Phantom Blade Zero is striving to establish a fresh Wuxia Action genre. Discover how the game distinguishes itself from Soulslikes and what three difficulty settings it includes.

Phantom Blade Zero IS NOT A SOULSLIKE

Director Labels New Genre "Wuxia Action"

Director Soulframe of Phantom Blade Zero emphasized that the game does not fall under the Soulslike category but instead represents a new genre he calls "Wuxia Action." On June 24, Phantom Blade Zero's official Twitter (X) account shared a Developer’s Letter where Soulframe responded to various fan questions about the game.

He mentioned that upon the game’s initial reveal, many labeled it as a Soulslike due to its connected maps, hidden areas, and checkpoints. Following the demo release, people began calling it a hack-and-slash title because of its faster pace compared to standard Soulslikes.

While the director admitted that classifying Phantom Blade Zero into a genre helps players differentiate it from other titles and form expectations, he stressed that it is neither a Soulslike nor a conventional action game. Nevertheless, Soulframe drew inspiration from these genres, which helped shape the final product.

Initially, the development team aimed to create a hack-and-slash game with layered map design. The result was something Soulframe described as "deeply familiar to us, yet rarely seen or experienced in games." It blends Chinese martial arts, Western combat styles, and Hollywood filmmaking techniques—something inspired by kung fu legend Bruce Lee.

This same essence was infused into the game, setting it apart from existing genres. Soulframe explained, "In general terms, it fits within ARPGs. But more precisely—perhaps it can pioneer a unique identity known as Wuxia Action Games?" In this emerging genre, players can expect fast-paced action, deep historical ties, and memorable cinematic moments.

This is why developer S-GAMES has decided to host an exclusive hands-on demo event in Beijing, China, on July 26-27. This upcoming demo will offer fans a "clearer insight into the game’s core experience."

Difficulty Settings Unveiled

Previously, it had been revealed that Phantom Blade Zero would include adjustable difficulty settings, distinguishing it further from Soulslike titles. Continuing in the developer’s letter, Soulframe confirmed there are three difficulty levels: Gamechanger, Wayfarer, and Hellwaker.

Gamechanger serves as the default mode, providing a balanced experience ideal for newcomers. Wayfarer is the easiest option, tailored for those unfamiliar with action games. Lastly, Hellwaker is the most challenging, unlocked only in New Game . It tests players' abilities with smarter AI, altered move sets, and entirely new attacks.

S-GAMES intends to disclose the game’s release date before the end of 2025, offering fans even more anticipation for the "kungfupunk" journey. Phantom Blade Zero is scheduled for a Fall 2026 launch on PlayStation 5. For the latest updates on the game, refer to our article below!

Phantom Blade Zero

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