Is the Brutal New Soulslike Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Worth Playing?

The long wait for 2025's next major Soulslike is over. Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, the debut title from Chinese developer Leenzee, has landed, bringing its unique blend of late Ming-dynasty history and aggressive, Sekiro-like combat to PS5, Xbox, and PC. With reviews now live, a clear picture is forming: this is one of the most polarizing games of the year. Currently sitting at a "Generally Favorable" 75/100 on Metacritic, the scores for Wuchang are scattered across the board, painting a portrait of a game with incredible highs and frustrating lows.

Critical Acclaim and Crushing Criticism

Digging into the reviews reveals two wildly different experiences. On one hand, glowing praise from outlets like XboxEra (97/100) calls it an "extraordinary experience," celebrating its masterful level design and launch-day balance. Many critics laud its setting, a dark fantasy take on Ming-dynasty China, and the core combat loop that rewards aggression with flashy, satisfying melee. The potential for creative build-crafting is another commonly cited strength, offering players a deep well of options for tackling the game's ferocious bosses.

On the other hand, some critics found the experience to be a frustrating slog. TheGamer (60/100) describes it as a game "for the soulslike sickos," where "frustrations upon frustrations sour the whole experience." PC Gamer (49/100) delivered an even harsher verdict, finding the combat "dull" and the world "empty," ultimately wishing they were "playing the real thing." This divide extends to the world itself; while some see a stunning blend of vibrant nature and dark, dreary horror, others feel the two aesthetics create a jarring tonal inconsistency.

Brutal Combat, Technical Hitches, and a Solitary Journey

Despite the split opinions, a few points of consensus emerge. Nearly every review, positive or negative, highlights the game's intense difficulty and the engaging nature of its major boss fights. If you're looking for a punishing challenge that tests your reflexes, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers seems to deliver. However, the path between these epic encounters is a major point of contention, with some praising the rewarding exploration and others calling the levels repetitive and filled with uninspired enemies.

Unfortunately, another point of agreement is the game's technical state, particularly on PC. Widespread reports of framerate drops and classic Unreal Engine 5 optimization problems are mentioned in multiple reviews, suggesting PC players may want to wait for a patch. It's also crucial for players to know that this is a strictly single-player affair. There is no co-op or multiplayer of any kind, so you'll have to face the horrors of this world alone.

What to Expect: Game Length and PC Specs

For those ready to take the plunge, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers offers a substantial adventure. Most playthroughs focused on the main story will take between 25 and 35 hours, though completionists looking to tackle every optional area and quest can easily spend 40 to 50 hours exploring. Before you buy, make sure your rig is ready:

Minimum PC Requirements:

• CPU: Intel Core i5-8400 / AMD Ryzen 5 1600

• RAM: 16 GB

• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB / AMD Radeon RX 580 8GB

• Storage: 60 GB (SSD Recommended)

Recommended PC Requirements:

CPU: Intel Core i7-9700 / AMD Ryzen 5 5500

RAM: 16 GB

GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 / AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT

Storage: 60 GB (SSD Required)

Ultimately, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers appears to be a flawed but ambitious Soulslike that hits incredible highs for some and falls completely flat for others. It’s a game of stark contrasts: brilliant boss fights connected by potentially bland levels, and stunning art direction marred by technical issues. For hardcore fans of the genre who aren't afraid of a brutally steep curve and some jank, this might be a diamond in the rough. And as a Day One Game Pass title, the barrier to entry for Xbox and many PC players has never been lower.