Ethan Crossfield 
Soulslikes have become one of gaming’s most recognizable action-RPG formats, but most entries still rely on a third-person camera. Valor Mortis is taking a different route: One More Level’s new game launches October 13 with first-person combat, a grim alternate-history setting, and a supernatural plague at the center of its story.
A New Direction From the Ghostrunner Developer
Valor Mortis comes from Polish studio One More Level, the team behind the Ghostrunner series. Those games established the developer’s reputation for fast, demanding action, while its latest project moves into Soulslike territory instead. That shift places the studio in a genre strongly associated with FromSoftware, giving Valor Mortis a high bar to clear even as it develops its own identity.
The first-person perspective is the game’s most immediate point of difference. Rather than viewing the protagonist from behind, players experience combat directly through the character’s eyes. The approach could make parries, dashes, and finishers feel more immediate while separating Valor Mortis from the crowded third-person Soulslike field.
A Plague-Stricken 19th-Century Europe
Players take the role of William, a soldier from Napoleon’s Grande Armée who is resurrected in a battlefield grave. The Europe he returns to has been transformed by a mysterious plague, and the character’s revival comes with a corrupting supernatural power running through his veins.
The setting combines a 19th-century aesthetic with an alternate-history storyline. Historical figures appear alongside horror and supernatural elements, suggesting that the narrative will use real-world inspiration without remaining bound to ordinary history. The game also features a voice cast that includes Vincent Cassel, Jennifer English, and James Alexander.
Release Details, Editions, and Future Content
Valor Mortis is scheduled to release on October 13 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. The standard edition will cost $39.99, while a $59.99 Deluxe Edition will include a major story expansion planned for 2027 along with several cosmetic packs.
One More Level has also committed to free content updates after launch. The developer has not detailed the full scope or timing of those updates, but the promise gives the game a longer runway beyond its initial campaign. Its core combat loop is built around familiar Soulslike principles, including challenging encounters, supernatural abilities that strengthen attacks, and progression where death provides an opportunity to become more powerful.
Key points
- Valor Mortis launches October 13 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
- It uses a first-person perspective for Soulslike combat.
- The standard edition costs $39.99; the Deluxe Edition costs $59.99.
- Free post-launch updates are planned, with story DLC scheduled for 2027.
Valor Mortis Edition Overview
| Edition | Price | Included content |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $39.99 | Base game |
| Deluxe | $59.99 | Base game, cosmetic packs, and planned 2027 story DLC |
Expert View
Valor Mortis signals that the Soulslike formula still has room for meaningful structural changes. A first-person camera could broaden the genre’s visual and combat language, particularly for a studio already experienced with precise, high-speed action. Its lower entry price and planned free updates may also help it compete for attention in a busy release market. However, the game’s reception will depend on whether its distinctive perspective supports the demanding timing and exploration that Soulslike audiences expect.
