One More Level Games’ Valor Mortis Sets October Launch with Subscription Perks

One More Level Games, the studio known for the high-octane Ghostrunner, is set to return with its latest project, Valor Mortis, on October 13. Arriving on PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5, the game aims to carve out a spot in a crowded fall release calendar with an aggressive pricing strategy and significant day-one access via subscription services.

A New Soulslike Experience

Valor Mortis is a first-person soulslike set against a dark historical backdrop. Players step into the boots of William, a fallen soldier from Napoleon’s army. Upon being revived, William finds his former comrades transformed into monsters by a mysterious plague, though he has gained unique abilities in the process. The core gameplay loop involves hunting down these infected enemies while gathering resources called Catalysts and Ambers. These items are used to customize William’s stats and unlock specific skills, allowing players to tailor the combat experience to their preferred playstyle.

Subscription Access and Trials

Accessibility is a major part of the launch strategy for Valor Mortis. The game will arrive on Xbox Game Pass on its launch day, October 13, providing subscribers with full, immediate access to the title. PlayStation Plus members aren’t being left behind; they will be granted a 90-minute free trial of the game. Developer One More Level Games noted that the full experience is expected to take around 20 hours to complete, meaning the trial offers a significant window to gauge interest. Importantly, any progress made during this trial period will carry over if players decide to purchase the full game.

Pricing and Availability

In an effort to remain competitive against larger, full-priced releases, publisher Lyrical Games has set the standard retail price for Valor Mortis at $39.99 across all platforms. The publisher explicitly stated that they want the game to stand on its own merits without the pressure of a premium price point.

Notably, the team has opted against digital pre-orders. This decision ensures that no exclusive content is locked behind paywalls, granting every player equal access at launch. While digital pre-orders are absent, physical editions will be available for purchase, providing a tangible copy of the game. For Xbox users, the physical version offers the added benefit of the Play Anywhere program, which provides a digital license that allows for gameplay across both console and PC.

Why it matters

For players, the launch of Valor Mortis is a notable test case for a mid-tier priced game trying to survive the competitive ‘fall rush.’ By hitting Game Pass on day one and offering a generous 90-minute trial for PlayStation Plus users, the developers are removing the barrier to entry, allowing the game’s mechanics to be the primary hook for potential fans.

If you are on the fence about the soulslike genre or this specific title, the trial window is a great way to test the feel of the game’s first-person combat without any financial risk. Keep an eye on your respective console storefronts on October 13 to download the trial or access the full game through your subscription service.