Valor Mortis Launches as a $40 First-Person Napoleonic Soulslike

Key points

• Valor Mortis launched on October 13, 2026, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
• The game is priced at $39.99, a strategic decision by publisher Lyrical Games to compete in a crowded fall release schedule.
• It is available day-one on Xbox Game Pass, part of a 40-title weekly slate that also includes Battlefield 6.
• The game features a 20-hour campaign set in a Napoleonic alternative history, developed by One More Level, the studio behind Ghostrunner.
• OpenCritic aggregates a score of 80, placing the game in the 79th percentile of reviewed titles.

Background

Prior to launch, industry reports highlighted the crowded fall 2026 market, with major titles like GTA 6 and a Zelda remake expected. Lyrical Games positioned Valor Mortis as an 'add-on' purchase at a lower price point to drive word-of-mouth without cannibalizing sales. The game was also included in Microsoft’s October Game Pass lineup, which added 10 new titles in the month.

Why it matters

The launch demonstrates how developers are adapting pricing and distribution strategies in a saturated market. By leveraging Game Pass and a lower price point, One More Level aims to maximize visibility and word-of-mouth for a niche genre title amidst major AAA releases.

What to watch

The game’s performance in the coming weeks will determine its long-term viability in a competitive market. Continued updates or patches may address technical issues noted by some reviewers, particularly on PC.