During a new State of Play, developer S-Game provided in-depth insights into the wuxia role-playing game. It will be released in October as a timed exclusive for PS5 and PC.
Last night, S-Game’s Wuxia action RPG Phantom Blade Zero took center stage in a new episode of PlayStation’s State of Play.
The video provided extensive new insights into the upcoming title and its game world, which reportedly consists of eight individual maps. However, these are said to “seamlessly connect into a single world.”
Diverse Locations and Exploration via Ink-Washed Maps
“Your journey will take you through intricate yet surreal landscapes,” explains S-Game founder Soulframe Liang. “These include villages, valleys, lakes, and shadowy areas.”
Along the way, you’ll encounter all sorts of things, such as an abandoned warehouse filled with hanging dolls that appears to be used for a sinister ritual. Or a valley overrun by bandits. Elsewhere, a large, steam-powered iron tower awaits you—one built for an experiment.
It goes on to say: “Your journey is guided by eight authentic, hand-painted Chinese ink maps. In complex regions, they provide only a rough guide. So it’s up to you to explore the surroundings and uncover hidden secrets. These maps blend seamlessly into a single world. There, you can use bells to conveniently fast-travel back and forth between the locations you’ve already discovered.”
Metroidvania Elements, Release Date, and Exclusivity
Ultimately, however, Phantom Blade Zero is not a purely open-world game—nor is it a strictly linear adventure.
All in all, the State of Play gives you a good impression of the upcoming title. For example, you can use weapons to destroy certain obstacles, which may hint at Metroidvania elements.
Phantom Blade Zero launches on October 29, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and PC. According to the State of Play video, it’s a timed exclusive and could be released on other platforms after at least one year.
