Netmarble has dropped one of its most impactful updates yet for Solo Leveling: ARISE, expanding the action RPG’s roster, competitive landscape, and story experience. The latest patch — released on January 15, 2026 — introduces two powerful SSR Hunters, a brand-new PvP mode, additional narrative chapters, and limited-time winter-themed events that are already energizing the player base.
With Dark-element teams rising in prominence, this update is poised to redefine team compositions and the current combat meta.
Two New SSR Hunters Redefine Dark-Element Play
At the heart of the update are the debuting SSR Hunters Sian Halat and Son Kihoon, both built around Dark-element synergy and high-impact battlefield control.
Sian Halat — The Living Red Knight
Sian Halat reimagines the legendary Igris before he became the Monarch of Shadows’ blade. As a Dark-type Elemental Stacker, he excels at piling on damage while dominating the center of combat.
His ultimate ability, Knight’s Pride, delivers a devastating forward strike with his broadsword while rallying allied forces — making him a frontline powerhouse and a potential cornerstone for elite Dark-element compositions.
Son Kihoon — The Relentless Breaker
Complementing Sian is Son Kihoon, a Dark-type Breaker designed to maximize team efficiency in Dark-focused squads. Armed with sword and shield, Kihoon blends offense and support through aggressive crowd control and ally empowerment.
His signature move, Fierce Charge, scrapes the ground before unleashing a brutal upward slash, while his ultimate, Thrilling Fighting Spirit, boosts nearby allies — making him both a disruptor and a team enabler.
Together, Sian and Kihoon signal a clear push toward Dark-element dominance in high-level play.
‘International Clash’ Brings Strategic PvP to the Spotlight
This update introduces International Clash, a new competitive PvP event that challenges players to build both attack and defense squads.
Participants can field:
- Up to five Hunters
- Up to nine Tactic Cards
Players battle other users’ formations to earn ranking points, climb leaderboards, and unlock exclusive titles and rewards based on performance. The mode emphasizes strategic team-building over raw power, rewarding creativity and foresight.
New Story Chapters and Higher Difficulty Challenges
Lore-driven players also have plenty to explore with the addition of:
- Hidden Chapters 1 and 2
- Expert difficulty versions of Chapters 19 and 20
These chapters deepen the narrative while delivering tougher enemy encounters, better rewards, and more demanding mechanics for veteran players.
Snowflake Events Deliver Limited-Time Rewards
To celebrate the season, Netmarble has launched a suite of snowflake-themed events offering generous bonuses, upgrade materials, and special items. These events encourage daily play while keeping the experience festive and engaging.
Visit the official website, X, Facebook, Instagram, Discord, and official YouTube channel to stay up-to-date with the latest information about Solo Leveling: ARISE.
