Scarlet Nexus Hits Record Low Price—Why This Underrated Action RPG Deserves a Second Look

Why Scarlet Nexus’s Discount Caught My Attention

It’s not every day an overlooked gem gets the spotlight, but seeing Scarlet Nexus drop to $8.09 on Fanatical made me do a double take. For folks who’ve skipped it or (understandably) missed all the marketing noise when it launched, now’s your perfect moment. This is a game I’ve kept coming back to-not because it reinvented the action RPG, but because it nails a stylish, brain-bending formula most big studios don’t even attempt anymore. There’s nothing else out there right now that lets you tear apart mutants with a floating parade of vending machines quite like this.

• Biggest discount ever-almost 90% off-lowers the barrier for new players
• Post-launch updates have ironed out early issues
• Distinct dual protagonist setup adds replay value
• Combat blends classic hack-and-slash with fresh telekinesis mechanics

Breaking Down What Makes Scarlet Nexus Stand Out

Beneath the anime sheen and sci-fi trappings, Scarlet Nexus is pure action RPG comfort food, but with enough spice to keep you playing past the initial wow factor. The setup isn’t your generic “save the world” JRPG plot. You play as either Yuito Sumeragi or Kasane Randall—two new recruits to a futuristic psychic task force. Their backgrounds couldn’t be more different, and the story intentionally leans into this, giving each campaign a unique flavor. Anyone who loves branching narratives and “New Game Plus” runs will be happy here, since each protagonist reveals new story threads and gameplay twists.

But let’s be honest: it’s the combat that kept me hooked. If you’ve ever bounced between tales of Devil May Cry and Tales of Arise, you’ll appreciate how Scarlet Nexus fuses tight melee action with psychic powers. Nothing beats juggling a mutant, then slamming them into the pavement with a city bus—all in one combo. The sense of power is huge, but fights don’t turn into mindless button-mashing; you’ll need to think fast, swap psychic abilities on the fly, and time dodges just right, especially during boss encounters. And unlike some early complaints at launch, the balance feels far better now thanks to Bandai Namco’s updates.

Why Didn’t Scarlet Nexus Get Its Due?

This is the puzzle I keep coming back to. Scarlet Nexus had plenty going for it: Bandai Namco’s pedigree, a stylish reveal, and a clever world somewhere between Mob Psycho 100 and Ghost in the Shell. Still, it slipped through the cracks. Part of it, I think, was timing—launched in a crowded window, with players still wound up from other big series or wary of another “anime RPG hype cycle.” Also, the anime aesthetic (along with the somewhat fragmented marketing) put off a lot of mainstream players who might have loved the depth if they’d actually tried it. Even the name didn’t stick in people’s heads the way it should have. Since release, the game’s quietly cultivated a following—every Steam sale, you’ll see a fresh wave of “Hey, this is actually really good!” posts, and for good reason.

Why This Sale Is the Perfect Time to Jump In

If you missed Scarlet Nexus, now’s easily the best moment to take the plunge. Less than nine bucks is a joke for the amount of content here, especially for an action RPG that still looks and plays great. The post-launch patch support has made everything from the difficulty curve to technical polish way smoother. You can knock out your first campaign in around 20-25 hours, but the desire to go back and see the “other side” with the second character is real—especially if you get as into the story’s mind-bending twists as I did.

I’m still holding out hope Bandai Namco greenlights a sequel or a spin-off, because this universe is too bold to die here. But even if one never comes, this is the kind of game that will quietly garner cult status as more players discover its charm. If you’re bored by cookie-cutter open worlds or another loot-chasing RPG, Scarlet Nexus is the jolt your backlog needs.

TL;DR—Don’t Sleep on Scarlet Nexus

Scarlet Nexus, overlooked at launch, is now a steal at $8.09 and more polished than ever. If you love action, anime-infused visuals, or just need a different flavor of sci-fi adventure, don’t let this one pass by—especially at this price.