The Relic: First Guardian

The Relic: First Guardian

Released Jul 2026

A dark action RPG rooted in Korean mythology, with brutal, fast combat.

44% positive · 234 reviews
Not yet
Released, but content still planned
High confidence
Content Planned
Not yet
Released, but content still planned
High confidence
Content Planned

Where to buy

Prices in USD, as listed by each store.
Buying through an affiliate store helps support the site

Evaluation

The Relic: First Guardian launched on July 30, 2026 and has had a rocky start — the developer publicly acknowledged that the launch did not meet their intended quality standard, citing memory management issues that caused frame drops, broken boss triggers, and progression blockers. Since launch, Project Cloud Games has been prolific in addressing these problems: twelve patches have been released in under three weeks (July 30 through August 17, 2026), covering stability fixes, boss encounter repairs, quality-of-life improvements, and combat balance adjustments. The developer has repeatedly stated their commitment to long-term support. On August 6, 2026, the studio published a formal post-launch statement explicitly committing to future content beyond bug fixes, naming "additional content, including new events and boss encounters that expand the world and stories of Arsilthus" as a key priority for upcoming updates. On August 18, 2026, the developer announced a permanent price reduction of approximately 33% effective August 26, 2026. Players who purchased at full price before that date are being offered an exclusive dungeon with a dedicated storyline, a unique boss fight, and special loot — content the developer explicitly states "is being created," with a delivery date yet to be confirmed. Both the formal developer statement and the store page make clear that new content is actively in development and has not yet shipped.
Evidence
Price drop announcement describes an exclusive dungeon with its own storyline, boss fight, and special loot being created for early purchasers, with delivery date yet to be confirmed — unshipped content confirmed in development.
news post · Aug 18, 2026 source content planned
high
Store page states the exclusive Sealing Stone dungeon content 'is being created' and a delivery date will be advised, confirming unshipped content is in development.
description · Aug 18, 2026 source content planned
high

Content

2 of 2 released · no outstanding content

Media

Details

Publisher
Perp Games
Achievements
37
Platform
Windows
Controller
full support
Steam Deck
Unsupported
Players
Single-player

About this game

Since its launch, Project Cloud Games have been working round the clock to improve the game, with the current focus fully on fixing technical issues and performance. We have already released 18 patches, but we are not stopping there. The next patch is being worked on. You have our time, dedication, determination, and word that we will continue to do everything in our power to be worthy of your support. 

Created by a small and passionate core team of a dozen people, Project Cloud Games has created a fresh new take on combat, with a heavy emphasis on balancing action and vulnerability, their unique, dark, and gritty spin on classic Korean stories has been in the making for six years.

Transformed into an apocalyptic wasteland by the destruction of the great relic, the once-prosperous realm of Arsilthus lies in ruins. Set in a dark and haunting atmosphere enriched by the tapestry of Korean folklore and ancient mythology,

it falls upon you to mend this shattered land and honour the memories of those who came before you.

Fast Paced Brutal Combat

The Relic approaches combat differently - delivering freedom in attack, intensity in survival. Unleash an unstoppable onslaught with attacks that cost zero resources, allowing you to strike continuously with relentless creativity and consistency. Your stamina gauge is reserved strictly for high-stakes defence like dodging and blocking, while high-power magic operates on cooldowns and a dedicated meter. Attack without limits, defend with absolute precision.

Explore a Shattered, Semi-Open World

Traverse a vast, interconnected realm filled with forgotten ruins, hidden dungeons, and atmospheric landscapes. The world of Arsilthus rewards curious Guardians who venture off the beaten path with ancient artifacts, secret encounters, and pieces of lost lore buried deep within its ruined regions.

Confront Up to 80 Tragic Bosses

Step into battle against up to 80 mythic encounters - each a dark, standalone folktale brought to life, bound to a tragic lore that can only be laid to rest through ultimate victory. Adapt or perish: no two legends fight alike, and a strategy that slays one nightmare offers no guarantee of surviving the next.

Weapons Woven with Narrative

Command five distinct weapon masteries: Sword & Shield, Battle Staff, Daggers, Two-Handed Weapons, or the Longsword. Without a single duplicate weapon to be found - every single item is a bespoke, one-of-a-kind creation with its own tragic history. Discovering a new blade means uncovering a piece of the world's past, transforming your arsenal into a personal collection of living legends.

Master Ancient Weapon Skill Trees

Forge a deeper bond with your chosen armoury through specialised skill trees powered by relic energy. Channel forgotten power into game-changing passives alongside awe-striking, visually spectacular ultimate abilities.

Unbound Build Freedom

Forget traditional levelling - your power is forged entirely through the gear and Relics you discover. Collecting and equipping relics is as much about augmenting your character as it is about uncovering the world's past. With over 70 unique passive effects scattered that alter combat tempo and skill, the relic system encourages you to experiment endlessly. Freely swap game-changing passives, manipulate attack tempos, and tailor your build on the fly - giving you complete freedom to adapt.

Last evaluated Aug 18, 2026
Something about this evaluation looks wrong Report illegal or harmful content