Last updated on December 8th, 2025 at 10:19 pm
Bleak Sword – Action Game Review
Bleak Sword is a Action game from Devolver Digital, Inc., first launched in 19th September 2019.
It’s rated 12+ and currently has 881+ ratings on the App Store.
What Makes Bleak Sword Stand Out
Developed by more8bit
Bleak Sword is a dark fantasy action game tasking players to struggle across compact, cursed diorama battlefields. Through nine tense chapters, heroes must lift the curse of the legendary Bleak Sword by striking down all manner of creatures in every forest, swamp, castle, and dungeon on their journey. Invoke powerful magic, uncover helpful items, and level up your character to upgrade your stats before facing down menacing guardians. Once the curse has been lifted the challenging Arena Mode and thirty unlockable achievements await even the most accomplished warrior.
Bleak Sword is designed to be able to play it easily with elegant controls allowing heroes to roll, parry, attack and counter-attack using basic movements on gamepads and touch controls. Scored by award-winning composer Jim Guthrie with sound by famed designer Joonas Turner.
This Action game offers engaging gameplay and regular updates for mobile players.
Player Feedback
As a newer release, Bleak Sword is building its player community. Early feedback suggests .
Recent Updates & Development
Latest Update: 3rd October 2022
Recent improvements include:
Thanks for downloading Bleak Sword's latest content update! Here's What's New!
- Take on 10 new challenging levels in the Castle of Despair
- Face the evil maker of the Bleak Sword in an epic new boss fight!
- Encounter two new diabolical enemies; the Hunched Knight, and the Bleak Sword maker's fiendish tentacle demons!
- New music from Jim Guthrie
Download & Availability
Bleak Sword is available through the official App Store for iOS devices.
Requirements: Requires iPhone 5s / iPad Air / iPad Air (Cellular) / iPad Mini 2 (Retina) / iPad Mini 2 (Retina, Cellular) / iPhone 6 / iPhone 6 Plus / iPad Air 2 / iPad Air 2 (Cellular) / iPad Mini 3 or later.
Compatible with iPhone and iPad devices.
Player Experience Highlights
Community Insight:
So we LOVE difficult games like soulslikes and metroidvanias, BUT we havent had access to our computer for around half a year now and the itch to play one was just growing by the day. We scoured every inch of the App Store for something that would hit the spot all the same, yet on mobile. And lo and behold, Bleak Sword. This is an AMAZING game, we would recommend this to anyone who likes challenging, grim games. Its very fun. Also, recommendation: PLAY ON HARD MODE. We replayed the game with easy and it was still challenging, but hard mode really feels like dark souls difficulty, its amazing.
We feel like this game is the sweet spot in gaming for us. We love the graphics, the 2-d but 3-d style of the game. Ive spent so long looking for an action packed game where youre in control and your weapon doesnt just attack o. Its own. Its got a great plot and theres so much to do. The only things we need are some sort of stamina stat so we can attack more, and easier blocking. We mostly block on accident which is annoying because then it messes up our rhythm of fighting. Highly recommended.
Devolver doesnt miss. This game rules. Its easily one of the best soulslikes in a unique style and we were stoked when we saw it released for the switch, so it would be incredible if we could get horizontal & controller support for mobile. Please More8Bit.
Great game It was not clear to us at first they we had to go back to earlier levels to grind xp.
This is too cool to be wasted on the App Store, and we were very happy to see that it was added on steam. We will not be playing on the phone and instead will buy this on steam where we can enjoy it properly.
Ive played it a lot, and we love how you dont have to restart when you die, we also love the bestiary, maps, monsters, mechanics, very pleased with it, especially for it being mobile.
This is a very fun game. We really just wanted to write a review because we just found something a little strange. At least for us, every single boss was significantly easier to beat than the regular stages (at least in normal mode) every single boss only took one attempt to beat while we also took almost no damage.
Its really an amazing game. Short, sweet, right to the point. The combat is really well balanced and intuitive. It is also difficult at times, and it was a genuinely fun challenge to complete the game. We hope they come out with more levels and worlds. Or maybe something like an endless mode. We really, really enjoyed this game – An avid Souls game enjoyer.
We downloaded this game last minute before a cruise and was extremely pleased with the content. Its satisfying to overcome each level and doesnt take too long to complete each one. None verbal story is kinda interesting too. You kinda imprint your own thoughts on the character. Whelp that was crazynext boss now. Oh we also use the two handed touch screen method which took a second to get used to but Im loving it now.
So simple and so effective. Been looking for an actual good game to play in portrait mode and Im addicted now. We wondered why this was so good and then we saw Devolver Digital made it. Lots of fun especially if youre into the Souls series and looking for something quick to pick up and play on your phone. Can be played with one thumb and still lots of fun.
If you like fighting and epic sword slicing then this is the game you will absolutely love a think its a little better then Jetpack joy ride. Who ever made this game is literally the best! Its like the owners of Hollow Knight and some samurai made a dark force that just you cant resist playing ITS SOO GOOD we dont even think one thing needs updating! Trust us on our free time we will be playing this FOR EVER! Loving it.
We love this game because its basically a prime fantasy game. It has the whole package: unique gameplay, good story, fun fights, diverse enemies, and the stereotypical character system (HP, defense, damage) that everyone loves. However, sometimes we spawn in levels with half or less health, even before any enemy spawns, which usually costs us the level. Other than that, amazing game.
We play Bleak Sword with a bluetooth controller, so we don't need to use on-screen controls. We also prefer to play games on our iPad while attached to our Magic Keyboard – but Bleak Sword is ONLY in portrait orientation. When we play it via Apple TV, it is setup for landscape orientation, so it just makes us wish that was available for the iPad and iPhone, too. Almost costs a star for the rating, but we're feeling generous and optimistic! Such a good game.
This is our favorite mobile game.
We really wish this game got more recognition. Its really good.
This is honestly probably the best mobile game we've ever played, there isn't much else to it. Smooth combat controls, not super grindy, but also not easy, and high quality animations and cutscenes. The only real criticism we have is that the base game (9 worlds with 10 levels each) doesn't have enough content. We got through the whole thing in probably less than five hours of game time, and it left us wanting new and harder monsters to kill.
Im about to cry because of how hard this game is and honestly we cant help but make the comparison of thouartdead from Monsters House and Undertale but man this is difficult.
Well thought out mechanics and punishing difficulty (play on max difficulty) create an addicting experience that Ive put more hours into than we probably shouldve.
Looks cool, plays well. Nice game.
Only negative is that you cant skip the credits. This makes grinding so too time consuming.
This game is perfect. If you like this play down well.
We have played through the whole game and it has amazing combat and a fun fighting style that we can never get bored of 10/10.
We want to thank the developers for making such a fun game. We dont know what it is with most games now a days, especially mobile games. But they are not as fun as they use to be. The creators did a good job of making this game not only simple, but genuinely enjoyable. Im also glad that they added different difficulties to account for the preferences of different players. We cant tell you how many times we have dropped a game simply for treating us like a baby and putting us on super easy mode. Its like some developers are afraid making a more difficult mode will drive away their players. So Im glad these devs added different difficulties. Did we talk about the fun controls and mechanics? The gameplay is just so good, Im finding ourselves taking 10min breaks to relax and play the game when Im working on something. Thank you devs for creating a great game and we cant wait to buy this when it comes out on steam.
We always wished we had a souls like could play on the go, this is that game. The controls are extremely fluid, the animation is fantastic, the character design is genius, and the gameplay itself couldnt get better. Its the perfect mobile gaming experience.
This is one of the best souls like/ rouge like games on phone that we have ever played. The combat is simple and easy to learn but hard to master. Awesome pixel art and overall great aesthetic. Remember to keep in mind that we are very early in the game and our opinions might change but so far an awesome game 10/10.
This game is fun, and challenging at the exact same time! Some games in arcade feel rushed and broken. But this is a breath of fresh air! Its so weird how people think this is a bad game as this game can be endlessly re-playable if there was more content. Thats our only problem, the only problem is that there is not much content but besides that, the game is amazing and people say the controls are not good. But for a mobile game this is pretty good! Totally recommended for all.
An amazing game we stumbled upon by chance, Id implore anyone with a vague interest to at least try it. Super unique controls keep you on your toes but rarely frustrated, 10/10 guys.
We love the music, the gameplay, the story, the animations. Even though this game is very hard at times, its still a really good game.
Fluid mechanics, brief but enticing lore, no ads & gets challenging later on. Pretty much all you could ask for in an IOS adventure game.
Great game, we loved the music and the dark style. Our favorite area is the burning city in act IV any Dark Souls, Bloodbourne, or Alden Ring fans will love this game. Our only complaint is very small you cant skip the credits after the first time beating it, which means it takes a while between tries at beating the final boss without taking damage. It would be great to see a sequel or update with different classes, more than two equipment slots, and of course be longer. Arena is fun! If you added an endless option you could have upgrades and items drop randomly, and have the monster spawns and bosses also randomized and increase in amount the longer you stay alive. The original arena you could leave for rank and achievements. A++ for the game overall.
We love the way this game looks and the storyline is also amazing the style and textures that the game has is extremely cool thats all we have to say.
Great game. Nice story, easy controls, fun to play. Thanks for this piece of art.
HOLY HECK this game is absolutely AMAZING! For those who just got apple arcade, this is a MUST. This is the best pixel fighter ive EVER played, or seen. Would totally recommend, no doubt whatsoever. Oh, and developers, if you are reading this, heres a thought: multiplayer. This game is cool and all in single player, but imagine how much more fun this game could be in multiplayer? Think of this: 2-3 players in one match,co-op or pvp, slaying bosses and riding on horseback together.
This is one of the best games we played with action, story, and mystery but can you add different weapons like bows and arrows.
An excellent artstyle, gameplay, enemy variety, and environment design. Very fun and moderately challenging game.
Only half way through the first world and we love the way the combat flows and the movement works.
Pretty easy on normal mode, boss levels are easier than some normal ones interestingly. Cool mechanics.
Starting out, its a super fun game. The game play is easy to learn and not super hard at first. We do have two things we really dont like about the game though 1. Items are pointless late game because you lose them when you die. It takes us three or four tries to pass the later levels so unless its a permanent upgrade item, its pointless. Very frustrating. 2. Blocking is a really cool mechanic but pointless late game. Almost every late game boss and mini boss does 95% unblock-able attacks. So blocking becomes pointless. You either have to avoid them or use the invincibility frames from your attack to avoid there attacks. This is frustrating because blocking is a cool mechanic but its pointless in the boss and mini boss fights.
Ive been enjoying this game. Inventory management is really changing but a fun part of the strategy. Haptic feedback would be a plus.
Ive had this game for a about a week and we love it. Sad to say we beat the game, and we wish there was more story content after the bleak realm to level up the character more. Also, we went back to get the trophies for beating the bosses without being touched and every time you beat the final boss it queues the end credits with no way to skip them. All in all its a great game just wish were was more story.
First of all, this game has some incredibly satisfying melee combat, as well as a unique artstyle that usually looks really good. However, this game almost feels like a demo in some ways, and we feel like it had way more potential. There are a couple frustrating design choices, such as losing your items and having to grind for a chance to get decent ones again. The big thing for us, however, is the items you get couldve been way more interesting instead of just increasing your stats. For example, you could have an item that increases your attack range, makes your charge attack charge faster, makes you heal a tiny bit when you get a kill, that kind of thing. We think having unique items would add a ton of variety and replayability to an otherwise pretty solid game.
6-5 on catacombs we cannot beat! Just so hard like how do people even beat the game? Too many ghosts appear out of nowhere not fair! They can go through walls, attack deals heavy damage if theres lots attacking and through walls. Like how? Overall its fun, but we did just turn 9, with a new apple pen sorta heh . . Anyways we give it (look up XD).
Graphically, the game is fantastic. We love the aesthetics, but its is just too hard to differentiate the amount of time allowed to touch the screen for move vs. Block vs. Attack vs. Strong attack. Once the field has two or more enemies, we never seem to do what we intend to do.
The game is nice and fun (when you dont die every second), but its too hard. We understand that its supposed to be hard, but its just a little too hard, and the controls are very confusing (atleast for us). Even normal mode is hard, an easier mode would be nice and we would greatly appreciate it, but without an easier mode, we can not easily enjoy the game, and that ruins our experience. One reason why the game is very difficult, is because the enemies attack too fast, which gives us no time to block, and its very annoying, as the enemies do a lot of damage, and health is not healed until you die. Another reason is because the attacks take too long to charge up, and you get interrupted by the enemies. One other annoying reason is that when you die, you have to beat the level to get everything back, and that is very annoying, because on boss levels, the bosses deal way too much damage, and you cant really do anything about it, because bosses attack faster, and can kill you quickly. We dont know if this is just us, but we think the game would be much more enjoyable with an easy mode instead of a normal mode and a hard mode.
We were excited to redownload this game and play it on iPad with a controller, but was disappointed to find theres no landscape support. Please add this in an update.
By the 2nd area, its just too much. Enemies shooting things at you, tentacles popping out the water, and everything else is coming at you from all directions its just too much. And the block is just too difficult to pull off consistently. Your timing has to be near perfect. And it just gets grating after the 15th level or so. Its the same thing over and over, just more and more difficult. But we think this game could be great with more refinement. Make the block easier to do, give the player a much bigger inventory from the start, and the item pool much bigger and interesting from the start. Players will always enjoy making decisions on what items to equip.
Sometimes its unresponsive other than that its a good game.
This game is basically unplayable on tv as anytime you press the B' button either on the main menu, or during gameplay (which is one of the main buttons during gameplay) the game closes. Also, since Im using the first generation SteelSeries controller (which only has one menu/pause button), anytime you press it, the game also closes. With that being said, ive literally been unable to even play this game at all.
This game is challenging and the control scheme is awesome. We also love the atmosphere and feel of it. It is amazing how much the developers can convey with a few pixels. It feels like a much more graphically intense game. We also love that you can play it with one hand, since it makes the game a ton more accessible for disabled people. Thank you.
Not gonna suggest a change, we just wanted to say that we love this game :) Its so cool! Especially the red skull biting the screen is so cool! This is a fun game to play when ur just sitting there bored, just whip it out to pass time :D.
User feedback from Apple App Store
App Details
- Version: 4.0
- Size: 466.93 MB
- iOS: 13.0 or later
- Languages: AR, NL, EN, FR, DE, IT, JA, KO, PT, RU, ZH, ES, ZH, TR
- Content Advisory: Frequent/Intense Cartoon or Fantasy Violence
- Developer: Devolver Digital, Inc.
Last updated: 3rd October 2022 | Genre: Action | Developer: Devolver Digital, Inc.