Lords of the Fallen

Lords of the Fallen sets a new benchmark for all Soulslikes out there. It masters what we love about the genre, and adds to it in many ways. It won't get better than this for a while.

Starting at $1.77Buy now

Get on Steam

Get on Xbox Games Store

Get on Epic Games Store

Get on PS Store

"Lords of the Fallen: Master of Fate" introduces over 30 updates with advanced game modifier system for full playstyle customization. Experience significant performance enhancements, difficulty balancing, and improved multiplayer matchmaking, following player feedback since launch. This version concludes the free content roadmap, providing a significantly improved experience for new and returning players alike.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Reviews

70%

Audience ScoreBased on 12,603 reviews

gameplay1,123 positive mentions

optimization702 negative mentions

gameplay
3,208 mentions
35 % positive mentions
57 % neutral mentions
8 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Lords of the Fallen" has received mixed reviews, with players praising its unique mechanics, particularly the dual-world system involving the umbral realm, which adds depth to exploration and combat. However, many criticize the clunky controls, inconsistent lock-on mechanics, and overwhelming enemy density that can detract from the overall experience. While some find the combat engaging and the visuals stunning, others feel that the game suffers from tedious mechanics and a lack of polish, leading to frustration rather than enjoyment.
- “The dual-world mechanic is quite fun and allows for a lot of cool exploration moments from passing through passages that exist only in one reality to literally walking on giant skeletal titans frozen in an umbral stasis.”
- “The umbral mechanic is one of the most unique things added to a souls-like yet, and I hope a sequel with even more improvements/mechanics is made.”
- “The umbral mechanic is a unique and clever exploration mechanic - it's just kind of a disaster in practice.”
- “This game is a prime example of how not to develop a video game, with its abysmal gameplay mechanics, laughable NPC movesets, nonexistent recovery frames, and a multiplayer experience that could only be described as a festering cesspool of mediocrity.”
- “From awkward combat animations to unreliable hit detection, attempting to engage with this game's mechanics is an exercise in sheer frustration.”
- “The gameplay is a chore and feels artificial and annoying rather than hard but fun and challenging.”
optimization
3,057 mentions
13 % positive mentions
65 % neutral mentions
23 % negative mentions
The optimization of "Lords of the Fallen" has been a significant point of contention among players, with many reporting severe performance issues, including stuttering, frame drops, and crashes, even on high-end systems. While some users have managed to achieve stable performance through various tweaks and updates, the overall consensus indicates that the game still requires substantial optimization to meet the expectations set by its graphics and gameplay mechanics. Frequent patches from the developers show a commitment to improving performance, but many players recommend waiting for further updates before fully engaging with the game.
- “Hell yes, amazing game after they fixed the bugs and improved optimization. I just beat the game and it's a masterpiece. Last time I had this much enjoyment was Dark Souls 3 and Elden Ring.”
- “The devs have optimized the living hell out of the game, balanced so much, and even added extra quests, bosses, and armor.”
- “Despite the performance issues people are having, which does suck I get it (especially when people expect a smooth launch), the game is actually really good, I'd say a must play for people who enjoy souls games.”
- “One of the worst optimized games I have ever played.”
- “However, I have a high-end gaming PC and still have constant stuttering; also, the game still crashes like every 2-3 hours.”
- “This game is poorly optimized and is far from being interesting.”
graphics
1,861 mentions
48 % positive mentions
49 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Lords of the Fallen" have received mixed reviews, with many praising the stunning visuals and art direction, particularly the dual-world mechanic that enhances the aesthetic experience. However, performance issues, including frame drops and stuttering, have been a common complaint, especially on lower-end systems, leading some players to struggle with optimization despite having capable hardware. Overall, while the graphics are often described as beautiful and immersive, the game's performance can detract from the visual experience for many players.
- “The graphics are stunning, the world is very interconnected with great vistas.”
- “The visuals are breathtaking, its gameplay mechanics are laudable, and its vast map has so many awesome locations begging to be explored.”
- “The graphics are incredible and they apparently fixed a lot of the issues people were having with optimization.”
- “Absolute garbage, game lags all over, sometimes graphics do not render, use mana potion and mana won't regen?”
- “The game, no matter what settings I changed, was almost unplayable in certain sections despite the fact that I have never had any issues running the same quality of games on higher graphics resolutions.”
- “I really wanted to like this game, the aesthetics, environment, innovative lamp gameplay mechanic, but this game is more tedious than fun.”
story
1,302 mentions
27 % positive mentions
68 % neutral mentions
6 % negative mentions
The story of "Lords of the Fallen" has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it engaging yet flawed. While some appreciate the intriguing lore and character depth, others criticize the narrative for being generic and poorly executed, often requiring players to rely on guides to navigate convoluted quests that can easily be failed. The game's storytelling, reminiscent of classic souls-like titles, is noted for its atmospheric presentation but is also seen as lacking in clarity and coherence, leading to a frustrating experience for those seeking a more straightforward narrative.
- “While the mechanics may have their flaws, the story and characters are where this game truly shines.”
- “Furthermore, the multiple endings, including the radiance and umbral endings, offer a sense of agency and consequence to the player's actions, encouraging multiple playthroughs to fully explore the branching paths of the story.”
- “In conclusion, while Lords of the Fallen may have its mechanical shortcomings, its captivating story and well-developed characters make it a memorable and worthwhile experience for any fan of dark fantasy narratives.”
- “The story is ultimately forgettable.”
- “The story is so generic that you won't care at all.”
- “The story is convoluted and hard to follow.”
grinding
539 mentions
1 % positive mentions
3 % neutral mentions
97 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of "Lords of the Fallen" has been widely criticized for being excessively tedious and frustrating. Players report that the game features repetitive enemy encounters, high enemy density, and a lack of variety, which leads to a grindy experience that feels more like a chore than enjoyable gameplay. Many reviewers express dissatisfaction with the slow progression and the necessity to farm for upgrades and materials, often feeling that the game prioritizes artificial difficulty over engaging challenges.
- “Pretty amazing Dark Souls game; if you're not grinding, you're failing.”
- “Skip mobs if not farming; you can always travel anywhere to farm.”
- “Not grinding hours into a game that will brick my saves.”
- “The game is the definition of tedious.”
- “The umbral world ends up being an annoying and tedious mechanic forcing you to spend the vast majority of the time in it if you don't want to miss items.”
- “The game feels like it was made with the sole intent to be tedious and annoying with its vestige distance.”
stability
424 mentions
16 % positive mentions
1 % neutral mentions
83 % negative mentions
The game's stability has been a significant point of contention among players, with many reporting persistent bugs, glitches, and performance issues, particularly in multiplayer modes. While some users have experienced smooth gameplay after recent patches, others continue to face severe problems, including crashes, freezing, and unresponsive controls. Overall, the game is seen as needing further optimization and bug fixes to reach a more stable state.
- “So far we had no glitches or bugs and multiplayer seems to work great.”
- “The developers have patched this game for every single day since its release and it works like a charm and is not buggy at all anymore.”
- “Finally, as for performance, it runs great with no stutters or screen tears, smooth gameplay.”
- “This game is a buggy mess, the worst I've ever played.”
- “The game is poorly optimized and the co-op is buggy.”
- “Technical issues further compound the woes of 'Lords of the Fallen.' From the outset, the game is plagued by a slew of bugs and glitches that impede progress and hinder enjoyment.”
atmosphere
365 mentions
59 % positive mentions
40 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of "Lords of the Fallen" is widely praised for its stunning visuals, intricate world design, and immersive dark fantasy elements, reminiscent of the Souls series. Players appreciate the rich details in environments like ruined cities and cathedrals, as well as the haunting soundtrack that enhances the overall experience. However, some reviews note that while the atmosphere captivates, it can sometimes overshadow gameplay mechanics, leading to frustration with repetitive enemy encounters.
- “The atmosphere and world they've created here is perfect, in my opinion.”
- “The gothic architecture, atmospheric lighting, and intricate character models contribute to a palpable sense of foreboding.”
- “The hauntingly beautiful landscapes, coupled with an immersive soundtrack, create an atmosphere that stays with you long after you've put down the controller.”
- “I had to pretty much force myself into playing the game hoping it would get better, but the game basically offers the best it has in the starting couple of hours and then drags out what little it has in terms of enemies and bosses over and over the entire way till the end. The game is kind of deceiving in a way that the visuals and atmosphere hook you up and encourage you to play, but then the gameplay doesn't really match the cool atmosphere, leading to frustration.”
- “The atmosphere is also incredibly strong in some areas; however, in others, it can be pretty generic and uninteresting.”
- “Great graphics and atmosphere ruined by poor game design.”
music
289 mentions
45 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with many praising its ability to enhance the atmosphere and emotional impact during exploration and boss fights. While some tracks are described as memorable and fitting for the game's dark fantasy theme, others find the overall soundtrack to be forgettable or lacking in standout moments. Overall, the music is generally considered solid, contributing positively to the game's immersive experience, though it may not reach the heights of other titles in the genre.
- “The atmosphere of the game and the music are amazing.”
- “The hauntingly beautiful landscapes, coupled with an immersive soundtrack, create an atmosphere that stays with you long after you've put down the controller.”
- “The music is well done, the most standout song for me is the judge cleric's theme (also the best fight, in my opinion).”
- “The only true 'low point' for me is the music.”
- “The music is entirely unremarkable, and I fail to recall even a single track that is worth remembering.”
- “The whole 70 hours I've played, there has been no music/soundtrack in the game at all!”
humor
75 mentions
97 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is described as a mixed bag, with moments of genuine hilarity stemming from janky animations, quirky enemy behaviors, and unexpected bugs that often break immersion. While some players find the comedic elements charming and reminiscent of classic titles like Dark Souls, others feel that the humor can be overused or detract from the overall experience, leading to frustration rather than amusement. Overall, the game's blend of intentional and unintentional humor contributes to a unique, albeit sometimes inconsistent, atmosphere.
- “The game is not necessarily perfect; it doesn't run perfectly all the time, and you can get locked in areas in pretty funny situations, but that adds to its charm, just like it did with Dark Souls.”
- “Also, you run like you're constipated trying to hold in Taco Bell, so that's kinda funny.”
- “It's just hilarious to me that the biggest challenge of the game isn't the bosses or enemies but rather how often you fall to your death.”
- “Especially towards the end of the game, I just kept running through because it is too annoying, unfair, and not funny at all.”
- “This is not funny.”
replayability
64 mentions
39 % positive mentions
56 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
"Lords of the Fallen" boasts significant replayability, driven by its diverse build options, multiple endings, and a rich world filled with secrets and lore. Players appreciate the game's depth, customization, and the challenge of new game modes, although some feel that certain mechanics can hinder the experience. Overall, the game offers a rewarding replay experience, especially for fans of the souls-like genre.
- “The variety of items available and the numerous build options contribute to the game's replayability, encouraging players to experiment with different playstyles.”
- “The game's replayability is enhanced by its multiple endings, encouraging players to delve into various choices and paths to uncover different outcomes.”
- “Its incredible depth and replayability make for a rewarding and unique experience, and its stunning visuals provide an immersive and exciting world to explore.”
- “This game is a one and done type of deal; replayability for different endings is not fulfilling nor rewarding to warrant more time investment.”
- “However, not having permanent vestiges turns the game into a hassle as you have to backtrack throughout the whole map to get to a different place to finish a quest, talk to an NPC, etc. Literally zero replayability with this mechanic.”
- “Ng+ completely lacks the replayability that this genre is known for.”
monetization
42 mentions
5 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
95 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has drawn significant criticism, with players feeling misled by false advertising regarding seamless co-op features and overall gameplay quality. Many reviewers describe the game as a cash grab, lacking depth and polish, and express frustration over the absence of microtransactions despite the game's numerous technical issues and misleading promotional claims. Overall, players advise against purchasing the game at full price, citing a lack of value and a disappointing experience.
- “Constant updates from the developers, and no microtransactions.”
- “And it's all even for free, no microtransactions.”
- “Do not buy this game for anything over $30 and that's even pushing it; they saw Lies of P come out and thought, 'Ooh, cash grab.'”
- “But the game as a whole feels like a soulless (pun intended) cash grab jumping off of Miyazaki's recent success with Elden Ring.”
- “Their whole advertising premise was seamless multiplayer, a new take on a dark fantasy, but when there are no incentives to even load into multiplayer as only the host gains progression, and drops are abysmal for joining lampbearers, it just feels like a total scam.”
emotional
39 mentions
92 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
8 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game elicits mixed responses from players, with some finding moments of deep connection and heartbreak, particularly through character interactions and the impactful soundtrack. However, many express frustration with the game's mechanics and story execution, leading to feelings of disconnection and disappointment, especially during challenging encounters and predictable plot developments. Overall, while there are poignant moments, the emotional engagement is often undermined by gameplay issues and a lack of meaningful character development.
- “Following her story correctly lets you summon her for the penultimate boss fight against her demonically transformed husband, and after you bring him down she appears in the throne room and gives a brief line of heartbreaking dialogue before vanishing into a cloud of moths.”
- “It's also a bit heartbreaking when you really bond with someone while playing with a stranger online but then get disconnected and have no means at all of ever reconnecting with them.”
- “From the haunting melodies during exploration to the intense crescendos during boss battles, the soundtrack effectively enhances the emotional impact of the game.”
- “Lore 2/10: Really boring story-wise; even Nioh does a better job there.”
- “Story: I was expecting a boring storyline (Dark Souls copy-pasted), but it is not the case.”
character development
29 mentions
48 % positive mentions
41 % neutral mentions
10 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is noted for its strong visual design, particularly with unique and striking character aesthetics that enhance immersion. However, many players feel that the actual narrative and emotional depth of characters are lacking, with limited reactions and development during quests. Overall, while the character designs are praised, the depth of character development leaves room for improvement.
- “However, where 'Lords of the Fallen 2' truly shines is in its narrative and character development.”
- “The architecture, landscapes, and character design are top-notch, making you feel like you're exploring a dark and mysterious fantasy world that is both beautiful and terrifying.”
- “That’s mainly because most of them have very little reaction or character development during these quests.”
- “Ranged options in the game are available and viable for all character development paths and largely mitigate a lot of these problems, but it's just so exhausting playing through someone's absolutely misguided idea of what a challenging 'souls like' is.”
- “The dark ambiance, coupled with intricate character development, enhances the overall atmosphere.”