Mistfall Hunter looks like legally distinct Elden Ring but with a faster paced, extraction spin
Mistfall Hunter is a new soulslike game that visually recalls Elden Ring's dark fantasy style but distinguishes itself by adopting an extraction-based structure rather than a traditional single-player campaign. Players must venture into a hostile world to gather resources and relics before escaping safely, all while facing both AI enemies and rival players, blending the punishing combat of FromSoftware-style titles with the PvPvE tension of live-service extraction games. It offers a faster-paced alternative to the genre's usual methodical combat, potentially appealing to a different segment of the soulslike audience.
Combat features familiar elements such as dodge rolling, parrying and multiple classes spanning melee and magic builds, though the pace is quicker than typical Souls games. The core loop involves hunting for "Gyldenblood" and relics while trying to extract safely, playable solo or in trios, with seasonal changes promising new classes, zones and items to keep the experience evolving. The game is set for release on 30 July, with a Steam page available for wishlisting.
In short
- Mistfall Hunter blends Elden Ring-style visuals with extraction-shooter gameplay.
- Players hunt relics and resources while facing AI and rival players.
- Releases 30 July, playable solo or in trios of three.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Advocates for this design argue that faster-paced soulslike combat and extraction mechanics democratise the genre by lowering the barrier to entry whilst retaining meaningful challenge and skill expression. They contend that extraction-based gameplay creates genuine stakes and emergent player encounters that single-player campaigns cannot match, that respecting players' time with shorter sessions is worthwhile, and that live-service evolution keeps the experience fresh. This represents natural genre evolution appealing to those seeking soulslike combat without necessarily wanting traditional narrative-driven progression.
The case against
Critics of this approach maintain that the soulslike genre's core appeal rests on deliberate, methodical combat where each action's weight and consequence are carefully considered—acceleration fundamentally undermines this philosophical foundation. They argue that extraction mechanics shift focus from personal progression and architectural world exploration to PvP tension and resource gathering, sacrificing narrative coherence and environmental storytelling that define titles like Elden Ring. The live-service model, they contend, prioritises retention mechanics over sustained gameplay depth, ultimately appealing to extraction-game enthusiasts rather than honouring soulslike traditions.
Explained simply
Soulslike games are action role-playing games famous for demanding combat where mistakes are heavily punished, typically set in dark, atmospheric fantasy worlds. Elden Ring is one of the most popular recent examples, and Mistfall Hunter draws clear inspiration from this style of game.
The key difference is an extraction structure: rather than playing through a campaign, players drop into hostile zones to hunt for valuables and special relics, then must safely escape with their haul. If players are killed before reaching an extraction point, they lose everything they've gathered, creating constant risk and tension.
The game combines soulslike combat with faster-paced action and direct competition, as players must contend with both AI enemies and other human players whilst gathering resources. The extraction mechanic means victory requires not just combat skill but tactical decisions about when to leave a zone, introducing a different kind of pressure from traditional soulslike games.
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