Imagine a battlefield where Napoleonic-era soldiers are fused with grotesque vegetable mutations – that’s the bizarre, grimdark aesthetic that immediately drew me to Valor Mortis. It’s reminiscent of a tabletop game I adore, Turnip28, with its twisted take on history. I certainly didn’t expect to get my hands on this game so soon, especially with its official release planned for 2026! This free playtest is our golden ticket to an early look at what this unique soulslike has in store.
Valor Mortis is Playable Now, and It’s Impressively Good!
Beyond the whimsical comparisons, Valor Mortis genuinely looks phenomenal. I confess to a complex relationship with soulslike games; it’s not the challenge that deters me, but rather the unforgiving absence of a pause button. As a parent, my gaming sessions are frequently interrupted, making unpausable experiences nearly impossible to manage.
(Embedded video: A preview of Valor Mortis gameplay showcasing its grimdark atmosphere and combat)
Despite my personal gaming limitations, I’m captivated by the soulslike genre’s artistic vision. I often indulge vicariously, marveling at the grotesque and imaginative creature designs, from the grand scale of Elden Ring to the intriguing concepts in games like Flintlock: The Siege Of Dawn, which also embraces a Napoleonic setting. The sheer creativity within this genre is consistently breathtaking.
Valor Mortis had me completely hooked from its initial reveal trailer. I was already keenly observing what the Ghostrunner developers were planning next, but witnessing a masked Napoleonic soldier grotesquely mutate into a monstrous entity mid-battle? That was an immediate ‘sign me up’ moment.
(Image: A grim visual from Valor Mortis, depicting a soldier in 19th-century French uniform, his body horribly mutated with a cannon emerging from a tumor, ready for battle.)
My brief time with the playtest has already confirmed that it fully delivers on the trailer’s dark promise. Armed with my trusty saber, I found the opening sequence of visceral combat incredibly satisfying. This appears to be the same demo our News Editor, Lauren, experienced at Gamescom, which only amplifies my excitement, especially after her enthusiastic early review.
The Valor Mortis playtest launched today, October 7, and you can jump in right away. It will also be available on Steam starting Wednesday, October 8. Prepare to experience this unique world for yourself!
If you’re as eager as I am to dive into the game this evening, consider exploring our recommendations for the best single-player games for more intense experiences. Our curated list of the best action games also features some fantastic titles.
Are you among the first to play Valor Mortis? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in our vibrant community Discord server, where our team and fellow readers chat about all the latest gaming news and, perhaps, even hearty turnip stews.