Phantom Blade Zero launches October 29 on PS5 with 30 weapons, Donnie Yen, and three difficulty modes

During the State of Play broadcast on August 17, PlayStation showcased an extended gameplay trailer for Phantom Blade Zero, a fast-paced action game developed by Chinese studio S-GAME. Set in a dark fantasy world inspired by martial arts, the game is scheduled for release on PS5 on October 29.

The game takes place in the Wulin world, where players explore various locations, assist local residents, and complete side quests that can unlock additional narrative paths. As the protagonist Soul progresses through the story, he uncovers the secrets of the world and the events that set the plot of Phantom Blade Zero in motion.

Soul's arsenal includes over 30 primary weapon types and 25 secondary weapons called Phantom Edges. Weapons can be upgraded, combined with accessories, and customized to match the player's preferred playstyle. The combat system allows for different tactical approaches: fighting at range, summoning allies, and experimenting with various equipment combinations. Defeating certain enemies unlocks new weapons, and upgraded weapons can be reforged — players get back the materials spent and can invest them into another piece of equipment.

To accommodate players of different skill levels, the game offers three difficulty modes. Wayfarer is designed for those who want to focus on the story. Hellwalker features adaptive artificial intelligence — enemies adjust to the player's actions and deal more damage with their attacks. The third mode, according to the developers, sits between these two in terms of challenge.

The trailer also confirmed the involvement of actor Donnie Yen, who portrays a character named Zhang Wei, an experienced warrior with a unique fighting style. He is likely to serve as an ally or mentor to the protagonist.

Phantom Blade Zero will launch exclusively on PS5, though the developers have previously mentioned plans for a PC version.