Valor Mortis has a peculiar way of reminding me of turnips, but let me explain! I’ve recently become fascinated with a tabletop game called Turnip28, which conjures an alternate history where the world is ravaged by a strange root. While turnips are the go-to vegetable for crafting Napoleonic-era soldiers in that game, I’ve seen everything from garlic-headed riflemen to cannons emerging from a toad’s mouth. Valor Mortis similarly embraces a grotesque reimagining of 19th-century battlefields, and to my surprise, I didn’t expect to be playing it this soon. With its full release scheduled for 2026, this current playtest offers an exciting sneak peek into what’s coming.
Beyond the amusing turnip comparison, Valor Mortis looks genuinely excellent. My relationship with soulslike games is a complex one, not necessarily due to their inherent difficulty, but because of the infuriating absence of a pause button. As a parent with young children, my gaming sessions are frequently interrupted, making unpausable games a challenge.
However, I’m absolutely captivated by the genre’s artistic designs. I often find myself living vicariously through friends and colleagues, eagerly soaking up the gruesome visuals without having to face the boss battles myself. From massive titles like Elden Ring to ‘soul-lite’ experiences like Flintlock: The Siege Of Dawn (another Napoleonic-themed adventure), the sheer creativity within this genre is consistently astonishing.
Valor Mortis captured my attention from its very first trailer. As a fan of the Ghostrunner developers, I was already curious about their next project. But a masked Napoleonic soldier grotesquely mutating into a horrific creature mid-battle? That instantly sealed the deal for me!
My initial few minutes with the playtest have completely lived up to the trailer’s dark promise. With a reliable saber at my side, I found immense satisfaction in slashing through the visceral opening sequence. It appears this is the same captivating demo that PCGamesN’s News Editor, Lauren, experienced at Gamescom, which only amplifies my excitement after reading her glowing preview.
The Valor Mortis playtest is available today, October 7, directly from the official website. It will also be accessible from Wednesday, October 8 on Steam. If you’re eager to jump in tonight like I am, you can find the playtest on both platforms.
Are you diving into Valor Mortis early? We’d love to hear your thoughts!