Valor Mortis Faces Performance Issues Despite Strong Design
The first-person Soulslike launches soon, but PC players report severe stuttering even with high-end graphics cards.
Key points
- Valor Mortis is a first-person Soulslike set in the Napoleonic era, developed by the studio behind Ghostrunner.
- PC performance is a major issue, with frame drops to the low 20s even on high-end graphics cards.
- The game features deep level design with hidden paths and environmental hazards, but technical stability remains a concern.
Valor Mortis is set to launch within weeks, offering a unique twist on the popular difficult action genre by placing players in the Napoleonic era. Developed by the studio behind Ghostrunner, the game casts you as a resurrected soldier fighting supernatural horrors. While the first-person perspective provides a fresh angle to an otherwise crowded market, the final preview build reveals significant technical hurdles that may dampen the excitement.
The core gameplay loop remains faithful to the genre's traditional mechanics, including stamina management, currency loss upon death, and limited healing flasks. However, the first-person view requires precise enemy telegraphing to remain playable. According to reports, off-screen indicators and fair attack patterns help maintain clarity, though the experience is not without its flaws, particularly regarding visual stability and frame rates on personal computers.
Performance lags behind expectations
A major concern in the latest build is inconsistent performance on PC hardware. Testing on an RTX 3080 with high settings and DLSS enabled resulted in frequent stutters and frame drops into the low 20s. Even with low-latency features active, the average frame rate hovered between 40 and 50 fps, only reaching 60 fps during less intense moments. This level of instability is concerning for a title launching so soon, as smooth frame pacing is critical for the fast-paced combat the game demands.
Level design supports exploration
Despite technical struggles, the environmental design has been praised for its depth. Levels incorporate hidden paths and shortcuts that utilize both magical abilities and firearms to unlock new areas. Environmental hazards such as exploding barrels and heavy carts provide tactical options for players with limited ammunition. This design encourages strategic thinking and rewards thorough exploration, adding a layer of complexity beyond simple combat encounters.
The game introduces new enemy types, including shielded opponents and large, mortar-throwing creatures. These additions diversify the combat experience, requiring players to adapt their strategies. The final build is significantly larger than previous demos, offering a more comprehensive look at the opening hours. While the combat feels refined and satisfying, the performance issues remain a significant trade-off for potential buyers.
Final build expands content
GamingTrend notes that the final preview build is vastly larger than the alpha demo, featuring multiple new areas, enemies, and bosses. The expansion allows players to see a good chunk of the opening hours, providing a clearer picture of the game's scope. While the combat mechanics are slick and parries feel satisfying, the persistent frame drops on high-end hardware suggest that optimization work is still needed before the public release.
