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As the clock ticked over into 2025, while most people celebrated with plenty of drinks, ambitious resolutions, and a feast of fireworks, I found myself ushering in the New Year immersed in one of my latest gaming obsessions: Half Sword. Initially showcased with a work-in-progress demo back in October 2023, the game recently unveiled a much-refined free-to-play playtest version in September. I was lucky to stumble upon it during the holiday break, and it quickly captured my attention.
Half Sword can best be described as a physics-driven medieval combat simulator where players enjoy freeform controls. Unlike other games in this genre, such as Mordhau and Chivalry 2, this one offers no preset buttons for attacks or defensive moves. Instead, your stances and swings are all about directional mouse movements, with specific actions like thrusts and kicks mapped to buttons. This setup lends an unparalleled layer of realism, which was the main reason I decided to dive into its playtest release.
The authentic experience doesn’t stop at the controls. The game also features accurate recreations of 15th Century weapons and armor, along with a combat technique rarely included in medieval games: half-swording. By pressing the right mouse button, you alter your grip, holding your sword’s blade in one hand, effectively shortening your reach but enhancing your maneuverability. This tweak allows you to engage in close combat or grapple with opponents in armor, while giving you a strategic edge against long-reaching weapons like spears.
Despite the quirky, almost humorous shuffle reminiscent of Totally Accurate Battle Simulator characters, Half Sword’s mechanics blend depth and engagement brilliantly. Each encounter forces you to weigh your strengths against those of your opponent and adjust your tactics accordingly. For example, wielding a halberd against a sword-and-shield combo means leveraging your weapon’s longer reach, but if your adversary closes the gap, you may have to adjust your strategy quickly.
Armor adds yet another strategic layer — targeting exposed areas like the neck or armpits becomes vital for success. While direct hits on armor aren’t very effective, landing a strong blow on an enemy’s helmet might just knock them out if your weapon is blunt or heavy enough. Alternatively, wrestling them down with kicks and half-sworded strikes can help finish the job swiftly.
The main mode in the Half Sword playtest involves a straightforward duel against an AI opponent equipped with armor and randomized weapons similar to yours. There’s also a variety of other game scenarios, such as team battles, free-for-all skirmishes, and a “one-against-all” setup. These situations give unique weapons and moves a chance to shine — for example, the half-swording technique is especially handy in 1v4 or 3v3 scenarios, providing leverage for efficient offensive and defensive maneuvers.
While the game doesn’t come without its flaws, such as certain unreplicable Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) techniques or the occasionally awkward character movement, it still provides immense fun and satisfaction, particularly for HEMA enthusiasts like myself. The AI could use some tweaking, especially regarding their awareness of weapon range, as they occasionally leave themselves open to easy attacks.
Despite these niggles, Half Sword delivers an enthralling experience. The attention to detail in the audio design, combined with realistic blood effects, amplifies the gritty atmosphere of medieval combat. Visually, it may not push boundaries, but its indie charm and authenticity are commendable.
Looking ahead, Half Sword is scheduled for a full release in 2025. Although the developers haven’t yet disclosed what improvements we might expect, the potential for multiplayer PvP and character customization is tantalizing. Throw in a console port — considering it already supports controllers — and it could broaden its appeal significantly. For now, though, it’s a standout in the realm of new PC games. It’s user-friendly, doesn’t hog system resources, and most importantly, it’s free to try. So why not jump in and give it a whirl?
