The multiplayer beta lets you switch between live sessions and asynchronous battles, so a match can continue even when your schedules don’t line up.
Abalon has expanded its tactical battles with a free public multiplayer beta, introducing ranked duels, cooperative encounters, and custom matches. Released on September 14, the version 3.0 update also makes multiplayer accessible without purchasing the main game: you can join through the Abalon demo, the Abalon Arena demo, or the free mobile version.
Developed by D20Studios, Abalon puts card strategy alongside movement and positioning on compact battlefields. Summoners command allies and cast spells, while the environment creates opportunities to push enemies into hazards or transform a nearby tree into a friendly fighter. The multiplayer beta gives those interactions another testing ground, with human opponents bringing their own decks and tactical decisions into the battlefields.
Start a Battle Together, Finish It at Your Own Pace
One of the most interesting additions is the ability to move between live and asynchronous play within the same match. Asynchronous battles let opponents take turns at different times, with notifications when it is time to move. Multiple matches can remain active at once, and a single battle can stretch across several days.
Live sessions keep the turn-based combat but introduce strict turn timers. If someone needs to leave before the fight is over, the match can continue asynchronously. When everyone is ready for a live session again, the Go Live option switches it back.
That flexibility could make it easier to keep a regular game going with friends. A tactical match can begin during an evening session and continue through occasional turns the following day, without requiring another shared block of free time.
Ranked Duels, Cooperative Battles, and Custom Rooms
For competitive play, ranked 1v1 matches use the asynchronous format. Five placement games establish an initial tier, after which competitors enter divisions containing 100 similarly skilled participants. Improving your matchmaking rating opens the path to higher tiers.
Cooperative play takes the form of 2v2 battles against AI opponents. Custom rooms also support 1v1, 2v2, and free-for-all configurations, with options to select a map, publish a lobby for anyone to join, or share a private access code with friends.
Completed games remain available in a match history showing results, opponents, and rating changes. Battles can also be replayed, giving you a way to revisit a difficult encounter and follow how an opponent’s card combinations developed. Cross-play between Steam and mobile is supported, with an Abalon account required to connect across platforms.
More Single-Player Content Is Planned
D20Studios also outlined further plans for the solo adventure. The Caves expansion is planned for later in 2026 and is set to introduce a new biome and additional bosses.
Multiplayer remains in beta, with follow-up patches addressing balance and technical issues. The October 7 release of version 3.0.8 included fixes for several problems affecting asynchronous matches, including battles that could become stuck after an opponent surrendered.
You can try the multiplayer beta through Abalon on Steam or the Abalon Arena demo.
