Valor Mortis: The First-Person Soulslike That Blends Elden Ring and Dishonored

One More Level’s upcoming first-person action RPG Valor Mortis is generating significant buzz ahead of its October 13, 2026 launch. Described as a cross between Dishonored and Elden Ring, the game handles first-person combat, traversal, visuals, and animation with a Dishonored-like flair, while its gameplay loop and atmosphere draw heavily from the soulslike tradition.

A Steam demo is currently available, taking players through Chapter 1 and Chapter 7 — the latter equipped with additional weapons, transmutations, and upgrades. The game features traditional checkpoint-style resting, respawning enemies, resource recovery after death, challenging bosses, and shortcut-unlocking backtracking. While not open-world like Elden Ring, its structure is more akin to Dark Souls with interconnected level design. The grim alternate-history European setting provides a distinctive backdrop that sets it apart from the typical dark fantasy soulslike fare.

The game’s first-person combat is a standout, with a focus on parrying, dodging, and precise timing. Players can wield a variety of melee weapons, from swords to axes, and can also use firearms. The “transmutation” system allows players to imbue weapons with elemental properties, such as fire or lightning, which can be used to exploit enemy weaknesses. The game also features a skill tree with three branches: Combat, Agility, and Arcane.

Valor Mortis is being developed by One More Level, the studio behind Ghostrunner. The team’s experience with fast-paced, first-person action is evident in the game’s movement, which includes a dash, a slide, and a grappling hook. The level design encourages verticality and exploration, with hidden paths and secrets. The game also features a robust photo mode.

The Steam demo has been well-received, with players praising the combat, atmosphere, and level design. Some have noted that the game is quite difficult, even for soulslike veterans, but that the challenge is rewarding. The full game will include 10 chapters, multiple endings, and a New Game+ mode. Valor Mortis launches on October 13 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. It is available for preorder now.