5 key takeaways from the Phantom Blade Zero gameplay demo

The Phantom Blade Zero gameplay demo offers an in-depth 22-minute look at Soul’s journey through a dark martial arts world, blending cinematic combat with layered exploration. Shown on the highest difficulty, Hellwalker, the demo teases not just the game’s mechanics, but also the darker story threads surrounding the Seven Stars and the unsettling ritual of Perfect Transcension.

Here are the five key takeaways from the Phantom Blade Zero gameplay demo.

Note: This article reflects the author's views and opinions.

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Takeaways from the Phantom Blade Zero gameplay demo

1) Combat feels fast but calculated, not button-mashy

The Protagonist 'Soul' in Phantom Blade Zero gameplay demo (Image via S-Game)

The opening skirmish sets the tone with Soul taking down two enemies — one mounted, one on foot. While Phantom Blade Zero looks like a traditional hack-and-slash on the surface, the demo makes clear it’s more deliberate than that. You can block, parry, and swap weapons mid-combo, but timing is everything.

The flow rewards precision chaining light and heavy strikes into Phantom Edge abilities, rather than spamming attacks. The pace resembles martial arts choreography more than chaotic action, thanks to Kenji Tanigaki, the action director from Samurai X films.

Also read: Phantom Blade Zero gameplay demo breakdown

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2) A deep loadout system with 8 weapon slots

Night Owl is a Bow in the game (Image via S-Game)

One of the biggest surprises is the loadout system, allowing eight equipment slots for primary weapons, Phantom Edges, potions, and accessories. The demo showcases a vast arsenal, ranging from agile dual blades like White Serpent & Crimson Viper to the heavy Bashpole sledgehammer that is capable of breaking weakened floors.

The weapons aren't just stat-based; they bring unique combos, encouraging experimentation for different enemy types and bosses.

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3) Stealth and vertical movement change the pace

Wooden bell stand in Phantom Blade Zero gameplay demo (Image via S-Game)

Between battles, Phantom Blade Zero adds stealth segments that reward patience. Crouching reduces detection, letting you silently eliminate enemies when positioned behind them. Vertical mobility is equally important — wall-running, cliffside skywalks, and ladder climbs allow creative approaches to arenas.

Exploration pays off too; collectibles like Sha-Chi Amber Chips permanently expand your energy gauge, while Wooden Bell stands reveal hidden map sections like the Righteous Camp.

Also check out: 5 games to play in 2025 while you wait for Phantom Blade Zero

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4) Boss design escalates quickly, with multi-phase battles

The second phase of the battle at Justice Camp with Chief Disciple's Fallen Hope (Image via S-Game)

The Phantom Blade Zero gameplay demo features three bosses: Wan Jun “Coppermaul”, the agile Red Wraith, and the Chief Disciple of the Seven Stars. Each encounter introduces new mechanics. Coppermaul teaches heavy weapon fundamentals, Red Wraith brings airborne mobility and thread-based attacks, and the Chief Disciple ups the stakes by fusing with puppet-like allies mid-fight.

The highlight comes late in the demo when Red Wraith returns, turning the Chief Disciple duel into a chaotic two-boss showdown, demanding weapon swapping and mastery of AoE attacks like the Bashpole’s shockwave slam.

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5) The narrative hints at a grim martial arts epic

The Nameless Survivor gives you the lore of Perfect Transcension (Image via S-Game)

While the demo is combat-heavy, it seeds darker lore through environmental storytelling and survivor dialogue. The Perfect Transcension ritual (a cult process that hollows warriors into emotionless husks) looms over every encounter. A dying survivor describes poisoning himself to avoid this fate, foreshadowing the Seven Stars’ fall into monstrosity.

Notices about forced augmentation and hushed enemy conversations hint at deeper political and moral struggles underpinning Soul’s journey.

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Check out: 5 reasons to be excited for Phantom Blade Zero in 2025

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Edited by Abu Amjad Khan