You don’t need sharp insight to see that this is a soulslike action RPG, yet there’s something about the Korean dark fantasy world and its atmosphere that makes The Relic stand out. The Relic: First Guardian is set to launch in early 2026.

The lineup of soulslike action RPGs continues to grow, and one new title is quickly gaining attention: The Relic: First Guardian. Developed by Project Cloud Games and published by Perp Games, the game was announced in March 2025 and showcased gameplay for the first time at the Tokyo Game Show PC Gaming Show. It clearly sets its tone: dark fantasy worldbuilding, soulslike combat mechanics, and a deeper dive into Korean mythology.

Players will step into the role of the last guardian, tasked with saving Arsiltus, a once-thriving civilization that fell into darkness after the destruction of the Great Relic. The world is now consumed by the void and overrun with death, and the main mission is to recover the lost relic fragments and seal the void before it’s too late.

The gameplay demo highlighted three main weapons: the Dagger, ideal for fast and deadly combat; the Battle Staff, which grants powerful magical abilities; and the Longsword, which allows instant repositioning after a successful parry. Each weapon offers a different combat style and tactical approach to defeat a variety of enemies.

Boss design is another major highlight, with each inspired by Korean mythology and carrying its own backstory. The extended trailer shows a mission set in a burning village where players face Branka, the “Bloody Shield” — just one of 70 bosses in the game. The world is steeped in lore and culture, offering both narrative depth and gameplay challenges.

Although the game was initially rumored for a 2025 release, the developers have confirmed that The Relic: First Guardian will arrive in early 2026. No specific date has been announced yet, but it’s clear this soulslike aims to stand among the genre’s elite, with demanding gameplay and a distinctive narrative rooted in Korean mythology.

Source: 3djuegos