Phantom Blade Zero is Wuxia, Not Soulslike

Phantom Blade Zero seeks to pioneer the Wuxia Action genre. Discover how the game distinguishes itself from Soulslikes and explore its three distinct difficulty settings.

Phantom Blade Zero is NOT a Soulslike Game

Director Establishes New Genre: "Wuxia Action"

Phantom Blade Zero's director, Soulframe, has reaffirmed that the game is not a Soulslike but rather a fresh genre he terms "Wuxia Action." On June 24, the official Phantom Blade Zero Twitter (X) account released a Developer’s Letter addressing various fan questions about the project.

He explained that initial reactions labeled the game a Soulslike due to its interconnected world, hidden secrets, and checkpoint system. After the demo's release, many called it a hack-and-slash title because of its faster tempo compared to typical Soulslike games.

While the director understands that genre labels help fans set expectations and differentiate games, he clarified that Phantom Blade Zero is neither a Soulslike nor a conventional action title. Soulframe did mention drawing creative inspiration from such genres, which contributed to the final vision.

Originally, the team aimed to build a hack-and-slash game with layered level design. The result was something Soulframe described as "deeply familiar yet rarely encountered in today's games." It blended Chinese martial arts, Western combat methods, and Hollywood cinematic techniques—an influence he credited to Bruce Lee.

This unique blend gives the game a character that stands apart from existing genres. Soulframe noted, "Broadly speaking, it fits under the ARPG umbrella. But more specifically, it could lay the foundation for a new genre: Wuxia Action Games." This genre promises fast-paced combat, rich historical lore, and cinematic moments drawn from martial arts cinema.

That’s why developer S-GAMES invited players to an exclusive hands-on demo in Beijing, China, on July 26–27. This upcoming demo will offer a clearer look into the game’s core experience.

Three Difficulty Modes Officially Detailed

Earlier reports indicated that Phantom Blade Zero would offer difficulty options, further distancing it from the Soulslike formula. In the Developer's Letter, Soulframe confirmed three settings: Gamechanger, Wayfarer, and Hellwaker.

Gamechanger is the standard difficulty, offering a well-rounded challenge suitable for beginners. Wayfarer provides a more forgiving experience tailored to players new to action games. Hellwaker, the toughest setting, is exclusive to New Game+ and pushes players’ abilities with advanced AI, altered attack patterns, and brand-new enemy moves.

S-GAMES plans to announce the official release date before the end of 2025, heightening anticipation for this "kungfupunk" adventure. Phantom Blade Zero is scheduled to launch in Fall 2026 for PlayStation 5. Stay informed with the latest updates by checking our article below.