Variance Launches Anime Roguelike RPG in Somnia Ecosystem With Live Quests and Playtests

Quick Take

• Variance, a new anime roguelike RPG, launches in the Somnia ecosystem with live quests, alpha demos, and Discord events.
• Web3 progression and asset ownership are fully integrated from the start, with rewards tied to in-game achievements.
• A broader open playtest is scheduled for July, giving early players access to NFTs, ecosystem perks, and future reward eligibility.
  

Variance, a new anime roguelike RPG built by veterans from Pokémon GO, Axie Infinity, and Realm, has officially launched inside the Somnia gaming ecosystem. The team behind the title kicked off its debut with an ongoing quest campaign, multiple Discord game nights, and plans for an open playtest in early July.

The game combines gacha-style progression with high-intensity roguelike mechanics and live-service structure. Players move through procedurally generated levels using characters with customizable kits, all while unlocking and upgrading through a blend of PvE challenges and randomized events. Web3 ownership is integrated from the start, giving players asset permanence across play sessions.

To celebrate the launch, Variance has activated a Somnia Quest, accessible via quest.somnia.network, where users can complete tasks for leaderboard points and early ecosystem rewards. According to official posts, these may include NFTs, in-game items, and future airdrop eligibility.

Several community-facing events have also been announced. A Discord Game Night was hosted by Somnia on June 13 at 2PM UTC, offering a demo of the latest alpha build and limited test spots. A follow-up event on June 16 will be hosted in the Variance Discord with additional rewards for participants. The game’s developers are also appeared in a Somnia-hosted X Space on June 12 to discuss gameplay systems and roadmap hints.

Variance’s deeper integration into Somnia follows the network’s push to onboard more action and strategy-based titles. As a Layer-1 chain purpose-built for gaming, Somnia provides tools like Battle Records and Gamers L.A.B., which allow developers to log player actions, build dynamic quests, and automate seasonal events without client-side patches.

A broader open playtest is planned for early July, where users can earn asset-based rewards by testing and progressing through Variance’s latest build. Specific details, including NFT airdrops and item unlocks, are expected to be announced closer to launch.

Somnia continues to grow its Dream Catalyst portfolio, with Variance now joining titles like Maelstrom, Netherak Demons, and Chunked in leveraging the network’s high-throughput, on-chain infrastructure. Variance is not yet listed on marketplaces, but early reward activity suggests plans for a tradable asset layer once the game exits its alpha phase.