Half Sword

Half Sword Demo is an upcoming physics-based medieval combat simulator developed by Half Sword Games.

Set in 15th-century Europe, the game puts you in the boots of a commoner dreaming of fame and honor on the battlefield. From back-alley duels to grand tournaments attended by royalty, players fight their way up the social ladder, striving to earn the coveted title of knight.



What sets Half Sword apart is its uncompromising realism, inspired by Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA), featuring historically accurate weapons, armor, and brutal gore.

Death is permanent, every duel is a risk, and each victory is a step toward becoming a legend.

Mian Features

• Physics-based melee combat inspired by real swordplay.
• Historically accurate XV-century arms and armor modeled in detail.
• One-on-one duels and tournaments with rising difficulty.
• Permadeath system raising the stakes of every fight.
• Mouse-based weapon control for precise swings, thrusts, and parries.
• Crafting and equipment progression, including forging or purchasing armor and weapons.
• Gambling mechanics, allowing players to bet on their own fights.
• Gruesome gore and dismemberment for a visceral, mature experience.

User Interface

The UI is deliberately minimalistic, putting the spotlight on combat. Menus are straightforward, focusing on character progression, equipment management, and tournament selection.



Combat HUD elements are sparse, with only the essentials shown—health and stamina indicators—leaving the rest of the screen uncluttered.

The realistic animations and feedback from weapon clashes become the primary way players read situations, emphasizing immersion over distraction.

Installation and Setup

As of now, Half Sword is not yet fully released. Players can download a tech demo on PC to test its mechanics, with the full version planned for 2025.

Installation is simple via a provided installer, and the developers recommend an SSD for smoother performance.

Since it’s still in development, optimization is ongoing, and hardware requirements remain partially unannounced.

How to Play

Starting as a commoner, you participate in duels across different arenas. Combat is controlled through mouse movements: swinging, blocking, and thrusting with precision.



Success depends not on button-mashing, but on careful timing, stamina management, and reading your opponent’s moves. Winning matches grants fame and wealth, which can be invested in better gear or forging custom equipment.

However, one mistake can end your run—permadeath means a loss erases all progress, making each fight a gamble of both skill and nerve.

FAQs

Is Half Sword for PC multiplayer?
Currently, the game is focused on a single-player experience, though multiplayer modes may be considered in the future.

Can I try the game before release?
Yes, a tech test demo is available, and playtest access may be requested from the developer.

Is the combat historically accurate?
Yes. The system is designed with input from HEMA practitioners and sword fencing experts.

How violent is the game?
Extremely. Expect decapitations, dismemberment, and heavy gore. It is strictly intended for mature audiences.

Will there be mod support?
While not confirmed, the developers have hinted at future possibilities for community content.



Alternatives

For Honor – A Ubisoft brawler with stylized yet tactical melee combat.

Chivalry 2 – A large-scale medieval battlefield experience, more chaotic but less focused on realism.

Mordhau – Another physics-driven medieval combat simulator with both single-player and multiplayer options.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance – A story-driven RPG with realistic medieval combat mechanics.

Pricing

Half Sword is not yet available for purchase, with a planned release date in 2025.

The DEMO can currently be downloaded for FREE, but no pricing model for the full release has been announced.

System Requirements

Minimum:

• Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
• OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
• Processor: TBA
• Graphics: TBA
• Additional Notes: SSD recommended

Recommended:

• Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
• OS: Windows 11
• Processor: TBA
• Graphics: TBA
• Additional Notes: SSD recommended

PROS

• Innovative physics-based combat system
• Historically accurate weapons and armor
• High immersion with mouse-driven controls
• Permadeath adds tension and strategy
• Crafting and equipment progression
• Brutal and realistic gore effects
• Unique focus on one-on-one dueling

CONS

• No confirmed release date yet
• Single-player only (for now)
• Steep learning curve may frustrate casual players
• Highly graphic violence limits audience
• Limited content in the current demo
• Unclear hardware requirements
• Progression lost permanently due to permadeath

Conclusion

Half Sword Demo is shaping up to be one of the most uncompromising and realistic medieval combat simulators on PC. By combining physics-driven mechanics, historically accurate weaponry, and brutal gore, it offers an experience that is both immersive and punishing.

The permadeath system ensures that every duel carries weight, and the minimal UI places combat at the heart of gameplay. While still awaiting an official release date, this game already stands out as a must-watch title for fans of hardcore melee simulations like Chivalry 2 and Mordhau.

If you crave authentic swordplay, medieval grit, and high stakes combat, keep this game firmly on your radar for 2025.