TaVRn’s Takedown Playtest Launches on Steam

TaVRn's Takedown screenshot

Posted on: 27 Oct 2025

Earlier this year XRSource reported on the announcement of a forthcoming VR game set in the cult-favorite Naheulbeuk universe, TaVRn’s Takedown. Developer VR Studio LDLC is keen to get more eyes on the game – and seemingly, bodies into it – as a free playtest for TaVRn’s Takedown has launched today on Steam.

TaVRn's Takedown screenshot

What is TaVRn’s Takedown?

In TaVRn’s Takedown, you’ll find yourself in the infamous city of Mliuej. Here, every tavern hides new dangers, drunkards, and magical mayhem. Between dodging fists, bottles, and bar stools, you’ll need to gear up, plan a strategy, and brace for brutal boss fights in chaotic VR combat. But why? Your goal is simple: to clean up every tavern one punch at a time.

A big deal is being made about the game being set in the Naheulbeuk universe. Created in 2001 by John Lang, Le Donjon de Naheulbeuk began as a satirical audio series poking fun at fantasy tropes before evolving into a full multimedia phenomenon. Comics, novels, video games and even Naheulband, a Celtic-metal group have kept the saga’s spirit alive through music and laughter.

TaVRn’s Takedown Playtest

From today, 27th October, 2025, to 30th November, players can unleash their inner hero (or drunkard) in a free TaVRn’s Takedown playtest. You’ll be dodging flying chairs, blocking enchanted tankards, and smashing through waves of magically intoxicated foes in a VR experience that’s equal parts fantasy and pure bar-fight madness. At present, the playtest is only available on Steam. There’s no word of a Meta Quest playtest.

TaVRn’s Takedown is currently in development with a worldwide launch planned for early 2026 on Steam and Meta. This public playtest invites fans to help shape the game’s future, from combat balance to new features and content.

TaVRn's Takedown screenshot

Want More? Here’s a ‘Making of…’ Video

If you’re liking the sound of TaVRn’s Takedown, you can now dive deeper into the creative process behind the game a ‘Making Of…’ video. This video (below) offers a closer look at how the development team brought this over-the-top fantasy brawler to life.

The featurette showcases the game’s unique blend of physical VR combat, humor, and handcrafted art direction. It features insights from the creators, designers, and voice actors who shaped its chaotic tavern universe.

Are you interested in getting in on the brawling action? Will you be partaking in the TaVRn’s Takedown playtest this week? Let us know in the comments below!

Author: Kevin Joyce

Kevin Joyce has been a writer in the video games industry for more than 20 years, dedicated to XR for the latter half. He has launched numerous initiatives in the XR space, including media outlets such as VRFocus and AR/VR Pioneers, hackathons, marketing and community management organisation Tiny Brains, and not-for-profit educational platforms.