Developer Mercury Steam is perhaps best known for 2010’s Castlevania: Lords of Shadow and, more recently, Metroid Dread. The studio’s newest game, Blades of Fire, is a tough action-adventure RPG with Soulslike elements and a surprisingly in-depth weapon-forging mini-game. If you’re into challenging games that require strategy and precision, this one might be right up your alley.
Starting out in Blades of Fire can be a bit overwhelming. Tutorials are scarce, and you’re thrown right into the thick of the action. Enemies can easily overpower you if you’re not careful, so it’s essential to take a methodical approach when dealing with them. Striking at the right moment is crucial, as is being mindful of how you create your weapons to ensure maximum damage output. Here are a few tips to help you get started on the right foot.
Always make sure to carry a variety of weapons in your arsenal. Different enemies have specific weaknesses, so having a selection of weapons like a lance, hammer, or greatsword can be a lifesaver. You can easily identify an enemy’s weaknesses by locking on to them and switching between your weapons until you see a green outline. A yellow outline indicates no specific weaknesses, while a red outline means the enemy will resist damage from that weapon. Pay close attention to these outlines to make sure you’re using the right weapon for the job.
When playing Blades of Fire, don’t be afraid to experiment with the game’s settings. Initially, the game won’t show you where your next objective is located, so make sure to enable the “Show next objective” option in the settings menu. Additionally, take advantage of features like “Enemy Outline” and “Outline Intensity” to customize how enemy outlines appear on screen. Adjusting these settings can help you better identify enemy weaknesses and plan your attacks accordingly for a more effective gameplay experience.
In true Soulslike fashion, enemies in Blades of Fire will respawn every time you rest at a save point. To continue forging and crafting your weapons, you’ll need a steady supply of materials that can be obtained by defeating enemies and breaking objects like boxes and barrels. While not every breakable object will yield an item, the cumulative effect of smashing everything in sight can be rewarding in the long run. Plus, there’s no downside to breaking objects since it won’t degrade your weapon like hitting enemies would.
Don’t shy away from the game’s difficulty options in Blades of Fire. While the game is inherently challenging, you can adjust the difficulty level to suit your preferences. With three levels to choose from—Bronze, Iron, and Steel—you can tailor the gameplay experience to your liking. Even on the lowest Bronze difficulty, you’ll still encounter formidable challenges that require careful stamina management and strategic combat tactics. The difficulty level also impacts your recovery time and weapon repair costs, so choose wisely based on your skill level and desired level of challenge.
Blades of Fire is set to launch on May 22 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via the Epic Games Store. If you’re a fan of action-adventure RPGs with a tough-as-nails gameplay experience, this game is definitely worth checking out. Get ready to forge your weapons, face relentless enemies, and embark on an epic journey filled with danger and excitement.
