MercurySteam, the studio behind Metroid Dread and Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, is inviting players to step into a world of stone, steel, and high fantasy with the public demo for Blades of Fire. Available free from May 15 across Epic Games Store, PlayStation, and Xbox, this early-access slice lets you wield powerful weapons, battle nightmarish forces, and set out on the first hours of a sweeping dark fantasy saga-before the full game releases on May 22.
For players craving new worlds to explore, Blades of Fire arrives with the weighty pedigree of MercurySteam’s previous genre-defining works. The demo isn’t a mere teaser; it features the game’s opening hours, giving you a real chance to forge your legend and master the combat before launch day. Progress and materials you collect carry over seamlessly, a welcome move for those who want every minute to count.
Fans of action-RPGs will find familiar ground in the game’s visceral combat and cinematic storytelling. The premise is classic but compelling: Queen Nerea has cast a curse that turns steel to stone, and only those brave enough to forge new weapons—often from the ruins of the old—stand a chance. Players can expect a mix of weapon crafting, exploration of dangerous landscapes, and dramatic encounters that echo the studio’s flair for memorable boss battles.
Visually, Blades of Fire stands out with richly detailed environments and atmospheric lighting, promising a world that feels alive and foreboding. Early glimpses suggest a blend of grim castles, haunted forests, and ruined strongholds—settings likely to appeal to fans of games like Dark Souls or Control (another 505 Games title). MercurySteam’s previous attention to environmental storytelling is evident, with lore and danger lurking around every corner.
The demo is more than just a marketing move—it’s a chance for MercurySteam to showcase their signature blend of tight, responsive combat and layered narrative. The inclusion of save transfer is a consumer-friendly feature increasingly common among major releases, but rarely with demos this content-rich. For newcomers, there’s a handy “Getting Started Series” on YouTube, though the game’s opening hours are designed to teach through play.
While early hype positions Blades of Fire as a potential genre standout, the real test will be how deeply it distinguishes itself amid a crowded 2024 release calendar. With MercurySteam’s track record and demo-first approach, expectations are high—but so are the stakes for living up to the legend being forged.
TL;DR: Blades of Fire launches its free public demo on May 15 for PlayStation, Xbox, and Epic Games Store. Dive into its dark fantasy world, try out legendary weapon crafting, and carry your progress into the full release on May 22. It’s a promising early look at MercurySteam’s next big adventure—will it live up to the hype?
Source: 505 Games via GamesPress