Last Updated on Jul 23, 2026 @ 13:22:56 PM.
It’s not long now until the release of Project Cloud Games’ upcoming Soulslike, The Relic: First Guardian, and now we have another, deeper look at the combat in store for us. Taking place in a ruined and destroyed place where big monsters and down-trodden civilians await you to kill, or help, them, The Relic: First Guardian doesn’t pull it’s punches with some incredibly hard-hitting bosses, and even average Joe enemies, as mentioned in our preview.
Per Project Cloud Games:
Freedom in attack and intensity in survival.
This is the combat experience that The Relic: First Guardian is bringing to PlayStation 5 and PC players when it launches next week, July 31st.
Whether you prefer the heavy, high-damage swing of a blade, or the dicing, slicing swiftness of the dual daggers, every player can unearth a unique artefact found only once in the blighted world of Arsilthus. Take a deep dive into the newest gameplay trailer here and see how The Relic: First Guardian is purposefully and unapologetically challenging the established status quo.
Providing a fresh new take on combat, with a heavy emphasis on balancing action and vulnerability, its design encourages aggressive attacks using skill-based encounters such as dodge, parry, and weapon mastery.
Project Cloud Games’ ambition is to create an action-oriented, dark fantasy RPG with in-game support systems and gameplay focused on fast-paced combat with 80 punishing boss fights. To facilitate the action, stamina is never depleted when attacking, leaving it reserved for defence and dodging.
Skills operate on cooldowns, without the need to worry about consumption of resources. This direction allows each player to adapt to their own playstyle and rhythm, seamlessly blending combat flow. Rather than traditional levelling systems and gaining experience points, progression comes from equipment, crafting, Relic powers, and build customisations.
No two journeys through Arsilthus are the same, so get ready to raise those swords and make your mark in The Relic: First Guardian.
The Relic: First Guardian releases on July 31st for PS5 and PC.
What do you think? Are you planning on jumping into the world of The Relic: First Guardian? Are you ready to get frustrated at the latest Soulslike experience? Let us know in the comments below!
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Luke Addison is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Thumb Wars. Having previously been a part of multiple outlets over the years, including building an entire gaming team from nothing to something, he thought it best to forge his own path and answer only to himself. As likely to be found playing the latest game as he is in the kitchen relaxing (by cooking), he always brings the same bold and brash attitude to everything he does, with a heavy leaning on sarcasm and dry wit!
