Phantom Blade Zero Is Out: Release Time, Price and Reviews

Phantom Blade Zero is finally here. S-GAME’s martial arts action game unlocks worldwide on October 28 at 7 p.m. PT, which is 2:00 UTC on October 29, on PS5 and PC. It arrives about seven weeks later than first planned, and the wait seems to have paid off: critics have given it some of the best scores of the autumn.

Below you’ll find the exact unlock time in your time zone, what each edition costs, what the reviews say and what your PC needs to run it. We also explain how to buy the game with a gift card if you’d rather not use a bank card.

When Phantom Blade Zero Unlocks

The launch is simultaneous around the world. That means players in the Americas get the game on the evening of October 28, while Europe, Asia and Australia get it on October 29. Here is the unlock time for the most common time zones.

PS5 owners who pre-ordered could pre-load the game from October 27. On PC, Steam unlocks the download at launch, so it’s worth clearing space on your SSD in advance.

Price and Editions

Phantom Blade Zero comes in two digital editions on both PS5 and PC. There’s no physical copy at launch. S-GAME has said that boxed PS5 editions will follow in 2027.

Early buyers also get two bonuses: the Treasure Basin accessory, which boosts Remnant Dust gains by 10%, and the Legacy outfit. Neither is locked forever, though. Both can be earned by playing, so you don’t miss out if you buy later.

The Deluxe extras are cosmetic. They don’t change the difficulty or unlock content early, so the Standard edition is enough for most players.

A Short Delay Before Launch

Phantom Blade Zero was first due on September 9, 2026. In the summer, S-GAME moved it back by about seven weeks to give the team more time for polish and performance work. Pre-orders opened at the same time, and on Steam they quickly climbed into the platform’s top sellers.

Previews in early October were based on four to six hours of a near-final build. Most of them praised the combat but asked for smoother performance, which is exactly what the extra weeks were meant to fix.

What the Reviews Say

Reviews went live just before launch, and they are strong. The game holds an 88 on Metacritic from more than 30 critics, with almost no mixed scores, and an 89 on OpenCritic from over 50 reviews.

Critics agree on the highlights:

• Combat. Fast, stamina-free fighting built around parries and counters.
• Bosses. Long, multi-phase fights with checkpoints between phases.
• Exploration. Connected regions full of shortcuts and hidden bosses.
• Weapons. Around 30 weapons, and upgrades can be refunded if you change your mind.
• Art and music. A distinct look that mixes kung fu cinema with a dark fantasy world.

The criticism is more mixed. The story divides reviewers, ordinary enemies can feel repetitive, and several outlets weren’t fans of the English voice acting. Performance also comes up often, especially on weaker PCs.

What Kind of Game It Is

You play as Soul, a member of a secret order who is framed for murder and left with just 66 days to live. The countdown is part of the story, and one of the four difficulty modes is named after it.

Despite the dark tone, S-GAME has been clear that this isn’t another Soulslike. Combat is faster and more forgiving, with no stamina bar slowing you down. Most players can expect 20 to 30 hours for a full run, spread across eight regions. The game runs on Unreal Engine 5 and supports full audio in English and Simplified Chinese, with subtitles in many other languages.

PC Requirements and Download Size

Both PC presets assume you use upscaling, and an SSD is required. Here is what Steam lists.

On PS5, the download is about 135 GB. That’s roughly a fifth of the usable space on a launch PS5, so you may need to delete something first.

Is It Coming to Xbox

Not soon. The PS5 version has a 12-month console exclusivity deal, so an Xbox release can’t happen before October 2027 at the earliest. The game also isn’t part of Game Pass.

So if you only own an Xbox, the choice right now is a PC or a PS5. S-GAME hasn’t ruled out other platforms after the exclusivity window, but it hasn’t announced anything either. Keep an eye on the studio’s channels next autumn if you’re waiting for an Xbox version.

Should You Buy It at Launch

If you love fast, demanding action games, the answer is probably yes. Almost every review calls the combat and boss fights the best parts, and those are what you’ll spend most of your time doing.

There are a few reasons to wait, though. Firstly, players on older or weaker PCs may want to see the first patches, since performance is the most common complaint. Secondly, Steam Deck owners should hold off for now. Finally, if story matters most to you, keep in mind that critics are split on the plot.

PS5 players are in the safest spot. The console version has been the main focus for the studio, and the 135 GB download is the only real hurdle.

How to Buy It Without a Bank Card

You don’t need a credit card to get the game. On PS5, add funds with a PlayStation Store gift card and buy Phantom Blade Zero from the store. On PC, a Steam gift card does the same job for your Steam Wallet.

Just match the card region to your account. A UK card works only on a UK PlayStation account, for example. Our guide to PSN gift card regions explains how to check yours.

Instant delivery

For PS5 players

PlayStation Store Gift Cards

Top up your PSN wallet and buy Phantom Blade Zero without a bank card. Codes arrive in your account within minutes.

Shop PlayStation Gift Cards

Playing on PC instead? Pick a Steam gift card for your account region and redeem it before launch, so the money is ready when the game unlocks.

Frequently Asked Questions