Get ready to sharpen your sabres. Valor Mortis is opening its doors to players around the world with a global playtest starting October 8.
If you have been looking for a brutal first-person Soulslike with historical flair, this is your moment. The game drops you into a supernatural version of the Napoleonic Wars, where death is just the beginning.
Valor Mortis Playtest Schedule and Access Info
The playtest runs from October 6 to October 13. Early access went live October 6 at 8:00 AM Pacific Time for players who registered through the developer’s Firstlook.gg portal.
If you missed that, the broader Steam-based access begins on October 8 at 8:00 AM Pacific Time. To join, visit the Valor Mortis page on Steam and request access. The test ends globally on October 13, so make sure to opt in before the window closes.
Supported Languages and Build Scope
Fifteen languages are already supported in this early version. These include English, French, German, Polish, Simplified Chinese, Ukrainian, Turkish, and several others. For a pre-alpha, that is a lot of coverage.
Gameplay Overview: First-Person Melee and Rising Power
You play as William, a soldier from Napoleon’s army who comes back from the grave. Combat is up close, all in first person. You fight using sabres, pistols, and other weapons from the era.
Every battle is about timing, spacing, and reacting. Parry too late or swing too soon, and you are done. But there is a twist. Every time you die, you come back a bit stronger. That lets you unlock weird new powers and fight smarter the next time around.
Community Feedback and Dev Involvement
The developers at One More Level, known for Ghostrunner, want feedback now, not later. They are collecting it through Discord, Steam forums, and a survey tied to the playtest. Whether it is a bug, a balance issue, or a gameplay suggestion, they are listening.
Community Contests and How to Enter
Three contests are running during the test window. Winners get a free copy of the game at launch plus extra rewards:
- Speedrun: finish the test level fast.
- Upload a video on YouTube or Twitch Fan Art: make original artwork based on the game’s setting or characters
- Screenshot: snap a standout moment during the test and post it
To enter, use the contest channel in Discord, the Steam hub, or post to Instagram, Bluesky, TikTok, or Reddit with the tag #valormortis.
Development Context and What Comes Next
Valor Mortis was first shown in August 2025 during Gamescom Opening Night Live. Since then, it has appeared at PAX West and other events. The combat system has already changed based on early feedback. This global playtest is the last public hands-on before development closes up for launch in 2026.
Valor Mortis blends first-person combat with Soulslike structure and drops it into a grim alt-history. It is for players who want fights that hurt and mechanics that reward skill. If that sounds like your thing, hit Steam and request access before the test ends on October 13.