Valor Mortis – A Brutal New Souls-like From the Makers of Ghostrunner
One More Level unveils its dark, first-person action RPG at Gamescom 2025. Pre-registration now open for PC playtest.
One More Level unveils its dark, first-person action RPG at Gamescom 2025. Pre-registration now open for PC playtest.
August 20, 2025 – Acclaimed Polish developer One More Level, known for the high-speed cyber-action of Ghostrunner, has officially revealed its next project during Gamescom 2025 Opening Night Live. This time, the team is shifting gears into the world of first-person Souls-like horror with their brand-new title, Valor Mortis — and yes, it looks every bit as intense as you’d expect.
What is Valor Mortis?
Valor Mortis is a first-person melee action RPG that blends challenging Souls-like mechanics with grim, historical horror. You play as William, a fallen soldier from Napoleon’s army who mysteriously returns from death — now cursed with a dark power flowing through his veins.
Set in a disease-ravaged, decaying 19th-century world, the game throws players into a terrifying plague-infested landscape where every death brings new strength. Combat is all about timing, reflexes, and strategy — featuring precise parries, brutal finishers, weapon variety, and tight dash mechanics that demand skill and adaptability.
A Fusion of History and Supernatural Horror
Valor Mortis mixes real-world history with nightmarish supernatural elements, exploring a world twisted by endless war and an enigmatic plague. The narrative pushes players to unravel the truth behind William’s resurrection and the curse that haunts him — all while facing hordes of mutated, infected enemies ready to rip him apart at every turn.
Expect cryptic lore, hidden secrets, and an oppressive atmosphere that encourages exploration and tactical survival in equal measure.
Key Features at a Glance
- ⚔️ First-Person Souls-like Combat – Tight melee-focused gameplay with punishing enemies and deep weapon systems.
- 👁️🗨️ Parry, Dash, Survive – Master reflex-based mechanics in encounters where every move matters.
- 🩸 Die and Grow Stronger – With each death, William adapts and unlocks new abilities.
- 🧟♂️ Historical Horror Setting – Dive into a plague-stricken 19th-century world warped by dark forces.
- 🕯️ Grim Atmosphere & Lore – Discover a world where the line between history and myth is deeply blurred.
Release & Playtest Info
Valor Mortis is slated for release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC in 2026. PC players can now register for the upcoming Playtest on Steam via the “Request Access” button on the official store page.
Final Thoughts
With Valor Mortis, One More Level is proving they’re more than just the studio behind fast-paced parkour. They’re stepping boldly into the horror-action genre with a Souls-like experience that combines rich atmosphere, unforgiving combat, and a haunting narrative rooted in a twisted version of history.
If you’re into games like Dark Souls, Thymesia, or Lies of P, this one should absolutely be on your radar.
