist spots for the upcoming Arcane Crystal NFT mint. Arcane Crystals will be essential in CBT2 for entering dungeons and claiming loot. During CBT1, players may claim one free Arcane Crystal every 24 hours, up to four times in total. These crystals provide 150 energy each and are non-tradable and non-rechargeable, allowing all players to explore PvE and PvP content without needing to make purchases.

RuneHero Closed Beta Offers $20K Prize Pool

Additional Competitive Events and Rankings

In addition to the core PvP and PvE events, RuneHero CBT1 includes several side competitions. The Trial Grounds and Wishing Pool leaderboards rank players based on the number of Trial Stones and Wish Points they collect, respectively. The top three performers in each of these leaderboards will receive a Celestial Stone and a whitelist spot, while those ranked fourth to 400th will receive whitelist spots. Players can also explore Final Chapter Dungeons, which provide opportunities to collect loot drops including Celestial Stones and whitelist spots.

These items can be traded within the in-game marketplace, adding economic depth to the gameplay experience. There is also a Guild Leaderboard, which ranks guilds based on the number of their members who reach the top 500 in the Arena rankings. Top-performing guilds will be awarded up to 30 whitelist spots, encouraging group participation and cooperative play.

Final Thoughts

RuneHero's first Closed Beta Test provides players with a preview of its gameplay systems, economic mechanics, and competitive structure. By integrating real rewards such as cash prizes, NFTs, and transferable assets, RuneHero aims to establish itself as a notable entry in the blockchain gaming space. With multiple leaderboards, crafting mechanics, and event-based incentives, CBT1 sets the stage for future development and broader player engagement.