Phantom Blade Zero

Combat and progression

Combat is the reason the game exists. Critics single out fast, cinematic fights inspired by martial-arts films, a wide choice of weapons with distinct styles and long boss battles; IGN (9/10) calls it "an unbelievably smooth action game filled with memorable boss fights". PC Gamer (90/100) notes that it moves away from the Souls and Sekiro formula, favouring flow over punishment. Eurogamer (3/5) is the main dissenting voice, pointing to balance and quality issues.

Performance by platform

According to Output Lag's roundup (checked 9 Nov 2026), the PC version runs well once shaders have compiled, with around 100 fps at 4K high settings using DLSS Quality on an RTX 4080. On base PS5, Performance mode mostly holds 60 fps but drops in the rainy Pangzhen region and during some bosses; PS5 Pro gets three modes. Steam Deck is not recommended (under 30 fps at the lowest settings). The game takes about 145 GB on PC and about 125 GB on PS5.

Languages and editions

Full voice acting in English and Chinese; French subtitles and interface on both PS5 and PC. A Digital Deluxe Edition adds outfits, a digital artbook and the soundtrack (79.99 € on the French PlayStation Store, or a 10 € upgrade on Steam).

Who is it for?

Players who love demanding but stylish action games such as Sekiro, Ninja Gaiden or Stellar Blade, and are comfortable with a mostly linear structure. If you play on Steam Deck, wait for patches.

Editorial score

The press average shown above is calculated by TricknFix from the original scores published by the outlets listed in the press summary (IGN, PC Gamer, Eurogamer and CGMagazine), all of which reviewed the PC version. Each score is converted to a score out of 20, then averaged and rounded to one decimal place (16.8/20 across 4 outlets, checked 10 Nov 2026). This page is a sourced analysis, not a played test: TricknFix has not played the game.