Wuchang: Fallen Feathers – A Gritty Soulslike Worth Watching

There’s something oddly satisfying about Soulslike games — the challenge, the grit, the patience-testing boss fights that make you want to throw your controller, and yet, you keep coming back for more. 

If you’re like me and crave dark, lore-heavy worlds with unforgiving combat and rich atmosphere, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers might just be your next obsession.

Developed by Leenzee Games and published by 505 Games, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is a new action RPG inspired by the brutal traditions of the genre, but with a unique twist — it’s set in late Ming Dynasty China, a period of chaos, rebellion, and plague. 

The game launches on July 24, 2025, and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with a day-one release on Xbox Game Pass (huge win for Game Pass subscribers!).

A Haunting Tale in Ancient China

You play as Bai Wuchang, a mysterious pirate warrior suffering from both amnesia and a cursed disease known as Feathering. This illness is no ordinary sickness — it slowly transforms humans into grotesque, feathered abominations. While the disease is consuming you, it also grants strange powers that can turn the tide in combat.

As Wuchang, you’ll travel through desolate temples, war-torn villages, and eerie forests, uncovering secrets about your past and the horrifying state of the world around you. 

The game weaves historical Chinese elements with dark fantasy, giving it a vibe that’s equal parts Sekiro and Bloodborne, but with a visual identity all its own.

Combat: Hard, Heavy, and Highly Customizable

Wuchang doesn't try to reinvent the Soulslike formula — instead, it builds on it with interesting layers. The combat is weighty and deliberate, but it also allows for flexibility thanks to the Featherweave system, which lets you seamlessly switch between melee weapons and spellcasting mid-fight.

Weapons include brutal tools like:

• The Cinder Dragoncoil, a fire-infused axe

• The Watcher’s Gaze, a lightning-fast sword

• The Enigma Spear, a long-reach weapon perfect for crowd control

If magic is more your style, spells like Thunderfall from Nine Heavens or Lotus Fire allow you to stun enemies or nuke them from a distance. You can also upgrade your weapons with Red Mercury, and even unlock new skills by sacrificing it — which adds a nice layer of decision-making to your build.

There are also massive, grotesque bosses like the Corpse Swallowing Mussel or the creepy Ming Army Inspector. These aren’t just damage sponges — they each have unique mechanics, attack patterns, and weaknesses, meaning learning their dance is key.

Choices That Shape the Story

Interestingly, Wuchang offers multiple endings depending on the allies you side with, secrets you uncover, and choices you make throughout your journey. 

This gives it a bit of an RPG flavor that goes beyond just “get good.” Your actions will define not only Wuchang’s fate but the outcome of the world unraveling around her.

Pre-order Bonuses and Deluxe Edition Goodies

If you’re already sold on the game, there are some nice incentives for early buyers.

🛒 Pre-order Bonus:

You get the Night & White Pack, which includes:

• Two 5-piece costume sets (Night Spectre and White Spectre)

• A unique axe called the Vermillion War Club

• A Red Mercury skill upgrade item

✨ Deluxe Edition:

This version packs in four exclusive costumes and four themed weapons like the Dragoncoil Lance and Eternal Sovereignty dual blades, plus another upgrade item called Blood of Changhong. It’s clear the devs want to reward early adopters with some serious style and firepower.

I’ll be honest — I went into this expecting another Soulslike clone trying to ride the FromSoftware wave, but Wuchang: Fallen Feathers looks like it has real potential. 

The setting feels fresh, the combat looks fluid, and the narrative seems to go deeper than just cryptic item descriptions. Plus, it’s releasing day-one on Game Pass, which makes it an easy pickup if you're curious but cautious.

As someone who still dreams (or has nightmares) about Lady Maria and Ishin Ashina, I can’t wait to see what kind of emotional damage Wuchang delivers. Let’s just hope the bosses aren’t too unforgiving… or maybe, let’s hope they are.