Variance Playtest Goes Live with Free Browser Access

Realm Studios just kicked off the first open playtest for its blockchain-based anime RPG Variance, and players have until August 3 to jump in. Built on the Somnia network, the game blends roguelike mechanics with on-chain ownership and is playable straight from a web browser—no download required.

Good to know

• Variance is entirely free to play and accessible via email, Google, or Discord login.
• Every player gets at least one Lootbox during the event, no matter their leaderboard ranking.
• The top 3 scorers will earn Golden Tickets for guaranteed entry into the future NFT mint.

Players who join the playtest can try out Endless Challenge, a new survival-style mode where the goal is to hold off never-ending waves of enemies. After each round, you get new power-ups to keep the action going. However, scores from this mode don’t count toward the leaderboard—at least for now.

To unlock Endless Challenge, you’ve got two options: either push through the regular campaign or find a hidden switch tucked away in the Sanctuary map. That little mystery gives the more curious players something extra to dig into.

On the competitive side, the main leaderboard rewards players with in-game Lootboxes. Finish in the top 100 and you’ll walk away with rewards. If you break into the top 3, you’ll snag a Golden Ticket too. These tickets guarantee access to Variance’s upcoming PFP NFT mint.

There are also chances to earn extra rewards through social activities on the game’s official Discord. Complete tasks, collect points, and use them to either enter raffles or redeem more loot directly—including Golden Tickets.

The game itself runs smoothly on most setups and features hand-drawn animation, fluid side-scrolling, and combat that takes cues from fan-favorite titles like Dead Cells and Enter the Gungeon. While the current playtest is browser-only, Realm Studios is already planning future releases on Steam, the Epic Games Store, Android, and iOS.

Variance isn’t just fun to play—it also makes use of blockchain in a way that lets players truly own the items they earn. Every upgrade, reward, or trade gets recorded on Somnia’s network, giving the game an added layer of permanence and transparency that’s missing from most Web2 RPGs.