Overview
The Relic: First Guardian arrives as one of the more distinctive action RPGs on the horizon, developed by Project Cloud Games and published by Perp Games for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. Set in Arsiltus, a once-thriving civilization reduced to an apocalyptic wasteland after the destruction of a powerful ancient relic, the game frames its central mission with genuine emotional weight. Players step into the role of the Last Guardian, a lone figure burdened with the task of recovering the relic's scattered fragments and sealing the void that has consumed the world.
What immediately separates The Relic: First Guardian from its contemporaries is the philosophical backbone underpinning its world. The Relics players collect are not mere power upgrades; they are described as fragments carrying the emotions, promises, and memories of those who perished. That narrative framing transforms what could be a straightforward loot loop into something more resonant, asking players to honor the fallen as they rebuild a shattered civilization.
The game has already earned attention from respected outlets. PC Gamer highlights its stylish combat, tragic boss encounters, and Asian folklore-inspired world design as key strengths. Gaming Bible draws comparisons to The Witcher and Dark Souls, while DualShockers praises its unique art style and visually spectacular combat. These are not minor endorsements.
Brutal, Fluid Combat: How Does It Work?
The combat system in The Relic: First Guardian is built around a deliberate and refreshing design philosophy: stamina is reserved exclusively for defense, while offensive skills carry no resource cost. This means players can commit fully to aggressive play without managing an energy bar mid-fight, creating a rhythm that rewards skill expression over resource conservation.
Key combat and progression features include:
- Five distinct weapon types with unique skill sets
- Over 70 collectable Relics that modify skill behavior
- No traditional character leveling system
- Crafting and rune systems for character growth
- Dungeon completion tied to world expansion
Each weapon in the game is treated as a singular artifact with its own history, reinforcing the lore while giving each playstyle a distinct identity. Switching between weapon types is not just a tactical choice; it fundamentally changes how your skills behave in combat.
The absence of a conventional level system is one of the game's boldest design decisions. Rather than accumulating experience points, players grow their Guardian through Relics, crafting, and equipping items discovered during exploration. It shifts the focus from numerical progression to strategic customization, encouraging experimentation with different Relic combinations to suit individual playstyles.
A World Shaped by Loss and Folklore
Arsiltus is constructed as a semi-open world, giving players freedom to explore its collapsed landscapes while maintaining a focused narrative thread. The environmental design draws heavily from Asian folklore, lending the world a visual and thematic identity that feels distinct within the broader action RPG genre.
The tone throughout is sombre and purposeful. Arsiltus is not simply a backdrop for combat; it carries the weight of a civilization that no longer exists. Boss encounters are described as tragic rather than simply challenging, suggesting that the enemies players face are themselves victims of the void, adding moral complexity to each confrontation.
Character Progression Without Levels
The Relic: First Guardian answers a question many RPG players have quietly asked: what if character growth had nothing to do with experience points? The answer here is a system built entirely around Relics, runes, crafting, and items. Players collect over 70 unique Relics, each altering skill behavior and combat tempo in meaningful ways.
This design creates a deeply personal progression arc. Two players using the same weapon type can arrive at wildly different combat styles depending on which Relics they equip. Dungeons serve as the primary engine for this growth, rewarding completion with new Relics and expanded access to the world.
Conclusion
The Relic: First Guardian presents a compelling case for itself as a standout entry in the action RPG genre. Its stamina-free offensive combat, level-less progression built around collectible Relics, and a world steeped in folklore and grief combine to form a game with a clear and confident identity. Launching on PC via Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox, it carries the endorsement of outlets like PC Gamer and DualShockers, and the pedigree of publisher Perp Games behind it. For fans of challenging, story-driven RPGs with deep customization systems, The Relic: First Guardian demands attention.
