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Wuchang: Fallen Feathers

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Wuchang: Fallen Feathers
Developer(s)Leenzee
Publisher(s)505 Games
Director(s)Xia Siyuan [1]
Producer(s)Xia Siyuan [2]
Composer(s)Anti-General [a][3]
EngineUnreal Engine 5
Platform(s)
Release24 July 2025
Genre(s)Soulslike action role-playing
Mode(s)Single-player

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers [b] is an upcoming Soulslike action role-playing game developed by Leenzee and published by 505 Games. The player assumes the role of Bai Wuchang, a female pirate, embarking on a journey through the war-torn and plague-stricken lands of Shu during the late Ming dynasty.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is scheduled to release for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S on 24 July 2025.

Gameplay

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Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is a Soulslike action role-playing game.[5][6][7] It is played in single-player mode [4] from a third-person perspective.[7]

The player controls the female pirate Bai Wuchang.[8] She has access to twenty-five weapons, each offering a distinct combat style, spread across five weapon types.[9][10] She initially wields the Cloudfrost's Edge—a weapon based on a type of longsword known as a changdao.[1] Her weapons can be equipped as a primary or secondary option, allowing for quick weapon switching.[9][10]

The combat system is centered on Skyborn Might, which can be accrued and is used to activate abilities.[11] Wuchang can utilize weapon skills tied to her current weapon and discipline skills associated with its weapon type.[1] In addition, she has access to forty spells, which can be assigned to four spell slots.[9][10] The spells can be integrated into weapon combos, but a spell-focused combat style is also possible.[9] Defensive maneuvers include dodging, blocking, and parrying, with the latter two depending on the discipline skills associated with the type of equipped weapon.[1] The playstyle can be adjusted by reallocating points in the skill tree at no cost.[11]

Wuchang can be affected by Madness.[1][11][12] Madness at certain thresholds unlocks moves and abilities specific to weapon types.[11] It eventually manifests as a glowing red mark at the nape of her neck, signaling that her attacks are stronger and that she is more susceptible to damage.[1] If she dies while the mark is active, her Inner Demon materializes as a hostile entity haunting the area where she perished.[1] It resembles Wuchang herself, wielding the same weapons, spells, and items.[5]

Wuchang can collect outfits as loot drops from enemies.[13] Each outfit's appearance reflects the design of the enemy it was obtained from.[14] A transmogrification feature allows outfits to be selected based solely on appearance.[15]

The game follows a non-linear progression.[16][17] It takes place in a world with interconnected areas.[1][18] The traversal between areas is seamless, but some paths may initially be restricted.[1] Shrines, scattered throughout the place, act as checkpoints.[1][5] Shu Sanctum, a temple, serves as the main hub.[1] The world is populated by numerous non-player characters, who can be interacted with and may provide side quests.[19] The story has multiple endings and is influenced by side quests.[20]

Synopsis

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Setting

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Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is set in the war-torn and plague-stricken lands of Shu during the late Ming dynasty.[6][21] The story unfolds in an alternate history centered on the mysterious Feathering Disease.[18] According to Xia Siyuan, "Our portrayal of historical events aligns with mainstream historiography. However, the game's world diverges due to supernatural forces that reshaped history millennia ago. We show this through our worldbuilding, which traces back to the era of King Duyu of Shu [from the legendary era of Shu]."[22]

The game features characters based on historical figures from the Ming dynasty.[2][22] It includes Zhang Xianzhong's four adopted sons,[2][22] most notably Li Dingguo and Sun Kewang.[2] It also includes two foreign missionaries, Gabriel de Magalhães and Lodovico Buglio.[2]

The game incorporates characters based on historical figures from the Three Kingdoms period.[22]

Plot

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During the late Ming dynasty, the lands of Shu are devastated by warring factions and plagued by a mysterious illness known as the Feathering Disease, which drives its victims insane and gradually transforms them into monstrous beings. Bai Wuchang, a female pirate, suffers from amnesia and is afflicted with the disease.

Development

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The game features a scene based on Sichuan's Leshan Giant Buddha.[2]

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is a game developed by Leenzee and published by 505 Games.[5][6] Leenzee is a studio based in Chengdu, Sichuan, China.[1] The game was built using Unreal Engine 5.[9][23]

For the game, the developers drew upon historical sites of ancient Shu societies like Sanxingdui and Jinsha.[24] They adapted historical and mythical elements featured in classic literature, such as the Annals of the Kings of Shu, the Brocade Zither, and the Classic of Mountains and Seas.[24] They created the scenery based on the distinctive landscape, including the architecture and topography, of historical Shu and present-day Sichuan.[18]

According to Xia Siyuan, "For boss designs, we drew inspiration from Chinese history and culture, especially archaeological discoveries like Sanxingdui, as well as elements from Chinese mythology and folk stories, such as the Classic of Mountains and Seas and the 'Jiangkou Sunken Silver' legend. We hope to convey the uniqueness of these bosses through visual design, while also interpreting the 'Chinese-style supernatural' genre in the story."[25]

Xia commented that the success of Black Myth: Wukong provided many positive signs and boosted confidence in the future of Chinese studios as well as validated the market, while internally it confirmed that developing Wuchang: Fallen Feathers was the right decision and the game was on the right track.[26] In an interview published in May 2025, he stated that the team currently has 160 members.[22]

Release

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Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is scheduled to release for PC (Windows), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S on 24 July 2025.[27][28] It will be available as a Day One release on the subscription service Xbox Game Pass.[7][29][30]

Leenzee unveiled Wuchang: Fallen Feathers with a gameplay showcase during Bilibili's High Energy Video Game Festival (高能电玩节) on 17 September 2021.[24][31] At the time, the game had been in development for about a year and a half.[24][32] Following the showcase, 505 Games took notice and, after discussions with Xia Siyuan, the company's senior management unanimously decided to sign the project.[2] During the Xbox Games Showcase in June 2024, Leenzee and 505 Games released a trailer revealing a 2025 release window.[33] In March 2025, the social media channels for the game confirmed a summer 2025 launch.[34][35] In April 2025, Leenzee and 505 Games released a trailer announcing the release date as 24 July 2025.[36][37]

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers became available for pre-order starting 29 April 2025.[36] The Night & White Pack, which consists of two costume sets (Night Spectre and White Spectre), a weapon (Vermillion War Club), and a skill upgrade item, is a bonus incentive for pre-ordering.[37][38] The game is offered in the Standard Edition and the Deluxe Edition.[38] The latter edition adds extra content, namely four costume sets (Tiger of Fortune, Draconic Resurgence, Soul Ritual Robe, and Overlord's Regalia), four weapons (Watcher's Gaze, Dragoncoil Lance, Eternal Sovereignty, and Moonlight Dragon), and a skill upgrade item.[37][38]

The Day One Edition is the game's physical version.[39] It comes with downloadable content consisting of two costume sets (Night Spectre and White Spectre), a weapon (Vermillion War Club), and a skill upgrade item.[39] It is available for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.[39]

Reception

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Accolades

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Wuchang: Fallen Feathers won Surprise of the Year and was nominated for Most Anticipated Game at the UCG Game Awards 2024.[40][41]

Notes

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  1. ^ Zhong Ziqi is known by the artist name Anti-General.[3]
  2. ^ Simplified Chinese: 明末：渊虚之羽; traditional Chinese: 明末：淵虛之羽; pinyin: Míngmò: Yuānxū Zhī Yǔ.[4]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Wen, Alan (27 January 2025). "With Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, Chinese studio Leenzee aims to soar to the heights of its field". GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on 28 January 2025.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g 亞小安 (19 May 2025). "專訪《明末 淵虛之羽》製作人夏思源，透露首次曝光挨批至今的心路歷程". 4Gamers (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 28 May 2025.
  3. ^ a b Takowsky, Stephen (14 June 2024). "WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers Details & Trailer – Wishlist now!". 505 Games. Archived from the original on 10 November 2024.
  4. ^ a b Sam (18 October 2024). "魂系武俠 RPG《明末：淵虛之羽》公開最新宣傳影片 確定首日加入 Game Pass 陣容". 巴哈姆特 (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 23 January 2025.
  5. ^ a b c d Jisho (22 January 2025). "【試玩】《明末：淵虛之羽》序章試玩報導 充滿魂味的武俠黑暗奇幻作品". 巴哈姆特 (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 30 January 2025.
  6. ^ a b c Romano, Sal (9 June 2024). "WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers launches in 2025 for PS5, Xbox Series, and PC". Gematsu. Archived from the original on 23 June 2024.
  7. ^ a b c Wood, Austin (17 October 2024). "After loving Black Myth: Wukong, I'm pushing this new Chinese Soulslike action-RPG way up my wishlist following a bloody trailer that doubles the Sekiro vibes". GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on 24 January 2025.
  8. ^ Velde, Issy van der (29 April 2025). "Promising Soulslike Wuchang: Fallen Feathers finally gets a summer release date and a new trailer showing off its fast combat and electrifying soundtrack that blends traditional Chinese music with modern electric guitar riffs". GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on 29 April 2025.
  9. ^ a b c d e Palumbo, Alessio (11 February 2025). "Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Has Been Upgraded to Unreal Engine 5 for Improved Quality and Performance". Wccftech. Archived from the original on 11 February 2025.
  10. ^ a b c Sinha, Ravi (10 February 2025). "Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Has 25 Unique Weapons and 40 Spells". GamingBolt. Archived from the original on 12 February 2025.
  11. ^ a b c d Wood, Rhys (16 June 2025). "I played Wuchang: Fallen Feathers for four hours and I can confirm it has the soulslike sauce". TechRadar. Archived from the original on 17 June 2025.
  12. ^ Mejia, Ozzie (4 April 2025). "Wuchang: Fallen Feathers' most fearsome enemy may be yourself". Shacknews. Archived from the original on 17 April 2025.
  13. ^ co1dsleep (3 March 2025). "《明末》制作人：女主服装非常多 还有"大蚰蜒生物甲"". GamerSky (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 4 March 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  14. ^ 元素黄狗 (1 April 2025). "谈到女主服装问题！《明末：渊虚之羽》制作人接受UP主采访". GamerSky (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 1 April 2025.
  15. ^ 亞小安 (17 May 2025). "再戰中國魂遊《明末 淵虛之羽》，遊戲再提升並加入日文語音". 4Gamers (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 17 May 2025.
  16. ^ 猛鲨男鱼王 (3 May 2025). "《明末：渊虚之羽》将提供非线性体验！自由决定先打哪个Boss". GamerSky (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 3 May 2025.
  17. ^ Sinha, Ravi (2 May 2025). "Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Lets You Fight Bosses in Any Order". GamingBolt. Archived from the original on 3 May 2025.
  18. ^ a b c 王文杰 (20 January 2025). "《明末：渊虚之羽》：被喷换皮团队的翻身仗". ChuApp (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 28 January 2025.
  19. ^ Wacholz, Charlie (21 March 2025). "Color, character, and combat: one hour hands-on with Wuchang: Fallen Feathers". Epic Games. Archived from the original on 21 March 2025.
  20. ^ Parijat, Shubhankar (2 April 2025). "Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is 40-60 Hours Long "on Average" and Features "More Than Three" Endings". GamingBolt. Archived from the original on 2 April 2025.
  21. ^ 重田雄一 (29 April 2025). "中華ソウルライク『明末：ウツロノハネ』プレビュー 大自然のマップや防具ごとに見た目が変わるなど、ビジュアルへのこだわりが光る". IGN Japan. Archived from the original on 26 May 2025.
  22. ^ a b c d e Rodriguez, Jason (5 May 2025). "The brutal bosses of Wuchang: Fallen Feathers kicked my ass for two hours straight". TechRadar. Archived from the original on 5 May 2025.
  23. ^ Sinha, Ravi (10 February 2025). "Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Has Switched to Unreal Engine 5". GamingBolt. Archived from the original on 16 March 2025.
  24. ^ a b c d RU (17 September 2021). "有著《血源詛咒》既視感？類魂遊戲新作《明末：淵虛之羽》首度公開實機展示影片". 巴哈姆特 (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 23 January 2025.
  25. ^ Towell, Justin (30 January 2025). "Wuchang Fallen Feathers wants to pick up where Dark Souls left off: "If skilled players still rely on the HUD... the combat system has a significant problem"". GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on 19 February 2025.
  26. ^ McCrae, Scott (6 March 2025). "Black Myth: Wukong empowered fellow soulslike devs to become China's first "elite" devs on par with Naughty Dog or Capcom: "The market has been validated"". GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on 9 March 2025.
  27. ^ Palumbo, Alessio (29 April 2025). "WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers Opens Pre-Orders and Shares PC Specs Ahead of July 24 Launch". Wccftech. Archived from the original on 29 April 2025.
  28. ^ 元素黄狗 (30 April 2025). "《明末：渊虚之羽》PC配置公布！最低1070 推荐3070". GamerSky (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 30 April 2025.
  29. ^ 心态良好的胖子 (29 April 2025). "Xbox官方预热《明末》：7.24上线首日加入XGP！". GamerSky (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 30 April 2025.
  30. ^ Yin-Poole, Wesley (9 June 2024). "Microsoft Picks Up Wuchang: Fallen Feathers for Day-One Xbox Game Pass Launch". IGN. Archived from the original on 2025-02-12.
  31. ^ 閃電 (17 September 2021). "《明末：淵虚之羽》公開實機演示畫面，畫面、美術都很像中國版的《血源詛咒》". Yahoo News (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 23 January 2025.
  32. ^ Siwondark (17 September 2021). "国产魂类ARPG《明末：渊虚之羽》公开！女侠大战克苏鲁风怪物". GamerSky (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 23 January 2025.
  33. ^ Cripe, Michael (11 June 2024). "Xbox Games Showcase and Black Ops 6 Direct June 2024: Everything Announced". IGN. Archived from the original on 23 January 2025.
  34. ^ Norris, Jesse 'Doncabesa' (25 March 2025). "WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers coming this Summer". XboxEra. Archived from the original on 25 March 2025.
  35. ^ Galvão, Bruno (26 March 2025). "Wuchang: Fallen Feathers chega no verão". Eurogamer (in Portuguese). Archived from the original on 26 March 2025.
  36. ^ a b "明代末期の古蜀を舞台に謎の病と戦う。アクションRPG「明末：ウツロノハネ」，7月24日に発売決定。新キービジュアルも公開". 4Gamer (in Japanese). 29 April 2025. Archived from the original on 29 April 2025.
  37. ^ a b c Kennedy, Victoria (29 April 2025). "Chinese dark fantasy Wuchang: Fallen Feathers release date announced". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on 29 April 2025.
  38. ^ a b c Romano, Sal (28 April 2025). "WUCHANG: Fallen Feathers launches July 24". Gematsu. Archived from the original on 3 May 2025.
  39. ^ a b c Bitner, Jon (7 May 2025). "Soulslike RPG Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Getting A Physical Day 1 Edition". GameSpot. Archived from the original on 7 May 2025.
  40. ^ For the nominations, see "UCG游戏大赏2024全奖项提名公开！". Ultra Console Game (in Chinese). 27 December 2024. Archived from the original on 4 April 2025. For the results, see "UGA2024圆满结束！全奖项获奖游戏和厂商公开！". Ultra Console Game (in Chinese). 15 January 2025. Archived from the original on 5 April 2025.
  41. ^ For the results, see 沁雅畅慧 (16 January 2025). "「UCG 游戏大赏 2024」颁奖典礼圆满结束". Game Bonfire (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 21 January 2025.
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