Guns of Eschaton, a project that began development with the late Viktor Antonov, known for his work on Half-Life 2 and Dishonored, is preparing to launch as what its developers are calling the "world's first Soulslike FPS." Set during an apocalypse with a distinct Western aesthetic, the game focuses on a deliberate combat system that eschews traditional run-and-gun mechanics in favor of strategic targeting and reactive gameplay.
Instead of simply increasing enemy health to achieve Soulslike difficulty, Guns of Eschaton challenges players to identify and exploit specific weak points on enemies. These weak points, often indicated by makeshift bandages on limbs, are crucial for dealing significant damage. Furthermore, each enemy type requires a unique order in which these weak points must be targeted, adding a layer of complex strategy to encounters. Eduard Malykh, head of game design at Eschatology Entertainment, described this as "reactive gameplay," where players must observe, think, and then act rather than immediately engaging.
Accompanying the player is an in-game codex, presented as a journal filled with notes and sketches detailing enemy weaknesses. This tool is essential, as players will often wield it in one hand while using their other to aim a slow, manual revolver. The Western setting influences the pacing of combat, with an emphasis on decisive, impactful shots rather than rapid-fire assaults.
During a hands-on preview, the game demonstrated the satisfaction of successfully hitting enemy weak spots in quick succession. Guns of Eschaton adopts a traditional Soulslike structure, featuring campfires for healing, upgrades, and enemy respawns. While the levels are not entirely open, players can expect semi-linear designs with multiple paths and unlockable shortcuts.
The game's punishing nature for missed shots was evident during the preview, especially for players accustomed to keyboard and mouse controls. However, the developers believe that with practice, the game will feel more intuitive for those who enjoy competitive PC shooters like Counter-Strike 2 or Valorant.
Malykh clarified that Guns of Eschaton is not set in a post-apocalyptic world but rather occurs during the apocalypse. The narrative focuses on the ongoing process of the world's end and rebirth, emphasizing the player's actions and decisions in real-time.
Viktor Antonov co-founded Eschatology Entertainment in 2022 but passed away in February 2025. The game's concept reportedly captivated him, and his artistic vision heavily influenced the game's world design. Guns of Eschaton is slated for release before the end of 2026 on PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X/S.