A sweeping new five-minute gameplay video has unveiled what a typical day looks like for a 13th-century Mongolian Yam courier in The Legend of Khiimori—and it’s far from ordinary.
Publisher Mindscape and developer Aesir Interactive have showcased an extended gameplay breakdown ahead of the game’s Early Access launch on March 3, 2026, on Steam and the Epic Games Store.
Alongside the new footage, the team also revealed striking new key artwork, reinforcing the game’s epic scope and cultural authenticity.
The Legend of Khiimori Gameplay: A System-Driven Open World
At the heart of The Legend of Khiimori lies a bold design philosophy: system-driven gameplay.
Rather than delivering a rigid, scripted narrative, The Legend of Khiimori hands authorship to players. Every journey across the Mongolian wilderness is shaped by interacting systems such as:
- Terrain and traversal
- Survival mechanics
- Weather and climate conditions
- Resource management
- Player choice and consequence
According to the new gameplay showcase, each decision—from route planning to combat tactics—creates a unique, self-written story. No two courier journeys unfold the same way.
Life as a 13th-Century Mongolian Yam Courier
The Legend of Khiimori places players in the role of a young courier carrying diplomatic messages and precious cargo across vast and unforgiving landscapes.
Distance and Time Matter
Preparation is everything. Players must:
- Strategically plan delivery routes across sweeping steppes
- Traverse snowy mountain peaks
- Cross scorching deserts
- Navigate dangerous ruins and hostile territories
The open world rewards careful foresight. Poor preparation can lead to injury, lost cargo, or worse.
Survival, Crafting, and Horse Mastery
Survival in The Legend of Khiimori extends beyond basic exploration mechanics.
Authentic Horse Breeding System
One standout feature is a horse breeding system inspired by real-world equine genetics. Players can:
- Breed horses with distinct traits
- Select the ideal mount for each mission
- Manage saddlebag weight distribution to prevent injuries
Choosing the right horse isn’t cosmetic—it directly impacts your survival chances across Mongolia’s diverse terrain.
Crafting and Camp Building
Players can craft essential tools and set up camps in the wild, preparing for harsh climates and unpredictable dangers. Every item crafted may be the difference between success and disaster.
Combat and Dynamic Decision-Making
Danger is constant in The Legend of Khiimori.
From wolf encounters to environmental hazards involving fire, weather, and spiritual elements, each threat demands thoughtful action. Players might:
- Shoot wolves with a precise arrow
- Scare them off using powder pouches
- Avoid hostile zones entirely
These decisions ripple outward, influencing stamina, supplies, and long-term survival.
Voice Acting and Cultural Authenticity
For Early Access, partial voice-over will be available in both English and Mongolian. The development team proudly features a cast of Mongolian voice actors bringing authenticity and emotional depth to the experience.
This cultural commitment strengthens The Legend of Khiimori’s immersive storytelling, grounding its system-driven mechanics in historical inspiration.
Early Access Launch Date and Platforms
The Legend of Khiimori launches in Early Access on March 3, 2026, for PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store.
The full release is planned for both PC and consoles, with a fully crafted narrative layer expanding on the system-driven foundation introduced during Early Access.
Players can wishlist the game now on:
