Swords of Legends is making a triumphant return in 2025, marking a significant milestone for one of China’s most beloved RPG franchises. After years of anticipation, developer Aurogon Shanghai has officially revealed what was previously known as Gu Jian 4, bringing the classic series to modern platforms with stunning visuals and an entirely new storyline.
What is Swords of Legends?
The Swords of Legends franchise, known as Gu Jian in Chinese, has been captivating players for nearly two decades. The series began around 18 years ago and has become one of China’s most respected RPG properties, standing alongside other legendary titles like Chinese Paladin: Sword and Fairy and Xuan Yuan Sword.
This upcoming release represents a major evolution from Gu Jian 3, which launched approximately eight years ago. The new game is being built on Unreal Engine 5, promising cutting-edge graphics and performance that will showcase the beauty of Chinese mythology like never before.
A Premium Single-Player Experience
Unlike many modern releases, Swords of Legends is confirmed as a premium single-player title with no free-to-play elements or mobile versions planned. The game will launch on PC and consoles, focusing entirely on delivering a rich, narrative-driven experience without the distractions of live-service mechanics.
The gameplay structure follows a “wide linear” approach rather than being a traditional open-world or Soulslike game. This design philosophy allows players to explore at their own pace while maintaining a well-paced main story with cinematic storytelling elements.
Key Features of Swords of Legends 2025
- Premium single-player action RPG experience
- Built on Unreal Engine 5 for stunning visuals
- Set in a mystical world inspired by Chinese literature and folklore
- Play as an “Underworld Enforcer” traversing realms of life and death
- Companion characters including Ox-Head and Horse-Face guardians
- Self-contained story accessible to newcomers
- Deep exploration and side quest content
The Underworld Enforcer Storyline
In this new installment, players take on the unique role of an Underworld Enforcer, a figure who travels between the realms of the living and the dead. This narrative concept allows the game to explore themes of mortality, regret, and redemption as players guide departed souls through their final journey.
The story balances mythological elements with personal storytelling, as each soul carries lingering regrets that must be resolved before moving on. Familiar figures from Chinese mythology, such as the Ox-Head and Horse-Face guardians, will serve as companions throughout this supernatural adventure.
Expanding the Gu Jian Universe
While Swords of Legends serves as the official sequel to the Gu Jian single-player series, it expands the universe with fresh characters and a completely new storyline. The developers have designed the game to be accessible to newcomers, meaning players won’t need prior knowledge of earlier games to enjoy this adventure.
This approach allows the franchise to welcome new fans while respecting the legacy that has made the series successful. The game incorporates classic elements of xianxia and wuxia genres, including flying swords, talisman-based spellcasting, and rich mythological content that defines Chinese fantasy.
Platform Availability
| Platform | Status | Release Window |
|---|---|---|
| PC (Steam) | Confirmed | TBA 2025 |
| PlayStation 5 | Confirmed | TBA 2025 |
| Xbox Series X|S | Confirmed | TBA 2025 |
| Mobile | Not planned | N/A |
Visual Excellence and Technical Innovation
The reveal trailer showcases impressive water effects, detailed character models, and atmospheric environments that demonstrate the power of Unreal Engine 5. The visual design maintains the series’ signature aesthetic while pushing technical boundaries to create truly cinematic moments.
Character designs feature the flowing hair and elaborate costumes that fans expect from the franchise, while environmental details bring Chinese mythology to life with unprecedented fidelity. The game’s art direction successfully balances traditional elements with modern rendering techniques.
Community Reception and Expectations
The gaming community has responded positively to the reveal, with many longtime fans expressing excitement about the return of the franchise. Reddit discussions highlight appreciation for the series’ commitment to single-player experiences and authentic Chinese cultural representation.
Some players have expressed hope that previous entries in the series will receive console ports and improved localizations, indicating strong interest in the broader Gu Jian catalog. The success of recent Chinese games like Black Myth: Wukong has also created a more receptive environment for titles exploring Chinese mythology.
FAQs
Is Swords of Legends a Soulslike game?
No, Swords of Legends is not a Soulslike game. It’s an action RPG with a “wide linear” structure that focuses on story-driven gameplay rather than the challenging, death-focused mechanics typical of Souls games.
Do I need to play previous Gu Jian games to understand this one?
No, Swords of Legends features a self-contained story that newcomers can enjoy without prior knowledge of earlier games in the series.
When will Swords of Legends be released?
While confirmed for 2025, no specific release date has been announced yet. The game will launch on PC and consoles simultaneously.
Will there be English localization?
Yes, the game will feature proper English localization, addressing one of the common complaints about Gu Jian 3’s translation quality.
Is this a free-to-play game?
No, Swords of Legends is a premium single-player title with no free-to-play elements, mobile versions, or live-service mechanics.
What platforms will support Swords of Legends?
The game is confirmed for PC (Steam) and consoles (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S). No mobile version is planned.
What engine is the game built on?
Swords of Legends is being developed using Unreal Engine 5, which enables the game’s impressive visual fidelity and technical performance.
Conclusion
Swords of Legends represents an exciting evolution for the Gu Jian franchise, combining nearly two decades of storytelling tradition with cutting-edge technology. The game’s focus on premium single-player content, authentic Chinese mythology, and accessible storytelling positions it as a significant release for 2025. With its unique Underworld Enforcer concept and stunning Unreal Engine 5 visuals, this revival promises to introduce the beloved series to a new generation while satisfying longtime fans who have waited years for this moment.