Phantom Blade Zero Playtime Estimated to be 20-30 Hours with Adjustable Difficulty

Phantom Blade Zero is shaping up to be a compelling action RPG, boasting four difficulty levels and a wealth of gameplay features. Read on to discover the latest development updates and what awaits players in 2025.

Phantom Blade Zero Development Updates

More Than Just a Soulslike: Four Difficulty Options and a Focus on Combo Combat

Phantom Blade Zero offers four difficulty settings: Easy, Ordinary, Difficult, and Extremely Difficult. While its dark aesthetic and challenging combat initially drew comparisons to Soulslike games, the inclusion of multiple difficulty options sets it apart. Game Director Soulframe clarified on Twitter following Summer Game Fest 2024 that creating a Soulslike wasn't the goal. Instead, the focus is on "combo-driven, heart-pumping combat that is hectic, rewarding, and exhilarating."

While the game's multi-layered maps, multiple approach paths, and hidden areas share some similarities with Soulslike titles, Soulframe emphasizes that the core gameplay is distinct. He previously described the game as a blend of "Ninja Gaiden Combat on a Souls Game Map," combining intense hack-and-slash action with expansive exploration.

Extensive Gameplay: Weapons, Playtime, and More

Recent interviews have revealed further details. Players can choose from over 30 primary and 20 secondary weapons, each with unique combat properties. The main story is estimated to take 20-30 hours to complete, with an additional 20-30 hours of side content available.

Boss fights feature at least two phases, and players conveniently restart from the second phase upon death, eliminating the need to repeat the first. A new game mode, "Li Wulin," allows players to rematch defeated bosses, potentially unlocking hidden encounters.

A currently undisclosed mechanic is said to influence the game's ending, hinting at multiple possible outcomes.

Phantom Blade Zero "Year of the Snake" Gameplay Trailer

While a release date is expected to be announced in 2025, Phantom Blade Zero's official Twitter (X) page recently shared a Lunar New Year video where Soulframe teased further exciting announcements and unannounced content.

Phantom Blade Zero is currently in development for PlayStation 5, with a PC release also planned. No official release date has been announced.

Stay tuned to our Phantom Blade Zero page for the latest updates.