Publisher Lyrical Games and developer One More Level, the studio behind Ghostrunner, have announced a new game titled Valor Mortis. It is a single-player first-person Soulslike game that mixes brutal combat, Metroidvania-inspired exploration, and a dark narrative filled with horror, corruption, and conspiracy. The game is set to launch in 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC via Steam.
The studio says Valor Mortis is a fresh take on the Soulslike genre. “We wanted to try something new and original—a darker experience, while still offering players a true challenge,” said One More Level CEO Szymon Bryla. He added that the game builds on the team’s experience with Ghostrunner but explores a completely different direction.
In Valor Mortis, you play as William, a soldier of Napoleon’s Grande Armée who has been brought back from the grave. The Europe you return to is no longer the same. A mysterious plague has swept across the continent, and its corrupting power now flows through your veins.
The game focuses on methodical combat. You can parry, dash, and execute brutal finishers with a variety of weapons. Each death gives you a chance to come back stronger, unlocking new supernatural abilities powered by corruption.
The world of Valor Mortis is set in an alternate 19th-century Europe, where war and plague have reshaped the land. Players will need to outmaneuver horrifying enemies, including Napoleon’s Eternal Guard, while also uncovering hidden secrets scattered across the environment.
The game promises a rich story that blends historical figures with supernatural horror. As you progress, you will unravel the truth behind the plague, your own resurrection, and the dark conspiracy that binds them together.
Valor Mortis looks like an ambitious step for One More Level. With its unique mix of Soulslike combat, horror storytelling, and historical setting, it will be interesting to see how it compares to other games in the genre. Titles like Lies of P and Mortal Shell already offer strong alternatives, but Valor Mortis may stand out with its Napoleonic twist and first-person perspective.
