If you’ve been craving a new, punishing adventure since Lies of P sharpened its weapons, your wait might soon be over. The gaming world is buzzing about Valor Mortis, a new title from Polish developer One More Level (the masterminds behind the high-octane Ghostrunner series). Early reports, including one from Insider Gaming, are hailing it as potentially “the most promising Soulslike in years.” For fans of Dark Souls, Nioh, and Mortal Shell, this is news worth paying attention to.
But you don't have to just take their word for it. A chance to see for yourself is just around the corner.
A Grisly Resurrection in a Ruined Europe
Valor Mortis pulls you into the boots of William, a former soldier of the Grande Armée who awakens under horrifying circumstances—buried in a mass grave. The Europe he once knew is gone, devastated by a mysterious substance called Nephtoglobin. This agent has wiped out most of the population, turning them into monstrous abominations.
William, however, is different. The same Nephtoglobin that killed him has also resurrected him, granting him supernatural powers. But this gift is a Faustian bargain; the substance is slowly corrupting him from the inside out. Your journey is not just about survival, but a race against your own inevitable transformation.
Classic Soulslike Challenge, With a First-Person Twist
The game stays true to the genre’s core tenets: punishing, deliberate combat where every dodge, block, and strike must be perfectly timed. Where it innovates is its perspective. Valor Mortis breaks from the traditional third-person view to deliver an intense first-person experience. This promises to make encounters more visceral and intimate, forcing players to be even more aware of their surroundings.
The corruption within William is central to the gameplay through a system of “transmutations.” These powerful abilities allow you to channel your life force to enhance your attacks or unleash devastating supernatural skills. The catch? Each use feeds the corruption meter. Push your powers too far, and you risk losing control, turning into the very monster you’re fighting against—a high-risk, high-reward mechanic that adds a thrilling layer of strategy.
How You Can Play It Early
The full game is slated for a 2026 release, but a special free playtest is scheduled for October 6-13. This is a perfect opportunity for hardened Soulslike veterans and curious newcomers to get an early feel for the game’s unique mechanics and brutal world.
Ready to see if Valor Mortis lives up to the hype? The developers are currently accepting sign-ups for the playtest. You can register for a chance to participate by simply entering your email on the official sign-up page right here: Sign up for the Valor Mortis Playtest.
Even if you can't join the test, you can wishlist the game now to stay updated on its development. Add Valor Mortis to your Steam Wishlist and be the first to know when it launches.
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