Since its debut at the 2023 PlayStation Showcase, Phantom Blade Zero has been the game everyone whispers about. Is the combat real? Can it possibly look that good running on a PS5? At The Game Awards 2025, developer S-GAME finally put the speculation to rest. With a blistering new trailer, they confirmed that their “kungfupunk” masterpiece will be launching on September 9, 2026.
While a 2026 release date might sting for those hoping to play it right now, the new footage makes it clear that this extra time is being put to good use. The game looks faster, darker, and more polished than ever before. Here is everything we learned from the latest reveal.
Not a Soulslike, But Something Faster
One of the biggest misconceptions about Phantom Blade Zero is that it is just another Sekiro clone. The developers have been fighting this comparison for months, and the new trailer drives the point home: this is an action game, pure and simple. The combat is lightning-fast, relying on aggressive combos and animation canceling rather than the patient, defensive playstyle of a Soulslike.
The new footage showcased the protagonist, Soul, switching between multiple weapons on the fly—from dual blades to a massive cannon—while fighting enemies that range from traditional swordsmen to bizarre, steampunk-infused monstrosities. The “Kungfupunk” aesthetic is fully realized here, blending traditional Chinese martial arts with gritty, mechanical horror.
A Story of 66 Days
For the first time, we got a clearer look at the stakes. You play as Soul, an elite assassin who has been betrayed by “The Order.” He has been gravely injured and saved by a mystic healer, but there is a catch: the cure only lasts for 66 days. This countdown isn’t just a narrative device; it sets the tone for the entire game. You are living on borrowed time, hunting down the mastermind behind your betrayal before your clock runs out.
The trailer also introduced a mysterious masked antagonist who seems to be kidnapping children (classic villain move), hinting at a darker supernatural plot involving “monsters disguised as humans.”
Platforms and Launch Details
Phantom Blade Zero will be launching simultaneously on PlayStation 5 and PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store). There is still no word on an Xbox version, which aligns with the game’s marketing history as a PlayStation console exclusive. The developers have promised that the game is being optimized to run at a smooth 60fps on PS5, a necessity for a game with combat this fast.
Conclusion
September 9, 2026, is the date to circle. Phantom Blade Zero is shaping up to be one of the most stylish action games of the generation, filling the void left by Ninja Gaiden and Devil May Cry. If the final game feels half as good as it looks, S-GAME is about to put themselves on the map in a big way.
FAQs
Is Phantom Blade Zero a Soulslike?
No. While it has some difficult bosses and a dark atmosphere, the developers describe it as a “traditional action game” with a focus on fast combos and aggression, closer to Devil May Cry or Ninja Gaiden.
What is the release date?
September 9, 2026.
Will it be on Xbox?
Currently, it is only announced for PS5 and PC. No Xbox version has been confirmed.
Is it an open world game?
Not exactly. It features semi-open interconnected levels (similar to Dark Souls 1 or God of War) rather than a vast open world.
Who is the main character?
You play as Soul, an assassin who has 66 days left to live after being saved from death.