Dark fantasy action fans have a major new release to circle on their gaming calendars. Developer Project Cloud Games and publisher Perp Games have officially confirmed that their highly anticipated Souls-like RPG, The Relic: First Guardian, will launch on July 31, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam. Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch 2 owners will also be able to join the fray later in the summer.
Accompanied by a hard-hitting gameplay trailer showcasing fluid combat and colossal monster encounters, The Relic: First Guardian promises to deliver a fresh twist on the punishing Souls-like genre by blending traditional Korean folklore with fast-paced, offensive-focused combat mechanics.
Drawing heavy inspiration from ancient Korean mythology and traditional legends, The Relic: First Guardian takes place on the fictitious continent of Arsiltus. Once a prosperous and peaceful land, Arsiltus was shattered when its sacred central artifact—the Great Relic, was destroyed. The resulting cataclysm tore open a dark void, drowning the realm in corruption and transforming it into a desolate land of death.
Players step into the boots of the titular First Guardian, the last remaining hope for the fallen continent. To seal the void and restore life to Arsiltus, the Guardian must venture across a semi-open world, solve ancient environmental riddles, and recover the scattered fragments of the Great Relic.
While The Relic: First Guardian embraces the high-stakes tension and dark atmosphere typical of Souls-like games, Project Cloud Games has fundamentally redesigned key gameplay mechanics to encourage aggressive, skill-based encounters:
Attack Without Limits: Unlike traditional Souls-like titles where every light attack consumes stamina, attacking in The Relic does not deplete your stamina bar. Stamina is strictly reserved for defensive maneuvers, dodges, and parries.
Cooldown-Based Skills: Special abilities and magic operate on cooldown timers rather than consumable mana or stamina pools, encouraging players to weave abilities seamlessly into combos.
No Traditional Leveling: Characters do not earn experience points or traditional character levels. Instead, progression is driven entirely by gear crafting, rune sockets, Relic enhancements, and weapon synergies.
Five Unique Weapon Disciplines: Players can choose between five distinct weapon archetypes, each featuring custom move sets and adaptable skill trees tailored to individual playstyles.
One of the game’s most ambitious highlights is its extensive roster of bosses. The Relic: First Guardian features roughly 80 formidable boss encounters, collectively known as “Brutals.”
Far from simple mindless monsters, every Brutal possesses a poignant, tragic backstory detailing how sorrow and tragedy led to their downfall and transformation into monstrous guardians of the void. Defeating a Brutal rewards players with their tragic lore, alongside rare crafting materials, weapon upgrades, and character enhancements needed to overcome subsequent threats.
With its sleek combat design, deep lore, and focus on aggressive combat flow, The Relic: First Guardian is shaping up to be a standout action RPG for summer 2026.