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Lords of the Fallen (2023)

7.4
Developer: Hexworks
Publisher: CI Games
Released: 2023
Metacritic: 71
25–40h
Avg. Playtime
No DLC
Expansions
Online
Multiplayer
$24.99
Best Price
PCPS5Xbox
⭐ Read Review 📖 Beginner Guide 💸 Best Price

About Lords of the Fallen (2023)

Lords of the Fallen (2023) is Hexworks' ambitious reimagining of the original 2014 game, built on Unreal Engine 5 and introducing a dual-realm mechanic that fundamentally changes how exploration works. The world exists simultaneously in two planes: Axiom (the world of the living) and Umbral (the realm of the dead). Using your Umbral Lamp, you can shift between realms at any time, solving puzzles, finding hidden paths, and revealing secrets invisible to the living eye.

When you die in Axiom, you're transferred to Umbral automatically — a dangerous second chance where enemies are stronger and a Grim Reaper-type Severed pursues you. Die in Umbral and it's back to your last checkpoint. This dual-death system creates tension absent from other Soulslikes: every moment in Umbral feels precarious, and escaping back to Axiom (by finding a Vestige respawn point while in Umbral) becomes a relief. The Umbral realm also has its own monsters, geometry, and lore distinct from Axiom.

Why Players Love It

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Axiom/Umbral Dual Realm

The world exists in two planes simultaneously. Shift between them using your lamp to find hidden paths, solve puzzles, and survive death.

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Umbral Lamp

Your core tool. Soul-flay enemies in Umbral to reveal their Axiom form, find Stigmas (lore collectibles), and locate hidden passages.

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Full Co-op

Up to two players can co-op the entire campaign seamlessly, including boss fights and exploration.

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Large World

An interconnected world spanning 15+ areas with more content than most modern Soulslikes at launch.

Overview Video

7.4Great

Our Verdict

Lords of the Fallen has one of gaming's most creative mechanics in its dual-realm system, let down by floaty combat and performance issues that patches have substantially improved.

Gameplay
7.5
Combat
7.0
Story
7.0
Graphics
8.5
Performance
7.0
Value
7.5
Read Full Review (1,500+ words)
Complete Beginner's Guide
⏱ 15 min · 📊 Medium · ✅ Progress tracking
Start Guide
Best Builds & Character Tips
⏱ 10 min · 📊 Easy · 🔧 Build Guide
View Guide
First Boss Guide & Strategies
⏱ 8 min · 📊 Hard · ⚔️ Boss Guide
View Guide
Tips & Tricks for New Players
⏱ 6 min · 📊 Easy · 💡 Tips
View Guide
Update 1.5 — Major Performance Overhaul
Feb 2024
  • Significant frame rate improvements across all platforms
  • Reduced load times in Umbral realm
  • Improved enemy AI pathfinding in co-op
  • Multiple crash fixes
Update 1.2 — Balance Revision
Nov 2023
  • Reduced mob density in several early areas
  • Improved Umbral Scourge (Grim Reaper) timing
  • Fixed several quest soft-locks
  • Adjusted Radiance spell balance

Community Tips

“Don't stay in Umbral long. Every second there, the Scourge gets stronger and more aggressive. Escape to Axiom the moment you see a Vestige beacon.”
— UmbralSurvivor · 567 upvotes
“The Smite infusion adds Holy damage effective against the undead and corrupted enemies that make up most of the game. Stack it early.”
— ForgottenSaint · 423 upvotes
“Co-op makes Lords of the Fallen significantly more enjoyable. The dual realm mechanics are much less stressful with a partner watching your back.”
— CoopKnight · 345 upvotes
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