Valor Mortis has a distinct flavor that brings to mind Turnip28, a tabletop game I’ve recently fallen for. Turnip28 paints an alternate history where a peculiar root infects the world, inspiring players to craft Napoleonic-era soldiers from vegetables like turnips. My own squad includes garlic-headed riflemen and a cannon emerging from a toad’s mouth! Valor Mortis echoes this grotesque, 19th-century battlefield aesthetic, and to my delight, it’s available for an early playtest, offering a sneak peek before its 2026 release.
Beyond the quirky tabletop comparisons, Valor Mortis looks truly exceptional. While I have a complicated relationship with the soulslike genre – mostly because the absence of a pause button often clashes with the unpredictable demands of parenting young children – I find myself drawn to this title. Uninterrupted gaming sessions are a luxury, making unpausable games a challenge.
A gameplay video showcasing the grimdark action further solidifies its appeal.
Despite these personal gaming hurdles, my appreciation for the soulslike genre’s aesthetic remains strong. I often experience these games vicariously, relishing the gruesome and imaginative character designs shared by friends and colleagues. From massive titles like Elden Ring to more focused “souls-lite” experiences such as Flintlock: The Siege Of Dawn – another game set in the Napoleonic era – the sheer creativity in this genre is consistently breathtaking.
Valor Mortis immediately captured my attention from its debut trailer. As a follower of the Ghostrunner developers, I was already keen to see their next project. However, the sight of a masked Napoleonic soldier grotesquely transforming into a monstrous creature amidst a chaotic battle was truly the clincher; I was completely captivated.
My initial minutes with the playtest have already confirmed the promise of the trailer. Wielding a trusty saber, I found immense satisfaction in slashing through the visceral opening sequence. This appears to be the same demo that our News Editor, Lauren, experienced at Gamescom, and her enthusiastic feedback only heightened my anticipation to dive deeper into the full experience.
The Valor Mortis playtest is currently available for those eager to try it out. Players can access it via the official game platform and popular digital storefronts.
For those who are as excited as I am to jump into the action, there are many other excellent single-player and action games to explore for more grim and engaging fun.
Are you joining the early access to Valor Mortis? Share your thoughts and experiences with fellow gamers and our team in our vibrant community discussion forums.