- The Relic: First Guardian PS5 release date is set for July 31, 2026, published by PERPETUAL
- Base game pricing starts at $49.99 on the PlayStation Store with offline single-player enabled
- Core combat system separates unlimited attacks from stamina-based dodging and blocking mechanics
- Massive boss roster features up to 80 unique encounters, each tied to Korean folklore and tragic lore
- Build customization relies entirely on gear and relics rather than traditional character leveling
The Relic First Guardian PS5 Release Date & Editions
The Relic: First Guardian officially launched on PlayStation 5 on July 31, 2026. Developed by Project Cloud Games—a small, passionate team of about a dozen people—and published by PERPETUAL, this dark fantasy action RPG has been in development for six years. The game brings a unique spin on classic Korean stories, blending rich mythology with brutal, fast-paced combat.
The game is available directly through the PlayStation Store and supports a wide range of screen languages, including English, Korean, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, and Spanish (Mexico).
The Relic: First Guardian is rated Mature (M) by the ESRB for Blood, Strong Language, and Violence. It is a single-player experience with offline play enabled, meaning you can enjoy the full game without an internet connection.
Editions and DLC Overview
| Edition / Content | Platform | Price | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Game | PS5 | $49.99 | Full single-player campaign, offline enabled |
| Night of the Unextinguished Flame DLC | PS5 | $9.99 | Additional story level content |
| Average Player Rating | PS5 | — | 2.51 / 5 stars from 728 ratings |
The game currently holds a 2.51 out of 5 average rating from 728 verified PS Store reviewers. While critics have praised its art style and combat ambition, player feedback has been mixed—worth researching before purchase.
Combat System: Unlimited Attacks & Precision Defense
The Relic: First Guardian approaches combat differently from traditional action RPGs. Instead of managing a single stamina bar for both attacks and defensive maneuvers, the game splits these mechanics into distinct systems, giving players freedom to attack relentlessly while demanding precision for survival.
How the Combat Mechanics Work
| Mechanic | Resource Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Attacks | Zero resource | Strike continuously with no stamina penalty |
| Dodging | Stamina gauge | Precise defensive movement requiring timing |
| Blocking | Stamina gauge | High-stakes defense against incoming damage |
| High-Power Magic | Cooldowns + dedicated meter | Powerful spells on separate resource system |
This design philosophy means your offensive flow remains uninterrupted. You can chain attacks, experiment with combos, and maintain relentless pressure without watching a stamina bar deplete. However, survival depends entirely on your ability to manage the stamina gauge for dodging and blocking—creating a tension between aggressive offense and careful defense.
Since attacks cost zero resources, focus on maintaining offensive pressure while saving your stamina exclusively for dodging and blocking. Treat your stamina gauge as a defensive tool, not an offensive limitation.
Offensive Freedom
- Unlimited basic attacks
- No stamina cost on strikes
- Encourages creative combo chains
- Relentless aggression rewarded
Defensive Precision
- Stamina reserved for defense
- Dodging and blocking only
- High-stakes timing required
- Mistakes are punishing
Magic System
- Cooldown-based abilities
- Dedicated magic meter
- High-power visual spectacles
- Strategic deployment needed
World Exploration & Boss Encounters
Set in the realm of Arsilthus, the game transforms a once-prosperous land into an apocalyptic wasteland following the destruction of the great relic. The world is a vast, interconnected landscape filled with forgotten ruins, hidden dungeons, and atmospheric zones enriched by Korean folklore and ancient mythology.
The 80 Tragic Boss Encounters
One of the most ambitious features of The Relic: First Guardian is its massive roster of up to 80 mythic boss encounters. Each boss represents a dark, standalone folktale brought to life, bound to tragic lore that can only be resolved through combat victory.
| Boss Category | Estimated Count | Lore Significance | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Story Bosses | ~20-25 | Central to main narrative | ★★★☆☆ |
| Hidden Bosses | ~15-20 | Found off the beaten path | ★★★★☆ |
| Optional Mythic Encounters | ~35-40 | Standalone folktales, deep lore | ★★★★★ |
No two bosses fight alike. A strategy that defeats one nightmare offers no guarantee of surviving the next. Each encounter demands a fresh approach and build adaptation.
Exploration rewards curious Guardians who venture off the main path. Hidden dungeons contain ancient artifacts, secret encounters, and pieces of lost lore buried deep within the ruined regions of Arsilthus. The interconnected world design encourages backtracking and discovery.
Weapon Masteries & Build System
The Relic: First Guardian features five distinct weapon masteries, each with its own skill tree powered by relic energy. Unlike traditional RPGs where duplicate weapons are common, every single weapon in this game is a bespoke, one-of-a-kind creation with its own tragic history.
Five Weapon Masteries
| Weapon Type | Playstyle | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Sword & Shield | Balanced offense/defense | Versatile protection |
| Battle Staff | Mid-range crowd control | Wide attack arcs |
| Daggers | Fast, aggressive strikes | High attack speed |
| Two-Handed Weapons | Heavy, devastating blows | Maximum damage |
| Longsword | Technical precision | Balanced reach and speed |
Every new weapon you discover is a piece of the world's past. Your arsenal becomes a personal collection of living legends, each carrying its own narrative weight and historical significance within Arsilthus.
The Relic System: Build Freedom Without Leveling
Instead of traditional character leveling, your power is forged entirely through gear and relics. The relic system offers over 70 unique passive effects that alter combat tempo and skills. This system encourages endless experimentation.
Relic Energy Skill Trees
- Game-changing passive abilities
- Visually spectacular ultimate attacks
- Forge deeper bonds with chosen weapons
- Channel forgotten power
Unbound Build Freedom
- No traditional leveling
- 70+ unique passive effects
- Freely swap passives on the fly
- Tailor builds per encounter
Choose Your Weapon Mastery
Select from five distinct weapon types. Each offers unique attack patterns, range, and defensive options. Your choice defines your core combat identity.
Collect Relics Throughout Arsilthus
Explore forgotten ruins and hidden dungeons to find relics. Each relic carries passive effects and pieces of world lore, augmenting your character.
Invest in Weapon Skill Trees
Channel relic energy into specialized skill trees. Unlock game-changing passives and awe-striking ultimate abilities tailored to your weapon.
Experiment and Adapt Freely
Swap game-changing passives, manipulate attack tempos, and tailor your build on the fly. Different bosses demand different strategies.
Getting Started: New Guardian Checklist
If you are picking up The Relic: First Guardian on PS5, here is a structured approach to your early hours in Arsilthus. The game's unique mechanics reward preparation and exploration from the very start.
First Guardian Starter Goals:
- Complete the opening sequence and learn the combat fundamentals
- Choose your first weapon mastery and invest in its skill tree
- Explore the first interconnected zone for hidden relics
- Defeat your first story boss to understand encounter mechanics
- Collect at least 5 relics to start experimenting with passive builds
- Unlock and try a second weapon type to test different playstyles
The world of Arsilthus rewards curiosity. Venture off the beaten path to find ancient artifacts, secret encounters, and lost lore buried deep within ruined regions. These discoveries are essential for building your power.
Critical Early Game Priorities
| Priority | Why It Matters | Recommended Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Master dodge timing | Stamina is your only defense resource | First hour |
| Understand magic cooldowns | High-power magic operates on dedicated meter | First 2 hours |
| Start collecting relics | 70+ passives available, no traditional leveling | First 3 hours |
| Experiment with weapon swaps | Each weapon has unique lore and moveset | After first boss |
FAQ
Q: What is The Relic: First Guardian PS5 release date?
The Relic: First Guardian was released on PlayStation 5 on July 31, 2026. The game is published by PERPETUAL and developed by Project Cloud Games, a team of about a dozen developers who spent six years creating this dark fantasy action RPG.
Q: How much does The Relic: First Guardian cost on PS5?
The base game costs $49.99 on the PlayStation Store. The Night of the Unextinguished Flame DLC is available separately for $9.99. The game supports offline single-player play and does not require an internet connection.
Q: How does the combat system work in The Relic: First Guardian?
The combat system separates offense and defense. Basic attacks cost zero resources, allowing unlimited striking. The stamina gauge is reserved exclusively for defensive actions like dodging and blocking. High-power magic operates on cooldowns and a dedicated meter, creating a three-tier resource system.
Q: How many bosses are in The Relic: First Guardian?
The game features up to 80 mythic boss encounters. Each boss is a standalone folktale with unique tragic lore and distinct combat mechanics. No two bosses fight alike, meaning strategies must be adapted for every single encounter.
Q: Is there traditional character leveling in The Relic: First Guardian?
No. The game uses an unbound build system where your power is determined entirely by the gear and relics you discover. There are over 70 unique passive effects from relics that you can freely swap and combine, replacing traditional experience-based leveling.