Grand Chase

Grand Chase (Korean: 그랜드체이스, Grandchase) is a free-to-play, two-dimensional side-scrolling MMORPG developed by the South Korean company KOG Studios. Alternative names for Grand Chase include 3小俠 (Three Young Heroes) used on the Taiwan server but was changed to 永恆冒險 (Eternal Adventures). Another name used was 彩虹骑士 (Rainbow Warriors) on the mainland Chinese server. The reopening of the server also used the name of the Taiwan and Hong Kong servers.^[1] In 2015, the game ceased development and terminated its service worldwide, with North America being the last foreign server to shut down on April 15.^[1] The mobile sequel Grand Chase Dimensional Chaser was launched in January 2018.

Six years later after closing, in 2021, the game made a comeback under the name GrandChase Classic on Steam.^[2] Recruitment for Global CBT Testers took place from June 30 to July 8,^[3] and the game officially relaunched on July 28. By 2024, support for Steam Deck play was added on January 10, alongside compatibility with Xbox and PlayStation 5 (PS5) controllers.^[4]

Grand Chase, which was awarded as Indonesia's most popular online game in August 2011, has spawned various spin-off games such as Grand Chase Lite and Grand Chase M. Grand Chase had also made an impact in gaming in Brazil that it was once considered the country's "national online game". ELSWORD, another creation by KOG Studios, was regarded as the spiritual successor to Grand Chase, featuring lore parallels and other subtle references within the game—most notably adding Elesis as a playable character.

Synopsis

Main article: Story Timeline

The story focuses on the adventure of the Grand Chase group originally by Elesis, Lire, and Arme, who depart from the region of Bermesiah to hunt down the evil witch Kaze'aze who was the cause of a civil war between two kingdoms, Serdin and Kanavan.^[1]

Development

Grand Chase was created using the 2003 game engine, Gamebryo system.

Highlights

2003

August 20

The official Korean server was released.
- This marks the beginning of Grand Chase.

2004

January 20

Elesis' 2nd job, Spearman, is released on the Korean server.

February 19

Lire's 2nd job, Crossbowman, is released on the Korean server.

March 11

Arme's 2nd job, Alchemist, is released on the Korean server.

2005

September 15

Lass is released on the Korean server.

December 12

Lass's 2nd job, Assassin, is released on the Korean server.

August 10

The official Japanese server was released but was closed shortly after.

2006

March

The official Taiwan server was released.

May

Elesis' 3rd job, Sword Master, is released on the Korean server on the 4th.
The official Hong Kong server was released.

June

The official Brazilian server is released on the 28th.
Lire's 3rd job, Arch Ranger is released on the Korean server on the 20th.

July 21

Arme's 3rd job, Warlock, is released on the Korean server.

August 17

Lass's 3rd job, Dark Assassin, is released on the Korean server.

September 28

Ryan is released on the Korean server.

2007

January

The official Chinese server was released.

February 22

Ryan's 2nd job, Sentinel, is released on the Korean server.

July 12

Elesis' 4th job, Savior, is released on the Korean server.

August

Arme's 4th job, Battle Mage, is released on the Korean server on the 2nd.
Lire's 4th job, Nova, is released on the Korean server on the 22nd.

September 20

Lass's 4th job, Striker, is released on the Korean server.

October 25

Ronan is released on the Korean Server.

December

Ryan's 3rd job, Viken, is released on the Korean server on the 13th.
South Korea receives the Season 2 update.
The official Singapore server was released.

2008

February 12

Ronan's 2nd job, Dragon Knight, is released on the Korean server.

March 8

The official North American server was released.

May

Ryan's 4th job, Vanquisher, is released on the Korean server on the 10th.
Amy is released on the Korean server on the 29th.

June 4

Ronan's 3rd job, Aegis Knight, is released on the Korean server.

July 10

Amy's 2nd job, Muse, is released on the Korean server.

August 14

Elesis' Skill Tree is released on the Korean server.

September 11

Ronan's 4th job, Abyss Knight, is released on the Korean server.

October 23

Arme's Skill Tree is released on the Korean Server.

November

Amy's 3rd job, Siren, is released on the Korean server on the 20th.
The official Philippines server was released.

December 23

Jin is released on the Korean server.

2009

January 22

Jin's 2nd job, Shisa, is released on the Korean server.

March 2

Lire's Skill Tree is released on the Korean server.

April

Lass' Skill Tree is released on the Korean Server on the 2nd.
Sieghart is released on the Korean server on the 30th.
Jin's 3rd job, Asura, is released on the Korean server alongside Sieghart.

May 28

Ryan's Skill Tree is released on the Korean server.

June 23

Amy's 4th job, Starlet, is released on the Korean server.

July 23

Sieghart's 2nd job, Warlord, is released on the Korean server.

August 20

Ronan's Skill Tree is released on the Korean Server.

September 24

Jin's 4th job, Rama, is released on the Korean Server.

October

The official Thailand server was released.
Sieghart's 3rd job, Duelist, is released on the Korean server.

November 26

Amy's Skill Tree is released on the Korean server.

December

Mari is released on the Korean server on the 23rd.
The Korean server receives the Season 3 update.

2010

February

Mari's 2nd job, Gunslinger, is released on the Korean server.

March

Sieghart's 4th job, Prime Knight, is released on the Korean server on the 24th.
Thailand receives the Season 3 update.

April

Mari's 3rd job, Polaris, is released on the Korean server on the 29th.
North America receives the Season 3 update on the 28th.

May

The official Indonesian server is released on the 8th.
Brazil receives the Season 3 update on the 12th.
Sieghart's Skill Tree is released on the Korean server on the 26th.

June 1

The Philippines receives the Season 3 update.

July 7

Dio is released on the Korean server.

September 15

Dio's 2nd job, Drakar, is released on the Korean server.

October 28

Jin's Skill Tree is released on the Korean server.

December

Zero is released on the Korean server on the 9th.
The Korean server receives the Grand Chase Chaos update on the 10th.

2011

January 27

Ley is released on the Korean server.

March 17

Zero's 2nd job, Seeker, is released on the Korean server.

April 28

Ley's 2nd job, Harbinger, is released on the Korean server alongside the Grand Chase Chaos update.

March 3

The official South American server was released.

May 2

North America receives the Grand Chase Chaos update.

August

Grand Chase is awarded as Indonesia's most popular online game.
Mari's 4th job, Geas, is released on the Korean server on the 25th.

November 3

The Korean server receives the Grand Chase Heroes update.

December 15

Rufus and all of his jobs are released on the Korean server.

2012

February

The official European server was launched but was closed shortly after.
Rin is released on the Korean server on the 2nd.
Dio's 3rd job, Leviathan, is released on the Korean server on the 29th.

May 3

Asin is released on the Korean server.

July

South Korea receives the Grand Chase Resurrection update.
Lime is released on the Korean server on the 5th.

October 11

Dio's 4th job, Dusk Bringer, is released on the Korean server.

November 16

Rin's 2nd job, Awakened, is released on the Brazilian server.

December

Rin's 2nd job, Awakened, is released on the Korean server on the 6th.
Rin's 3rd job, Chaotic, is released on the Korean server on the 18th.
Rin's 4th job, Chosen, is released on the Korean server on the 27th.

2013

January

Zero's 3rd job, Vanquisher, is released on the Korean server on the 10th.
Zero's 4th job, Advancer, is released on the Korean server on the 31st.

February 21

Ley's 3rd job, Evoker, is released on the Korean server.

March 21

Ley's 4th job, Dark Matriarch, is released on the Korean server.

May 2

Asin's special job, Mugen, is released on the Korean server.

June 5

Lime's special job, Saint, is released on the Korean server.

July 18

Edel is released in the Korean server alongside the Grand Chase Eternal update.

September 12

Veigas is released on the Korean server.

December 19

Edel's 2nd job, Major, is released on the Korean server alongside the Season 5 Update.

2014

July 30

Mari's Skill Tree is released on the Brazilian server.

September

Uno is released on the Brazilian server on the 3rd.
Uno is released on the Korean server on the 4th.
Uno is released on the North American server on the 19th.

2015

April 15

The official Brazilian server is closed.
The official North American server is closed.

2016

January 1

The official Korean server is closed.

2021

July 28

Grand Chase reopened worldwide as GrandChase Classic.
- This marks the return of Grand Chase.

Gameplay

GrandChase Classic Characters — Grand Chase has a wide array of characters to choose from. Each character features jobs and weapons unique to their playstyle.

Grand Chase is a free-to-play game, where players need to earn currency known as GP or Game Points from completing dungeon quests or PvP to buy equipment and items, but some items can only be purchased with real-world currency. Players start role-playing as one character of their choice. However, they may freely switch among the characters they unlocked before entering combat, each with their specific equipment, skills, and experience level. Each character is leveled and equipped separately. Equipment is character-specific except for accessories.

DungeonRaid — Solo play or party up with your friends to explore the vast lands.

PVP — Play strategic matches against other players in various PvP modes.

After each expedition, characters will gain EXPs. When sufficient EXP is obtained, the player's character will level up. Higher levels improve stats and grant access to better equipment and moveset. EXP can also be gained through PvP.

When choosing a dungeon to play, players are given the option to create a party of their own or join one created by others. Each dungeon consisted of a certain number of floors or levels with a boss on the final floor.

Items needed to complete quests will automatically be given at a certain point after the monster is defeated. Other items were distributed via the "dice" system and each member rolls their own set of dice. The size of the inventory can be increased through Cash or some Events. To encourage group play, there is a slight experience boost when working together.

The Relay Dungeon can be entered the same way as a normal dungeon. Up to 4 players can form a party and attempt the Relay Dungeon together. The bosses have increased stats, making them harder to defeat. After a boss is defeated, a chest opens which contains many valuable items including Cash items.^[5]

Members of the Grand Chase

Main article: Characters

The characters players choose in the game feature the current members of the Grand Chase, each with unique backstories and different abilities. Each character can expand from their available skills through Job Change System, which allows for deeper skill tree customization.

Character	Background	Membership
Elesis	A human warrior from Kanavan and the leader of the Ruby Knights, Elesis joined the Grand Chase in hopes of locating her father Elscud, a Kanavan Tracker who had gone missing after being dispatched in the hunt for Kaze'aze.	From the beginning
Lire	An elf of Eryuell Island and a member of the Elven Corps, Lire joined the Grand Chase on behalf of the elves of Eryuell to combat Kaze'aze's evil.	From the beginning
Arme	A cheerful Magician of the Violet Mage Guild in Serdin, Arme joined the Grand Chase for one simple reason alone: to encounter the Queen of Darkness and her magic in order to study it.	From the beginning
Lass	The leader of the Silver Cross Thieves and a supposed half-demon, Lass was a child possessed by Kaze'aze. He was first introduced at Partusay's Sea as an illusion and later had his first true encounter with the Grand Chase at Kamiki's Castle. He was finally freed from possession at Kaze'aze's Castle upon her defeat. Overwhelmed with guilt at the atrocities he had committed whilst under Kaze'aze's control, he joined the Grand Chase to atone.	Kaze'aze's Castle
Ryan	An elven Druid hailing from the Elven Forest, Ryan was first encountered by the Grand Chase in the form of a Wolf as he fought to defend his homeland. After defeating the Troll who was responsible for the destruction of the forest, Ryan joined the Grand Chase.	Elven Forest
Ronan	A Spell Knight of Kanavan and the Captain of the Kanavan Royal Guard, Ronan was first introduced at the Gorge of Oath and had requested their aid at Gaikoz's Castle, leaving after empowering the group with the spell Holy Bless. Upon defeating Gaikoz at his castle, Ronan joined the Grand Chase to overthrow Kaze'aze.	Gaikoz's Castle
Amy	An Oracle and celebrated Dancer of Xenia, Amy first appeared in Lake Aurora where she spied on the Grand Chase before leaving. She was later encountered at the Temple of Cuatal and, after saving Samsara with the help of the Grand Chase, joined them to stop the Ascendant God's mission of chaos.	Temple of Cuatal
Jin	A survivor of the nearly annihilated guild, Silver Knights, Jin was first encountered at the Ruins of the Silver Knights, where he took out an Undead Fighter who was attacking Elesis. After defeating the Black Fairy Queen, Jin joined the Grand Chase to avenge his fallen brethren.	Ruins of the Silver Knights
Sieghart	A well-known hero of Bermesiah from 600 years ago, Sieghart was nearly killed before being reborn as a Highlander. He was aiming to join the Grand Chase and had encountered them many times throughout their journey, only realizing who they were at Xenia Border and joining them at the Wyrm's Maw.	The Wyrm's Maw
Mari	An amnesiac girl who was encountered at the Temple of Destruction, Mari was, in fact, a princess from an ancient kingdom known as Kounat. She had first woken up from her hibernation in an escape pod at the Kastulle Ruins Upper Floor and lacking her memories, wandered in a search. Learning about Sieghart's immortality, her interest was perked and she joined the Grand Chase to further her research.	Temple of Destruction
Dio	An Asmodian from Elyos and the chief of the Moderates family, Burning Canyon, Dio was an embassy sent to aid Kounat against the invasion of the Hardliners. Trapped in Aernas after the war, Dio had continued to seal the Dimensional Portals left in the world. He was introduced and invited to join the Grand Chase in the Relics of Kounat, to which he agreed for the sake of pursuing his own interests.	Relics of Kounat
Zero	An artificial demon created by Oz to wield the Grandark, Zero had constantly wandered the world in search of the Ancient Demon, Duel. He clashed swords with the Grand Chase at the Wyrm's Maw and later with Duel at Thunder Hammer, leaving both times. He had teamed up with the Grand Chase during the Wizard's Labyrinth and would join them at some point along with Ley.	Before Berkas' Lair
Ley	An Asmodian from Elyos and the young lady of the Moderates family, Crimson River, Ley was sent by her father to search for Dio to reaffirm their family's alliance. The Grand Chase encountered Ley and her butler Jeeves in King Guang's Fen. Realizing that they did not have Dio's whereabouts, she left and was not seen again until the Wizard's Labyrinth. She had since joined the Grand Chase by the events of Berkas' Lair.	Before Berkas' Lair
Rufus	A Haros from the Underworld, Rufus is a Bounty Hunter and also Lass' half-brother. Whilst completing work in Aernas, he detected usage of the Blue Flame and set out to investigate, narrowly missing the Grand Chase at the Nightmare Circus. He had, however, encountered Lass and the demons in the Wizard's Labyrinth. Rufus had since joined the Grand Chase by the events of Berkas' Lair.	Before Berkas' Lair
Rin	A girl from the uncharted village of Gaon and the current reincarnation of Agnesia, the Goddess of life and purity, Rin was encountered by the Grand Chase in the Relics of Kounat. After realizing that she was being pursued by a powerful demon, Rin was invited to join the Grand Chase for her protection.	Relics of Kounat
Asin	Once a nameless boy who had saved Asin Tairin and nursed him back to health, Asin was taught martial arts by the man he saved. He adopted his mentor's name and weapon after the man died from injuries during a second monster attack. Seeking to prove his strength, he had since searched for his mentor's former student Jin until he eventually stumbled upon the Grand Chase and joined them.	Before Talin's Revenge
Lime	A Holy Knight of the Great Roose Nation, Lime was accompanying her comrades on their campaign to seal off all Dimensional Portals when she was separated from the group. Lost wandering around the desert, she was found by the Grand Chase and after learning that they were also sealing the portals, joined them.	Before Fortress of Ascension
Edel	The Captain of the Knights of Serdin, Edel was researching for information on Dimensional Portals in her search for Adel when she came to know about the Grand Chase. Upon hearing that they were hunting and sealing portals leading to Elyos, she set out to join them and study the portals for clues regarding her missing brother.	Before Tower of Disappearance
Veigas	A Magi ordered by the Creator to destroy Aernas, Veigas of the Hardliners family, Terre, annihilated the prophesied Twelve Disciples and were no match for his overwhelming strength. Upon realizing that the order was false, he left to look for the source of the conspiracy.	Only in GrandChase Dimensional Chaser
Uno	The existence born from the pool of blood of Highlanders killed by Ashtaroth hundreds of years ago, Uno ascended from the ruins when the shield blocking it was broken after Ashtaroth was defeated by Grand Chase. He was seen looking at them from a nearby forest by the events of Episode &.	Has not joined the Grand Chase
Decanee	After the Grand Chase foiled Ashtaroth's plans, Heitaros seized Ashtaroth's remains to resurrect himself as the Demon God. Stripped off Ashtaroth's Creation powers, Heitaros crafted a duplicate called Decanee, posing as Kaze'aze to invade Aernas. Over time, Decanee wrestled with her identity, resisting her fate and growing resentful toward Heitaros and Kaze'aze. Refusing to be bound by fate or her creator, she sought her true self, aiming to prevent the world's destruction, a fate loathed by Kaze'aze and sought by Heitaros.^[6]	Has not joined the Grand Chase
Ai	The controller of the Throne of the Goddess, Ai, is an Artificial Intelligence created to protect Aernas from the invasion of the Demon World. Since creation, Ai had served numerous masters safeguarding the world from external threats until left without one after Baldinar devastated Kounat. Mari became her new manager, sparking hopes for a fresh start, but things did not unfold as expected.^[6] Ai embarked on a journey to answer the master's call to protect Aernas.	Only in GrandChase Dimensional Chaser
Kallia	A notorious agent known as 'Storm', Kallia was tasked with investigating dimensional and temporal rifts. When she received a mission to investigate a dimensional crack in Aernas, she eagerly headed off without fully considering the Institution's advice.	Has not joined the Grand Chase