All new gameplay from The Relic: First Guardian asks how you'll choose to save the world
Master combat through upgrades and items in The Relic: First Guardian's leveless action RPG
The Future Games Show has revealed an all-new look at The Relic: First Guardian, with fresh gameplay showing off its action RPG semi-open world. The kingdom of Arsiltus is in ruins, and it's up to you to master your skills and explore the world to uncover its secrets and bring peace back to its troubled lands.
Key to saving Arsiltus is your ability to explore the semi open world freely, while you chose your own playstyle from five different weapons sets. One handed weapons and shields are the most basic option here, offering a balanced combat style that blends attack and defence. But, for those that like to specialise and test themselves, there's a range of options that offer other pros and cons to master.
For example, Longswords sacrifice defense for heavier, more damaging attacks. Dual daggers, on the other hand, focus on fast but weak attacks to strip away enemy health with an agile flurry of blows. Then there are two handed weapons, like great axes that are slow to wield but strip away opponents' stamina to leave them defenseless. And, finally, the Battle Staff uses gravity magic to unleash slow, long reaching attacks that stack a skill cooldown reduction with consecutive hits.
Most importantly, how you develop as a player and adventure isn't about just stacking points and leveling up, as there is no leveling system in The Relic: First Guardian. Instead you'll use runes you can discover in the world, as well as items and crafting to strengthen your characters and abilities.
It all creates an open, fantasy saga where who you become, and how you save Arsiltus depends on how you explore and what you choose to do. Only when you become strong enough will you be able to find the pieces of a great relic that can save the lands once recovered and reassembled.
The Relic: First Guardian is currently targeting a 2025 release date so find out more about the game on Steam, and wishlist it so you don't miss out. You can also follow developer Project Cloud Games on Twitter for updates.
If you’re looking for more excellent games from today's Future Games Show, have a look at our official Steam page.
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I'm GamesRadar's Managing Editor for guides, which means I run GamesRadar's guides and tips content. I also write reviews, previews and features, largely about horror, action adventure, FPS and open world games. I previously worked on Kotaku, and the Official PlayStation Magazine and website.