From Press Release:
Milton Keynes, UK, May 5, 2026 – Today, developer MercuryStream and publisher 505 Games are pleased to share the third episode of their weekly feature video series dedicated to their upcoming dark fantasy action-adventure game Blades of Fire – Version 2.0, launching on Steam PC on May 14. Following Episode 1 – Photomode and Episode 2 – Transmutation, this new episode spotlights two new systems coming with Version 2.0 which introduce new ways for players to dominate the battlefield: Anvil Trials and Arcana.
With the Anvil Trials, players can re-fight major bosses in dedicated arenas after defeating them in the main story. Once a boss is defeated, a special anvil appears; activating it teleports players to an arena where the boss is revived for another encounter. At the start of each trial, players’ health potions are fully restored. Weapons remain in the condition they had on entry, but any damage taken during the fight is not permanent — both potions and weapons revert to their previous state when players exit, regardless of success. Each boss introduces additional mechanics, and each fight is timed, allowing players to earn up to three medals based on completion time.
Players can then use the medals granted during the Anvil Trials to unlock Arcana, ancient spells cast by Adso that grant passive buffs to weapons: with higher-tier medals unlocking stronger Arcana. To apply an Arcana, players will need to speak with Adso; each Arcana requires a minimum weapon reputation and consumes one repair star. Players can have only one Arcana active per weapon at a time, but they can replace it freely as long as stars remain. Different Arcana reward aggressive play, survivability, or weapon efficiency, letting players tailor their builds to their preferred combat style.
The Anvil Trials will offer structured, repeatable boss challenges, while the Arcana will turn those victories into meaningful upgrades players can use on their in-game journey.
Download the Blades of Fire demo, available now on Steam, and experience the new features included in Version 2.0 ahead of its official launch.
Blades of Fire is coming to currently available on PC via the Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Blades of Fire – Version 2.0 will be available on Steam on May 14.
Starting May 14, the Version 2.0 upgrade will also be available as a free update on all other platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Epic Games Store (PC).
A full press kit, including screenshots, logos key art, and videos can be found here.
To keep up to date with the latest news, follow Blades of Fire on X, Instagram, YouTube, and the official website, and don’t forget to wishlist Blades of Fire on Steam. Stay tuned for next week’s feature spotlight!
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