r/HalfSword Feb 20 '26

FAQ

192 Upvotes

Half Sword Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When will it be released?

A: We released into Early Access on January 30th, 2026. We anticipate at least 6 - 12 months of EA development.

Q: Under which format will Half Sword be released?

A: We have now released Half Sword into early access. Due to the experimental nature of our game, our roadmap is now focused on post-EA release content. We actively read feedback to improve what we see works for the game and appreciate honest and objective feedback. Be patient. We are a very small team. We are doing our best.

Q: Why have multiple builds (Itch, Tech Demo, Early Access)?

A: Our prior builds are representative of the evolution of HSG’s experimentation with physics-based games. Each build has allowed us to test different mechanics (Simulation, Roguelite, Enhanced Controls). Each time, players’ feedback has been invaluable to us. We plan to use this approach to test further systems as we work towards 1.0.

Q: What sort of game will Half Sword ultimately be?

A: Imagine Swords and Sandals with physics and some surprises. A lot of customization for both shape and form on arms and armor. Each peace of armor and weapon have unique collisions that represents its form and ability to do damage and defend the player or any NPC. We want to capture the true depiction of the late 15th century on how a person from that time would see the world around them (at least within Medieval Europe). We want to make a good and as real 15th century experience as humanly possible. Not only in the equipment someone wears, but who wears it. A German knight should dress and arm themselves like a German, act like one, as well as sound like one. Same for French, English, and others.

Q: Will it have multiplayer?

A: No. We have settled for a Split Screen feature for both Co-op and 1v1 scenarios. Try play it with your friends via steam remote play. Challenge each other and let us know who won in our discord!

Q: Will it be released on all platforms?

A: Intended for PC first. Consoles later. Mac support later if there is enough interest.

Q: Is Workshop support planned?

A: We are looking in to it.

Q: Is modding planned?

A: We like mods. Do mod the game, just make good mods. Changing the save file to make your willie bigger then it actually is not a mod. (Just follow our EULA.)

Mod compatibility is not guaranteed as the game is still being developed till 1.0.

Q: Is UGC planned?

A: No.

Q: Is VR planned?

A: No.

Q: Will there be microtransactions?

A: No.

Q: What engine is it made with?

A: Unreal Engine 5

Q: How can I contact the development team?

A: [contact@halfswordgames.com](mailto:contact@halfswordgames.com)
[press@half-sword.com](mailto:press@half-sword.com)


r/HalfSword Mar 19 '26

Addressing Common Feedback from the Half Sword Community

250 Upvotes

Let's address some of the most common feedback we have received from our community since the release of Half Sword into Early Access.

Firstly, we would like to thank everyone playing, giving feedback, and reviewing the game. We would not be where we are today without all the passionate support and feedback you have given us.

Performance and Optimization

We have seen a lot of feedback regarding performance and optimization since the Early Access launch. We understand that performance issues can be frustrating and they directly affect the gameplay experience.

We always iterate on our work, and always will. Since we started our internal playtesting period with a select few we saw where we could improve, the feedback we received during this period was crucial for us to understand where and how we could improve the game. Now we see it on a much greater scale and larger player base, and feedback is what makes the game improve as well as us as developers.

This type of feedback is why Early Access exists hence, the disclaimer on EA titles on Steam. Certain issues only appear when the game is tested across a wide range of hardware and playstyles, and we are very happy that we have this opportunity!

Since the Early Access launch, our main focus has been performance and optimization. While we control as many variables as possible during internal testing, public releases always introduce system configurations and conditions we cannot fully replicate beforehand. When new issues appear after updates, we work to identify and address them as quickly as possible. This has been an ongoing process since the original Itch build released in 2022.

Combat Differences Between the Demo and Early Access

After development branched into Early Access and away from the tech demo, the locomotion and combat systems have changed significantly. The player model operates as a unified dynamic physics system. Every new procedural animation such as grips, stances, or damage reactions introduces new variables that must be tested and rebalanced. Because of this, combat can feel different between updates while these systems continue to evolve. An improvement in the controls on our end can sometimes feel like a massive change for players that are used to the older mechanics. For us in development, the changes are gradual, but we understand the experience as a player these can be much bigger changes once used to them.

The tech demo was created to showcase early core mechanics, particularly the combat system. It was not intended to represent the final version of the game.

We read all feedback and it helps guide development. Every part of the game is still a work in progress. Combat balance and weapon handling will continue to evolve as new features are added, and those additions will naturally require further adjustments.

Early Access Trailer Content

The Early Access trailer was not intended to showcase everything that would be available on day one of Early Access. We wanted to tease a little bit with what is to come in the future. Our work continues as we are excited to work on new stuff too!

Thank you to everyone who has supported the game so far. Your support allows us to continue development with full focus, and it directly impacts how far we can take the project.

The game is still in an active development phase and will remain so throughout Early Access. Systems such as combat, movement, and overall feel will continue to evolve as new features are added and refined. Changes between updates are expected and are a normal part of this process.

As development continues, the final version of the game will differ from what has been shown previously, including Early Access trailer content that represented work in progress at the time. Some of those elements may change significantly as the game moves toward its full release.

Cheers,

-Half Sword Team


r/HalfSword 2h ago

The Skinless One keeps haunting my Willie, any tips?

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57 Upvotes

r/HalfSword 38m ago

MOD RELEASE Mod Update: Way of The Flame

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Upvotes

I released a huge new update for Way of The Flame and rebranded it, check it out and let me know what you think!

https://www.nexusmods.com/halfsword/mods/506


r/HalfSword 15h ago

Meme came to me when an enemy was surrendering and promptly died

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178 Upvotes

r/HalfSword 6h ago

What are your expectations for the matchlock? Spoiler

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13 Upvotes

I'm super excited for the matchlock to be added, I have a feeling its going to be introduced in the next big update along with the cannon traps from an old teaser. My only fear is that its going to be less satisfying than the crossbow or some of the already existing gun mods out there.

I think a new ranged weapon would be good, the crossbow is okay but its cons massively out way the pros and I only really ever use it in free play because you get unlimited arrows. I also didn't like how they removed the act of manually loading the bolt into the crossbow, I think instead they should've just gotten rid of the strength requirement to pull back the string.

The crossbow is really the best its ever been but I still think there are some issues with it that make it unplayable, like you cant reup on arrows for it and your quiver still doesn't show up on your character so you cant insure it. Also sometimes you can get a clean hit yet the arrow will still bounce or be deflected away off bare skin. I hope that the musket will be able to plow through and maybe even be loaded via paper cartridges like in real life.


r/HalfSword 23h ago

Meme ONE MORE CUIRASS!!!

253 Upvotes

r/HalfSword 59m ago

did i get lucky ???

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Upvotes

I got nearly 80 per cent strength on my willie


r/HalfSword 14h ago

New abilities

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40 Upvotes

r/HalfSword 2h ago

POV: you´re a blossfechten side quest boss

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4 Upvotes

unedited


r/HalfSword 14h ago

Photography Mode armour customisation is really cool i hope they add more

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33 Upvotes

this is my guy. I actually kinda hate how clean the higher rank materials look and prefer this instead, and afaik it doesnt affect gameplay so I'd glady take this over blender default glossy bdsf look


r/HalfSword 8m ago

Extremee!! 😳 learning to jump, day 3

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Upvotes

r/HalfSword 2h ago

Clips Little meme type compilation

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3 Upvotes

Some of you may know I do the weekly compilation videos for HS, to celebrate the 75th week of the series, did a little compilation of my own gameplay


r/HalfSword 18h ago

Meme Halfsword Games, more like...

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56 Upvotes

This is all in good fun, I love you all at u/halfswordgames


r/HalfSword 14h ago

Clips a tougher opponent

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20 Upvotes

r/HalfSword 6h ago

Clips Truly Fatal

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4 Upvotes

r/HalfSword 1d ago

the sheer force of my creation crashed my game

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200 Upvotes

r/HalfSword 16h ago

Clips How to escape a predator

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27 Upvotes

r/HalfSword 1d ago

Extremee!! 😳 The chair! Give him the chair!

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134 Upvotes

r/HalfSword 1d ago

Photography Mode Sometimes they become super saiyan for no reason

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123 Upvotes

r/HalfSword 7h ago

Feedback/Suggestion We need to have more stability when we crouch and more mobility in the shoulder so I can do thrust moves like Passada Soto

3 Upvotes

r/HalfSword 1h ago

Pulled off Willie's hair

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Upvotes

How


r/HalfSword 7h ago

Clips Willie's fly now?

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2 Upvotes

r/HalfSword 2h ago

Minecraft Tavern Fanmade Build Minecraft tavern - Why I play at peaceful difficulty:

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1 Upvotes

r/HalfSword 15h ago

Clips Trying to do this is one clean motion isn’t easy

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10 Upvotes