Almost overlooked, but surprisingly good: New action-adventure lets players forge their own swords

Blades of Fire feels like one of those games that can easily slip under the radar, with no flashy presentation or major marketing campaign behind it. Players should also not be put off by the rather average 82% positive rating on Steam. The game comes from MercurySteam, the studio behind Metroid Dread, and according to Eurogamer’s review, Blades of Fire is genuinely impressive. Deputy editor-in-chief Alexander Bohn-Elias compares it to old PlayStation-era games that “came out of nowhere and ended up being much better than anyone dared expect.”

Released on May 14, 2026, the action-adventure takes place in a dark fantasy world ruled by an evil queen who has turned almost all metal in the realm into stone. Players step into the role of Aran, who possesses one of seven divine hammers capable of turning stone back into steel. The core loop is easy to grasp: fight through majestic castles, ruined villages and foul-smelling swamps, gather resources and forge increasingly powerful weapons – all with the ultimate goal of slaying the queen. According to Eurogamer, the game’s biggest strength is the combination of satisfying combat and innovative forging mechanics.

Combat takes place in real time and is said to feel highly satisfying. The system clearly draws on Soulslike elements, requiring tactics and precise timing, but Eurogamer notes that it is nowhere near as punishing as Elden Ring. Weapon durability also plays a key role, linking combat and forging closely together. Instead of sticking with one favorite weapon, players are constantly encouraged to experiment with different weapon types. Alongside swords, there are axes, war hammers and spears. Different types of steel affect stats such as damage, armor penetration, durability, weight and parry windows. As a result, even weapons from the same category can feel completely different – from fast and lightweight to slow but devastatingly powerful.

The Steam reviews fall short of being overwhelmingly positive mainly because of quality-of-life issues. Players frequently report problems with the map and navigation, and there is no easy way to compare forged weapons at a glance. Other points of criticism include the limited enemy variety and repetitive NPC voice lines. Those who can overlook these flaws and enjoy dark fantasy games should still find plenty to like in Blades of Fire. The title normally costs around $40 on Steam, but is available until May 21 with a 25% discount for roughly $30. A demo version is also available. Steam Deck compatibility is listed as “Playable”.