505 Games fans the flames of excitement with the release of their latest Getting Started tutorial trailer for Blades of Fire, offering a blistering first look at the game’s intricate, skill-based combat system. Developed by MercurySteam and set to launch on May 22, 2025, this action-adventure promises to deliver a visceral steel-and-stone struggle across PC through Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

In a mythic realm where the tyrannical Queen Nerea has petrified her enemies’ weapons into useless stone, players take up the hammer of Aran de Lira—the last warrior capable of forging functional steel arms. Joined by Adso de Zelk, a scholar chronicling their crusade, Aran must battle toward the Royal Palace in a desperate bid to end Nerea’s reign. The trailer reveals this journey will demand more than brute force. It’s a test of tactical mastery, where every weapon choice and terrain advantage could mean the difference between victory and a grisly demise.

Combat Forged in Reality

The trailer showcases Blades of Fire‘s nuanced approach to melee warfare, dividing weapons into three deadly archetypes:

• Slashing blades for wide, crowd-clearing arcs
• Piercing weapons to exploit armor gaps
• Blunt instruments that crush bones and shields alike

Some arms dynamically shift between styles mid-combo, while realistic swordplay animations—modeled after historical techniques—immerse players in every parry and thrust. The footage emphasizes how environmental awareness elevates battles. Flanking foes near cliffs forces a lethal plunge. Meanwhile, baiting enemies into flammable terrain creates an explosive finisher. Picking the right weapon and style can also turn an oppressive beat-down from an opponent into a slap-down from you. Its all about tactics over button mashing.

Adso’s evolving chronicle also becomes a gameplay pillar. Each enemy encounter fills his journal with tactical insights, revealing weaknesses. For example, skeletal warriors shatter under blunt force. Adso will even begin including lore tidbits and theories about Nerea’s cursed empire. The trailer also revealed that persistent warriors are rewarded with Forging Scrolls. Unlock Blueprints for deadlier arms by mastering specific weapons against their ideal foes, expanding your arsenal.

A Symphony of Steel

MercurySteam’s expertise in kinetic action (honed in Metroid Dread) shines through in the trailer’s fluid animations. With its fusion of methodical combat and reactive storytelling, Blades of Fire is shaping up to be more than a simple hack-and-slash. This trailer promises to deliver one of the most satisfying and strategic melee combat systems in recent memory.

Prepare to ignite your arsenal on May 22, 2025. Blades of Fire is available for pre-order at a 10% discount. It will retail for $59.99 USD ($53.99 with discount).