"Master the blade in the most brutal, physics-driven medieval combat experience ever created."
Updates & Events
Half Sword - 20% OFF on Steam
Half Sword is currently featured on the Steam store!
About
Step into the muddy boots of a 15th-century commoner and rise through the ranks of gritty tournaments to knighthood. Half Sword is not a button-masher; it is an uncompromising physics simulation where you control the weapon with your mouse, dictating every angle, thrust, and parry. Experience the visceral reality of medieval warfare, where plate armor deflects wild swings and a single well-placed thrust into a gap means instant death.
Story
There is no high fantasy prophecy here—only the bloody ascent of a nobody fighting for renown. Set against the backdrop of 15th-century Europe, you progress through increasingly deadly tournaments and gauntlets. The narrative is emergent, written in the scars you accumulate and the armor you earn as you survive the brutal life of a tournament fighter.
Gameplay
Control is everything. Using a unique mouse-driven system, players directly manipulate their weapon's position and momentum. You must angle your blade to deflect strikes, perform 'half-sword' maneuvers by gripping the blade for precision stabs, and utilize grappling or kicks to off-balance heavily armored foes. The combat is deliberate, tactical, and governed entirely by active physics rather than pre-canned animations.
Key Features
- 11:1 Mouse-Driven Combat Control
- 2Historically Accurate XV-Century Arms & Armor
- 3Deep Soft-Body Physics & Gore System
- 4Active Grappling & Wrestling Mechanics
- 5Procedural Damage Based on Armor Gaps
- 6Half-Swording & Alternate Grip Techniques
- 7Roguelite Gauntlet Progression Mode
- 8Immersive First-Person Perspective
Highlights
Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Unparalleled combat physics depth
- +Satisfying and brutal feedback loop
- +Incredible attention to historical detail
- +High skill ceiling rewarding mastery
Cons
- -Steep initial learning curve
- -Demanding hardware requirements
- -Unforgiving difficulty for casuals
Game Ratings
Every collision and swing is physically simulated
Realistic blood, wounds, and dismemberment
Authentic 15th-century armor and techniques
Requires patience, timing, and spatial awareness
High mastery curve for mouse manipulation
Who Will Enjoy This?
Lovers of historical martial arts and accuracy
Players who enjoy QWOP-like or Exanima complexity
Those seeking a brutal challenge
Similar To
Physics Movement
Exanima
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Historical Combat
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
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Weapon Simulation
Blade & Sorcery
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💡 Did You Know?
The game is named after the real historical technique of gripping the sword blade to guide the point.
Armor isn't just a stat boost; it has physical collision meshes that actually deflect strikes.
Developed by a globally dispersed team spanning Georgia, Sweden, India, and Argentina.
Players can aim for specific anatomical weak points, like armpits, to bypass plate armor.
Hidden mechanics like weapon throwing were discovered by the community rather than tutorials.
Latest Updates & Events
Half Sword - 20% OFF on Steam
Half Sword is currently featured on the Steam store!
“The most satisfying medieval combat mechanics currently available.”— Steam Community Review
“Changing EVERYTHING with refinements to combat.”— Dev Log Update
Game Ratings
Every collision and swing is physically simulated
Realistic blood, wounds, and dismemberment
Authentic 15th-century armor and techniques
Requires patience, timing, and spatial awareness
High mastery curve for mouse manipulation
Who Will Enjoy This?
Lovers of historical martial arts and accuracy
Players who enjoy QWOP-like or Exanima complexity
Those seeking a brutal challenge
Similar To
💡 Did You Know?
The game is named after the real historical technique of gripping the sword blade to guide the point.
Armor isn't just a stat boost; it has physical collision meshes that actually deflect strikes.
Developed by a globally dispersed team spanning Georgia, Sweden, India, and Argentina.
Players can aim for specific anatomical weak points, like armpits, to bypass plate armor.
Hidden mechanics like weapon throwing were discovered by the community rather than tutorials.
Latest Updates & Events
Half Sword - 20% OFF on Steam
Half Sword is currently featured on the Steam store!
Timeline
Combat Stances
- •Standard Grip: Balanced swings and parries
- •Half-Sword: Gripping blade for thrust accuracy/grappling
- •Reverse Grip: Situational defense and close quarters
- •Grapple: Q/E keys to seize and throw opponents
Game Details
- Developer
- Half Sword Games
- Publisher
- Game Seer Publishing
- Platforms
- PC
- Genres
- Simulation, Action +1
- Atmosphere
- intense