The Relic First Guardian Launch Review Roundup
What previews praised, what Steam users report at launch, and how to set expectations entering Arsiltus.
This hub summarizes preview and launch-week coverage of The Relic: First Guardian so you can set expectations now that the game is live on PC and PlayStation 5. It is not a Metacritic clone and not an official score. We translate recurring themes into practical advice and link each theme to a wiki guide.
Sources informing this roundup include IGN’s boss-heavy soulslike preview, GameTyrant’s hands-on, Inven Global’s folklore-focused feature, GamingBolt’s developer interview, Final Weapon’s PC preview, publisher deep-dives, and Steam user reviews during launch week. Always read the originals when you need full context — links live on Official Links where available.
The consensus fantasy
Writers repeatedly highlight a dark fantasy world inspired by Asian folklore and Korean mythology, a tragic tone delivered through notes and Brutal backstories, and a combat system that refuses the usual “stamina on every swing” template. The pitch: aggressive offense, careful defense, Relic-driven identity, and dozens of story bosses.
Project Cloud Games’ debut ARPG drops you into Arsiltus, where roughly eighty Brutals gate progress and seventy-plus Relics reshape how you fight. Five weapon families connect to skill trees that previews describe as deep but readable once you accept there are no traditional XP levels.
If that fantasy appeals to you, start with Getting Started and Tips and Tricks.
What previews praise
Combat ambition — Defense-only stamina and cooldown skills create a faster exchange than many European-flavored soulslikes. Attacks do not drain stamina; blocking, dodging, and parrying do.
Brutal variety — Named examples like Branko, Entom, and Mog teach different verbs. See Brutals guide.
Unique gear storytelling — One-of-a-kind weapons and armor with inherited histories stand out. Plan with the weapons tier list.
Checkpoint design — Tibelle’s Blessing sites let you manage Relics without classic enemy-respawn loops in early hands-on coverage.
Emotional worldbuilding — Notes beside the dead and regret spirits give exploration a human pulse — world guide.
Campaign shape — ~30 hours for most players per the July 22 developer interview — developer interview page.
Launch-week Steam reception — Mixed
Steam user reviews landed Mixed during launch week. That is separate from preview enthusiasm — it reflects live-player friction:
- Performance variance on PC — stutter in dense areas until patches land; see system requirements and post-launch support
- Soulslike habit mismatch — players importing Dark Souls muscle memory struggle until they read combat and parry
- Technical rough edges — previews flagged jank; launch players feel it in frame time
- Semi-open expectations — some buyers wanted a larger seamless sandbox; others praise denser stories
Mixed is not a blanket “do not buy.” It is “patch first, learn the rules, then decide.” Critical reviews may still diverge as embargoes lift — this hub stays guide-first.
What previews flagged as risks (still relevant)
Rough edges — Patch 1+ address field quality, exploration, combat, and VO — track post-launch support.
Comparison gravity — Learn this game’s rules instead of forcing old habits.
Specs and Deck — Steam lists CPU/RAM; GPU sparse; Steam Deck not recommended yet.
Staggered console rollout — Xbox and Switch 2 later summer 2026; PS5 physical September 4.
Practical takeaways for buyers (post-launch)
- Buy now if you want story-rich boss hunting and experimental combat — install Patch 1+ first
- Wait for Patch 3 if you are allergic to launch-week performance tuning
- Play on Steam or PSN — see release date for platform matrix
- Do not wait for a perfect BiS list — unique loot means your drop is your build (Relics and builds)
- Read tips before respecing — tips and tricks saves gold at Elisa
Score-shaped summary (editorial, not numeric)
| Pillar | Preview temperature | Launch-week note |
|---|---|---|
| Combat originality | Hot | Still praised in user positives |
| Boss storytelling | Hot | Core fantasy intact |
| World tone | Warm to hot | Note-readers satisfied |
| Technical polish | Mixed / watch launch | Steam Mixed; patches incoming |
| Progression clarity | Warm | Tips page helps onboarding |
How this wiki uses review intel
We convert praise into tutorials and risks into FAQs. Mixed Steam performance notes become post-launch support sections. Parry-window boss talk becomes Brutals structure.
Related pages
Come back as critical scores and Patch 3 land — we separate score chasing from system mastery, which is what actually helps you clear Arsiltus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions.
Is this an official review score?
No. This is an unofficial roundup of preview themes and launch-week Steam reception to help players decide.
Is The Relic: First Guardian worth buying now?
If you like soulslike bosses and experimental stamina rules, previews and positive user notes support buying — install Patch 1+ and read [post-launch support](/updates/post-launch-support/) first.
Why are Steam reviews Mixed?
Common themes: PC performance variance and soulslike habit mismatch. Combat and story still earn praise — see [combat guide](/guides/combat-and-parry/).
Where should I go after reading this roundup?
New players: [Getting Started](/guides/getting-started/) and [Tips and Tricks](/guides/tips-and-tricks/). Performance concerns: [post-launch support](/updates/post-launch-support/).