New Soulslike Game on Steam Has Kingdom Come Deliverance 2’s Historical Approach and Perspective, But Elden Ring’s Combat

It’s rare for a game to successfully build on the challenging combat of the ‘Soulsborne’ genre with a unique twist, and even rarer to do so within a stunning, historically-inspired setting. Valor Mortis achieves just that. From One More Level, the creators of Ghostrunner and Ghostrunner 2, Valor Mortis is a Steam game that blends the intense action of Soulslike games with the weaponry of 19th-century Europe, alongside supernatural abilities.

I’m really excited about Valor Mortis! It’s not free-to-play on Steam, but you can add it to your wishlist now – it’s coming out in 2026. The game takes place in an alternate version of Napoleonic France, and it’s not your typical historical setting. They’ve thrown in magic alongside the guns, and the monsters look seriously terrifying – think something straight out of Resident Evil or Bloodborne. It looks like a really cool, dark take on the era.

Valor Mortis Feature List

First-person Soulslike combat
- Parry, Dodge, Block, Stamina, Telegraphed Attacks, Timing, Finishers, Healing Flasks
An explorable world with secrets to uncover as you unlock more powers
Environmental storytelling and memories to find to piece together the conspiracy of Napoleon’s Grand Armee
Punishing boss encounters
Lanterns that act as checkpoints, like Bonfires/Sites of Lost Grace
RPG features (Character progression, permanent power-ups that improve the main character in various ways, acquiring loot, upgrades with positive and negative modifiers)
Mobility (Keeps some parkour elements from Ghostrunner games)

Valor Mortis Meets Elden Ring, Dark Souls

How Valor Mortis Challenges The Status Quo of Soulslikes

Valor Mortis is a challenging new game that blends fast-paced, first-person combat with the difficult-but-rewarding gameplay of Soulslike titles. It’s designed to be tough, requiring players to learn enemy attacks and master the core mechanics to succeed. While it embraces the demanding nature of the Soulslike genre, it isn’t for casual players. The game’s unique first-person perspective is a key feature, offering a fresh take on the formula, but it needs to be executed well to avoid feeling frustrating.

Valor Mortis’ Ace Up Its Sleeve Can Make it or Break it

Many people think first-person melee combat and Soulslike games don’t work well together, and there are a few key reasons why.

First-person combat reduces spatial awareness, which can become very frustrating very quickly in an already punishing game.
First-person melee combat may lead to fewer enemy variations, even with ranged weapons included in the mix.
Camera settings in first-person games can be more limited, which can be a problem in challenging Soulslikes.
Weapon impact (or lack thereof) can make or break immersion and flow in first-person melee combat.
Level design can have a significant influence on how well a first-person Soulslike plays out.

Valor Mortis Meets Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

How Valor Mortis’ Historical Setting Takes The Best of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 and Creepy Soulslikes

Despite being nominated for several awards, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 didn’t win any. However, it’s still considered one of the best RPGs of 2025, largely due to its highly customizable first-person combat, expanded dialogue and crafting options, quests with meaningful consequences, and immersive open world. Valor Mortis builds on these strengths, particularly its authentic historical setting, to deliver a similar experience.

Valor Mortis is a game set in an alternate 19th-century Europe where Napoleon still rules. But this isn’t your typical historical game—supernatural powers fueled by a substance called Nepthoglobin are central to the gameplay. Players obtain Nepthoglobin by defeating enemies and using special Lanterns. This creates a dark and atmospheric world filled with zombies and mutants dressed in Napoleonic-era uniforms, making it difficult to discern allies from enemies and adding a unique narrative layer.

Prepare for a challenging experience with more enemies than allies. Valor Mortis isn’t just another *Dark Soulsinspired game that falls short – its unique world hints at something truly special. It’s still uncertain if it will deliver on the promise of a difficult but rewarding first-person action game, but early playtests suggest it could become very popular on Steam.

2025-12-23 16:10