Soulslike fans, mark your calendars. Valor Mortis, a brutal new first-person action RPG from Polish studio One More Level, is opening its public playtest from October 6 to 13, with sign-ups available now on the official website. Early buzz is calling it one of the most promising Soulslikes in years, and it’s easy to see why.
Set in a shattered version of 19th-century Europe, Valor Mortis puts you in the boots of William, a former soldier of the Grande Armée who awakens in a mass grave. The continent lies in ruins, its people twisted into nightmares by a mysterious substance known as Nephtoglobin. That same substance killed William—then dragged him back, gifting him supernatural abilities while steadily corrupting him from the inside. It’s a grim, character-driven setup that adds weight to every decision you make.
Combat embraces the core pillars of the genre: punishing difficulty, precise timing, and high-stakes resource management. What sets Valor Mortis apart is its first-person perspective, bringing every parry, dodge, and counter up close and personal. William’s powers manifest as “transmutations,” letting you channel life force to amplify strikes or unleash devastating abilities. There’s a catch, of course. Each use feeds the corruption within; push too far and you risk losing control, becoming the very monster you’re fighting. That risk-reward loop adds a fresh strategic layer for veterans of Dark Souls, Nioh, or Mortal Shell.
Beyond mechanics, the game leans into atmosphere and narrative. The choice to go first-person heightens immersion, while the corruption system ties story and gameplay together in a way that feels both thematic and mechanically meaningful. Expect methodical encounters where reading enemy patterns, managing stamina, and knowing when to gamble with your transmutations can mean the difference between triumph and a one-hit demise.
Valor Mortis is slated for release in 2026. If you want in early, register for the October 6–13 playtest by submitting your email on the official site. You can also add it to your Steam wishlist to stay updated on future tests and development milestones.
If you’ve been waiting for a Soulslike that breaks the mold without abandoning what makes the genre great, keep an eye on Valor Mortis. With its first-person twist, corruption-driven abilities, and a bleak, lore-rich setting, this could be the next big challenge you’ve been craving.
