Phantom Blade Zero finally gets a major PlayStation update — and fans won't have to wait long

The upcoming PlayStation 5 console exclusive, Phantom Blade Zero, gets a huge leak ahead of a potential State of Play reveal next week.

Marvel’s Wolverine isn't the only promising PlayStation 5 console exclusive yet to be released this year, because we also have the action-adventure RPG, Phantom Blade Zero, which will simultaneously launch on PC. It’s developed and published by the indie studio S-Game, which will be its first major AAA release.

So far, we’ve seen some very promising gameplay footage for Phantom Blade Zero ever since it was first revealed during a May 2023 episode of a PlayStation Showcase event.

In terms of what vibes the game brings, it’s inspired by Chinese mythology, with its gameplay and world looking like a mix of Devil May Cry meets Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. That said, Phantom Blade Zero isn't considered to be a Soulslike; it’s more of a hack-and-slash combat adventure.

Phantom Blade Zero demo appears and then vanishes

However, as promising as any gameplay footage looks, it can’t beat playing a game firsthand to get a proper feel for it, and judging by a recent leak that was swiftly removed, it looks like Phantom Blade Zero will be getting a playable demo very soon. It's also probably safe to assume that there will be a PC demo on Steam.

“Phantom Blade Zero’s demo page was up on Playstation before quickly being taken down,” revealed Redditor ZamnBoii.

For reference, the next State of Play is happening on Monday, August 17, 2026, and it will be dedicated entirely to Phantom Blade Zero. So, by the looks of it, a playable demo will be part of the presentation next week that could launch on the PS Store as soon as it's officially revealed.

READ MORE: I've played Phantom Blade Zero twice now and it's nowhere near enough

Reddit reacts to the Phantom Blade Zero demo leak

“I'm so glad that demos are slowly starting to become mainstream again,” replied maxlaav.

“I bought Pragmata, GRIME, Nine Sols, and Slay the Princess off of how much fun I had with their demos, and they all went on to be some of the best games I have played in years,” added Yarzeda2024.

“Oh, please be a shadow drop,” pleaded jdevo91.

“I've never been so impressed by one trailer. I'll be honest, I only had mild interest in this game before today's trailer, but just wow,” exclaimed Flimsy-Economist-190.

“LET’S GOOOOO,” yelled n__o__ . “I hope this scratches a similar itch that the Onimusha: Way of the Sword demo did.”

What’s the story of Phantom Blade Zero?

“You play as Soul, a warrior with only sixty-six days left to live. Fend off assassins, unravel world-ending conspiracies, and defend your values with your life,” reads the game's official synopsis.

“Framed for murdering his master, Soul suffers a devastating wound to the heart, leaving him just sixty-six days to live. Alone and hunted, he roams the Wulin, determined to unravel a conspiracy that has ensnared the martial world.

“Through rain and blood, kindness and vengeance, he embarks on a journey where love and hatred intertwine in search of a heart.”

Phantom Blade Zero will be released on October 6, 2026, on PC and PlayStation 5. Could this be a new sleeper hit of 2026? Only time will tell.