Blades of Fire from ‘Metroid Dread’ Devs Launches This Spring
From the developers of Metroid Dread, MercurySteam brings us a new fantasy RPG Blades of Fire, which is set to launch on May 22, 2025 for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and also PC via the Epic Games Store. It’s set in a kingdom under the rule of Queen Nerea, who has cursed all steel to turn into stone, leaving her enemies defenseless. The only exception is the protagonist, Aran de Lira, the last hero capable of wielding true steel. Alongside a young scholar Adso, his knowledge of lost myths and the sacred languages, combined with the heroism of Aran, are the last hope in defeating the Queen.
A World Without Steel
Learn how to craft near limitless weapon variations with the game’s unique weapons forging system. Develop your forging skills and craft weapons that suit your fighting style. Each weapon variation features different characteristics such as weight class, length, durability, penetration and edge quality. Blades of Steel features a unique and tactical combat system where one can attack specific parts of the enemy body where you can slash, stab, or bludgeon an enemy. BUT, beware, only the right weapon will allow you to overcome the 50 different enemy types and the armor they wear. Your selection is crucial when facing your enemy. With Adso the Scholar at your side, the duo will embark on an uncertain mission, where the path forward is shrouded in mystery. Here is exactly what to expect:
KEY FEATURES
THE DIVINE METAL: You are Aran de Lira, firstborn of the King’s Ward. The newly crowned Queen Nerea has cast a spell that turns steel into stone. Only her army of abominations wield the divine metal against which other blades shatter.
THE FORGE: Find Forge Scrolls, develop your forging skills and craft your weapon to suit your fighting style. The chosen weapon family and the materials you create it from will affect characteristics such as weight, length, durability, penetration and edge quality.
CHOOSE YOUR WEAPON: Choose between seven different weapon families and over 30 unique Forge Scrolls, which allow almost infinite weapon combinations. Your choice of weapon will be crucial when facing your enemy!
TACTICAL COMBAT: A unique and challenging combat system which allows you to attack specific body parts of the enemy. Slash, stab or bludgeon enemies depending on the situation and what the enemy is equipped with. Only the right weapon will allow you to overcome the enemy’s armour.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE: Adso is Aran’s companion, a curious scholar drawn into the hero’s journey by fate. Though no warrior, his keen mind and ancient knowledge will prove invaluable. He observes, learns, and chronicles their path, offering insights that may turn the tide of battle. Most importantly, he speaks the lost tongue of the divine forgers—a key to unlocking the mysteries ahead.
BE ON GUARD: Over 50 enemy types, including the Queen’s guards, creatures, undead and more. Each enemy has its own unique attack style, weapon, and armour setup.
A WORLD FULL OF MYSTERY: Aran and Adso embark on an uncertain mission. The objective is clear, but the path is full of dangers, mysteries and epic settings such as huge castles, maze-like palaces and more. You will know only what our heroes know, your intuition and courage must fill in the rest.
My Thoughts
MercurySteam is not only the same development studio behind Metroid Dread, but also Castlevania: Lords of Shadow. While I don’t have a lot of experience with “Metroid-Gear-Gated-Vanias”, Metroid Dread has been on my radar for a while, and MercurySteam’s track record in the genre makes Blades of Fire worth considering. The weapon-forging system sounds like a fresh take on combat customization, and the mix of tactical melee combat is intriguing. Even though this isn’t my go-to genre, I’m definitely giving Blades of Fire some serious consideration. Check out the trailer below.
