The Legacy of Lords of the Fallen
Lords of the Fallen, released in 2014, was one of the pioneering games to adopt the challenging combat style of the “Soulsborne” genre. This subgenre is characterized by its intense combat encounters and formidable bosses, offering players a gratifying and ultimately fun gameplay loop. Prior to the release of Lords of the Fallen, FromSoftware was the primary developer known for this style of gameplay. Since then, the popularity of Soulslike games has risen, with notable titles such as Lies of P and the reboot of Lords of the Fallen by Hexworks garnering significant success.
Now, a recent trademark filing by publisher CI Games has sparked rumors of a potential sequel to Lords of the Fallen, with the unannounced project codenamed “Project III” and the official title likely to be Death of the Fallen. The sequel is reportedly in the works at Hexworks and is slated for release in 2026, running on Unreal Engine 5 and expected to be available on PC and current-gen consoles.
The anticipation for Death of the Fallen is intensified by the thriving popularity of Soulslike games, with titles such as Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and Elden Ring receiving critical acclaim and awards. The genre's success is further evident with the excitement surrounding upcoming indie titles like Phantom Blade Zero and Black Myth: Wukong.
The Evolution of Soulslike Games
The rise of Soulslike games can be traced back to FromSoftware's Demon’s Souls in 2009, which popularized the genre and laid the foundation for challenging and rewarding gameplay experiences. The subsequent success of games like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and Elden Ring, both awarded Game of the Year, exemplifies the genre's enduring appeal and innovation.
In the midst of this thriving genre, Hexworks' reboot of Lords of the Fallen stands out as a significant and ambitious entry. The game's predecessor by Deck13 set the stage, but Hexworks' enhancements and improvements have solidified its position among the esteemed Soulslike titles. As the genre continues to captivate gamers, the potential of Death of the Fallen to resonate with both existing fans and enthusiasts of the genre as a whole is palpable.
The Anticipation for Death of the Fallen
The anticipation surrounding the rumored Death of the Fallen sequel is palpable, fueled by the leaked details and the fervent fan base of the Lords of the Fallen series. With the success of the reboot by Hexworks and the growing popularity of Soulslike games, the potential for Death of the Fallen to make a significant impact in the gaming landscape is undeniable.
The use of Unreal Engine 5 for the sequel promises a visually stunning and immersive experience, with the game expected to push the boundaries of gameplay and storytelling within the Soulslike genre. As the release date draws closer, the excitement and expectations for Death of the Fallen continue to build, as fans eagerly await the next chapter in the saga of challenging and rewarding gaming experiences.