What Is Cinder City - Cinder City Wiki
Learn what Cinder City is, its genre, developer, setting in post-apocalyptic Seoul, and how it blends MMO scale with tactical third-person shooting.
An Open-World MMO Tactical Shooter
Cinder City is an upcoming open-world cinematic third-person shooter developed by BigFire Games and published by NC. Set in a fallen near-future Seoul, the game combines the scale of a massively multiplayer online experience with the precision of a tactical cover-based shooter. Players assume the role of Cinderknights, cybernetically enhanced soldiers who stand as one of the last lines of defense against the maniacal Hyde group, twisted creatures, and hostile factions that strike without warning.
Built on Unreal Engine 5, Cinder City delivers a seamless open world with dynamic, high-fidelity graphics. The game emphasizes realistic combat mechanics designed to authentically replicate firearm operations, layered with futuristic tactical gear, pilotable vehicles, and large-scale cooperative PvE encounters. Whether you prefer solo story missions or teaming up with other players for world raids, Cinder City aims to offer a deeply strategic combat experience where your loadout and positioning decide every fight.
The project was first announced in late 2022 under the codename Project LLL and officially rebranded to Cinder City in August 2025. NC and BigFire Games have positioned the title as a flagship MMO tactical shooter targeting PC and consoles, with a planned launch window in the second half of 2026. The official Steam page went live in June 2026, allowing players to wishlist the game and receive development updates.
Core Gameplay Pillars
BigFire Games has outlined three core pillars that define the Cinder City experience. First, cinematic third-person shooter combat that delivers immersive visuals and storytelling through cover-based gunplay inspired by titles like Tom Clancy's The Division. Second, a massive open-world version of dystopian Seoul where real-world districts like Samseong-dong and Nonhyeon-dong inspire level design. Third, large-scale cooperative multiplayer PvE gameplay where players divide roles, execute strategy, and tackle field bosses, instanced dungeons, and massive world raids together.
Unlike traditional MMORPGs, Cinder City deliberately avoids the classic tank-healer-DPS trinity. Instead, character roles are defined by specific tactical weapons and skills equipped through a gear-based progression system. Shared tactical gear is available to all characters, while some equipment remains exclusive to specific Cinderknights, allowing players to develop unique skill builds without being locked into rigid class archetypes.
Vehicular and mech warfare form another defining feature. Players can hijack and pilot power loader mechs, helicopters, bikes, and other combat vehicles scattered across the open world. This creates asymmetric battlefield scenarios where infantry, light vehicles, and heavy mechs clash in dynamic encounters ranging from street-level firefights to full-scale raid battles involving dozens of players.
Who Is Making Cinder City?
Cinder City is developed by BigFire Games, a studio under NC (formerly NCSOFT), based in Irvine, California. BigFire Games CEO Jaehyun Bae has stated that the title represents future humanity's struggle against a grave crisis to restore hope and save the city from ashes. The development team includes veterans focused on delivering a game that exceeds global player expectations.
NC has invested heavily in the project since its initial reveal, showcasing playable builds at Gamescom 2025 and releasing developer preview videos featuring Lead Concept Artist Samuel King and Project Manager GH Shin. The studio maintains active communication through the official Cinder City website, Steam community hub, Discord server, and social media channels on YouTube, Facebook, and X.
For players searching for a new MMO shooter that blends narrative depth with cooperative action, Cinder City represents one of the most anticipated titles of 2026. Our wiki covers everything known about the game before launch, from story details and faction lore to system requirements and beta registration guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cinder City the same as Project LLL?
Yes. Project LLL was the development codename. NC officially renamed the game to Cinder City in August 2025.
What genre is Cinder City?
Cinder City is an open-world MMO tactical third-person shooter with RPG progression, PvE co-op, and looter-shooter gear mechanics.
Is Cinder City free to play?
Pricing has not been announced. The Steam page lists the game as coming soon without a price. Check our release date page for updates.
Can I play Cinder City solo?
Yes. The game supports single-player story missions, but co-op PvE is a major focus with optional squad-based content.
What engine does Cinder City use?
Cinder City is built on Unreal Engine 5 with DLSS 4.5 support for enhanced visual fidelity on PC.