Mongil: Star Dive’s 2nd Beta Shows Netmarble’s PC Ambitions

This caught my attention because Netmarble isn’t just delivering a content drop — it’s stress-testing a PC-first experience for a game that screams “mobile DNA.” Mongil: Star Dive’s second closed beta runs September 30–October 10 on PC via the Netmarble Launcher and the Epic Games Store, with sign-ups open until September 29. We’re getting Episode 2 of the main story focused on the 9th Brigade (Esther, Flare, Reina), an early peek at new character Daisy, the debut of the Monsterling Link Chain system, 30+ new Monsterlings, a raid boss named Amon, plus cooking, crafting, and fresh dungeons. That’s a lot — and it says a lot about where Netmarble wants this game to land.

Key Takeaways

• PC-centric beta with real content breadth: Episode 2 of the story, a raid, and new systems — not just a server stress test.
• Monsterling Link Chains turn “cute keychains” into build-defining gear that can trigger active skills.
• Daisy’s cameo hints at future banners, events, and Netmarble’s live-service rhythm.
• Big question marks remain: gacha ties to Monsterlings, controller vs. KBM feel, and true co-op in raids.

Breaking Down the Announcement: What’s Actually New

Episode 2 continues the Solar Knights’ 9th Brigade arc and promises to pull back the curtain on the force corrupting once-cute monsters. Netmarble’s leaning into the “adorable but deadly” angle — Monsterlings are collectible creatures you equip as keychains — but the Link Chain upgrade is the real headline. With Link Chains, Monsterlings aren’t just stat sticks; they can activate skills and effects, turning them into a core part of your combat kit. Expect synergies like damage procs on swap or defensive triggers on hit, the kind of build-defining mechanics you see in top ARPGs.

This beta also adds more than 30 new Monsterlings and introduces Monsterling-based minigames such as Monster Racing, which looks designed to break up grind loops. We’re also getting fresh dungeons tied to skill and artifact enhancement, plus cooking and crafting systems — classic live-service glue to keep you logging in for mats. The raid boss, Amon, is the other big piece. Netmarble calls it a “raid,” but they haven’t clarified whether it’s matchmade co-op, asynchronous damage races, or single-player boss runs with a leaderboard. That distinction matters for anyone who loves a true raid experience.

Daisy, a new character teased here, is set for her full debut in Episode 3. It’s a clear signal: story drops introduce future playables, then the next episode brings their full kit and likely a limited-time banner or event focus. Netmarble says the CBT “will showcase a wide range of new content” and asks for player feedback — fair warning, this is the moment to push on everything before systems calcify.

The Real Story: PC Ambitions, Gacha Gravity, and Combat Depth

Netmarble’s track record — Marvel Future Fight, The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross, Solo Leveling: ARISE — tells us two things: they can deliver satisfying combat loops, and they love monetized collection systems. Mongil’s three-character, real-time tag combat could shine if swaps meaningfully change your role on the fly (think cooldown sharing, cancel windows, and team-based ult synergy). But with Monsterlings doubling as skill triggers, the temptation is strong to make their acquisition a gacha pillar. If top-tier Link Chains are gacha-exclusive or locked behind heavy timers, the meta risks being pay-to-win from day one.

The PC angle is crucial. Many mobile-first ARPGs feel off on mouse and keyboard — floaty cameras, soft auto-aim, input buffering tuned for touch. If Mongil wants to live alongside Genshin Impact, Wuthering Waves, or lighter ARPGs on PC, it needs crisp controls, remappable inputs, and stable performance when particle effects and skill procs start flying. This beta is the prime time to prove they’ve tuned the experience for desktop players.

What I’ll Be Testing During the CBT

• Controls and responsiveness on KB/M versus controller: swap speeds, animation cancels, dodge i-frames.
• Link Chain impact on builds: do Monsterlings open new playstyles or just inflate numbers?
• Raid depth: real co-op mechanics or “raid” in name only? Are there roles and telegraphs that reward teamwork?
• Progression friction: stamina/energy limits, upgrade success rates, and material bottlenecks for artifacts and skills.
• PC optimization: frame pacing on mid-spec rigs, loading times, and hitching during skill chains.
• Live-service signals: daily/weekly tasks, event timers, and how hard the game pushes Monsterling loops.
• Cross-platform readiness: with a 2025 PC and mobile launch promised, is cross-save or cross-progression on the table?

Why This Matters Now

Netmarble is showcasing Mongil at Tokyo Game Show 2025 right before the CBT, signaling a push for core PC audiences, not just mobile diehards. Episode 2’s drop suggests a steady content cadence, while the Daisy tease fuels community speculation. If Link Chains land well, Mongil could stand out in the action-gacha field by letting “pets as gear” reshape your kit rather than just boost stats.

On the flip side, if Monsterlings become spend funnels and Amon-style raids devolve into DPS checks gated by Link Chain rarity, PC players will bounce. We’ve all seen glossy Unreal Engine 5 titles flop when the economy strangles the fun. If Netmarble truly prioritizes feedback, tuning drop rates, crafting relevance, and raid accessibility during this beta will be make-or-break.

TL;DR

Mongil: Star Dive’s second closed beta on PC is stacked — Episode 2, a raid boss, 30+ new Monsterlings, and the new Link Chain system that could define the meta. I’m cautiously optimistic about combat depth and buildcraft but will be watching monetization, PC controls, and whether “raid” means real co-op. If Netmarble nails those, Mongil could be a legitimate PC/mobile ARPG contender in 2025.