Prepare to unsheathe your blade and master the art of the hunt. Developer Studio Poor Locke has officially announced that Crimson Capes, a gritty sword-and-sorcery action adventure, will launch on PC via Steam on February 12, 2026. Blending the high-stakes tension of the "Souls" formula with a striking 2D side-scrolling world, the game promises a deep, disciplined combat experience rooted in classic pulp fantasy.
Players inhabit the role of Milon the Tempest, leader of the Crimson Capes—an elite guild of witch-hunters tasked with dismantling a growing conspiracy of wizards across the kingdom of Amvros. The narrative, inspired by the mythic tales of Conan and Elric, explores the dark cost of power as players take on contracts that lead them into the heart of ancient strongholds and mystical forests.
Combat is the beating heart of Crimson Capes. Moving away from button-mashing, the game features animation-commit swordplay inspired by realistic fighting techniques. Success is defined by mastery of feints, thrusts, and guards. With four playable heroes, each boasting a distinct weapon style and skill tree, players are encouraged to find a discipline that suits their tactical approach. Magic is not a separate menu but is woven directly into the steel, allowing for elemental abilities like thunder and fire to be unleashed mid-strike.
True to its Souls-like inspiration, the game features online co-op and invasions. You can join forces with a fellow "Cape" to take down massive bosses or experience the thrill of unpredictability as a "Deathblade" invades another player's hunt for a PvP showdown. For those seeking endless challenges, the game also offers Dynamic Hunts—randomly generated missions reminiscent of Bloodborne’s Chalice Dungeons.
“We wanted to bring the tension and satisfaction of the Souls experience into 2D,” says programmer Dimitris Tsatsis. With its rotoscoped animation and hand-drawn pixel art, Crimson Capes is set to be a visual and mechanical standout for the genre.
