Crimson Capes is sharpening its blade for launch this month, bringing the signature tension of Souls-like combat into a meticulously crafted 2D world. Developed by indie studio Poor Locke, this sword-and-sorcery action adventure arrives on PC via Steam on February 12, promising deliberate combat, non-linear exploration, and online multiplayer systems rarely seen in side-scrollers.
Blending methodical swordplay with classic fantasy atmosphere, Crimson Capes aims to reimagine what the Souls formula can look like beyond the third dimension.
A Souls-Inspired Adventure Rebuilt for 2D
At its core, Crimson Capes translates the defining pillars of Souls-like design—measured combat, meaningful exploration, and risk-reward decision-making—into a side-scrolling format. Every encounter is built around commitment and consequence, where timing, positioning, and reading enemy intent matter more than raw stats.
Players take on the role of Milon the Tempest, a seasoned witch-hunter and leader of the Crimson Capes, an elite guild tasked with eradicating rogue wizards across the kingdom of Amvros. What begins as a series of contracts slowly unfolds into a deeper conspiracy, challenging players to confront the true cost of power in a world ruled by magic and steel.
Deliberate Swordplay That Rewards Mastery
Combat in Crimson Capes is intentionally slow, tactical, and lethal. Inspired by realistic fencing and blade techniques, battles revolve around animation-commit attacks, feints, thrusts, guards, and precise counterplays. Victory depends on mastering spacing and punish windows rather than button-mashing.
Each of the four playable heroes offers a unique weapon style, moveset, and branching skill tree. Progression focuses on experimentation and build diversity, encouraging players to adapt their approach rather than chase simple numerical upgrades.
Magic is seamlessly integrated into combat through elemental abilities such as wind, thunder, fire, and darkness, expanding tactical options without overpowering the core swordplay.
Non-Linear Exploration Filled With Secrets
True to its Souls-inspired roots, exploration in Crimson Capes rewards curiosity and player choice. The world of Amvros is filled with ruined towers, forgotten caverns, mystical forests, and ancient strongholds, many of which can be tackled in any order.
Hidden artifacts, powerful abilities, and narrative threads lie off the main path, encouraging players to explore every corner of the map. Optional Dynamic Hunts introduce procedurally generated encounters with unique enemies and bosses, adding replayability reminiscent of Bloodborne’s Chalice Dungeons.
Online Co-Op and PvP Invasions Come to 2D
One of Crimson Capes’ standout features is its adaptation of classic Souls multiplayer systems into a 2D space. Players can team up in online co-op, joining forces as fellow Capes to tackle dangerous hunts together.
For those craving chaos, the game also features PvP invasions. Invade another player’s mission as a Deathblade, introducing unpredictable encounters that can completely reshape a hunt. These mechanics add tension and replay value, ensuring no two runs feel the same.
Pixel Art, Rotoscoping, and Mythic Fantasy Vibes
Visually, Crimson Capes blends pixel art animation with hand-drawn environments and rotoscoped motion, creating a gritty yet expressive aesthetic. Drawing inspiration from classic pulp sword-and-sorcery tales like Conan and Elric, the game embraces a raw, mythic tone rooted in discovery and danger.
According to Poor Locke programmer Dimitris Tsatsis, the team set out to preserve the emotional weight of Souls-like combat while rethinking how tension and multiplayer interactions function in a side-scrolling world.
Key Features of Crimson Capes
- Souls-like 2D combat built around tight reads and punish windows
- Deep sword-and-sorcery gameplay with build variety
- Challenging boss fights that demand precision and adaptability
- Non-linear exploration in a secret-filled fantasy world
- Online co-op and PvP invasions
- Optional Dynamic Hunts with procedurally generated enemies and bosses
Release Date, Price, and Availability
Crimson Capes launches on February 12, 2026, at 10:00 AM PT / 6:00 PM GMT for PC via Steam.
- Price: $15
- Launch Discount: 10% off for 9 days
- Included Extras: Instruction manual, game guide PDFs, and a printable world map
- Console Versions: Planned for a later date
