The wait is over — Cursed Blood, the upcoming bloodpunk samurai roguelike from David Marquardt Studios, has officially released its public demo on Steam. Arriving alongside a brand-new feature showcase trailer, the demo gives players their first full taste of the game’s savage melee combat, evolving world systems, and co-op chaos.
Originally revealed on November 19, the demo highlights the fast, violent, and cinematic identity of Cursed Blood, offering a hands-on preview of what players can expect when the game hits Early Access in March 2026.
Creative Director David Marquardt describes the experience simply:
“Fast. Violent. Cinematic. And built for replayability.”
And after diving into the demo, players will quickly realize he’s not exaggerating.
A High-Speed Roguelike Designed for Endless Replay
At its core, Cursed Blood is a true roguelike—one built around shifting world mutations, randomized progression, and escalating difficulty. Each run offers new katanas, Shrine upgrades, loot routes, and surprise challenges, ensuring no two attempts ever feel the same.
Progression is meaningful and persistent, but the adrenaline-fueled unpredictability keeps players coming back for more.
Bloodpunk Combat: Fast, Precise, and Aggressive
Lightning-Fast Katana Gameplay
Players dash, deflect, parry, and carve their way through brutally aggressive enemies. Every strike pushes the action forward with cinematic flair, rewarding mastery and high-risk aggression.
Blood as Power
One of the game’s standout mechanics is the blood-powered system, which fuels mid-run mutations, special abilities, and long-term upgrades. Builds evolve rapidly, allowing players to shape their playstyle dynamically throughout their run.
Co-Op Chaos for Up to Four Players
Whether playing solo or teaming up with up to three others, Cursed Blood adapts seamlessly. Players can chain combos, split enemy aggression, revive allies, and create chaotic, stylish team dynamics—online or locally.
The game’s co-op scaling ensures that whether you’re a lone samurai or a full squad, the intensity stays sky-high.
Weapons of Carnage
Cursed Blood doesn’t limit players to katanas.
You’ll rip guns straight from enemies, unleash devastating throwing knives, and toss electric shuriken for explosive ranged brutality. Every weapon feels lethal and purposeful.
Bosses That Mutate Into Monstrous Threats
Boss battles evolve mid-fight, shifting their attack patterns and aggression as arenas become soaked in blood. Victories reward trophies that can be offered to the Shrine of Vermillion, unlocking new powers and branching progression paths.
A Bloodpunk World of Ritual and Industry
Set in a world where ritualistic bloodcraft collides with industrial machinery, Cursed Blood’s biomes are rich with secrets, high-risk encounters, and long-term progression elements. Each environment feels alive, dangerous, and deeply tied to the game’s blood-soaked identity.
Early Access Coming March 2026
The demo serves as a complete introduction to the game’s core vision—but the full Early Access release next March promises even more. Players can expect new weapons, biomes, bosses, world mutations, co-op features, and progression systems.
For now, the demo gives players a visceral, stylish, and replayable look at what’s to come.
