Half Sword Brings Medieval Combat to Life

Half Sword is not your typical medieval fighting game. Developed by Half Sword Games, it offers a hyper-realistic take on 15th-century combat that focuses on physics-driven mechanics and historical accuracy. Rather than flashy combos or fantasy elements, the game puts players directly into the gritty, brutal world of medieval duels where every move counts and survival is never guaranteed.

Half Sword Brings Medieval Combat to Life

Half Sword Brings Medieval Combat to Life

From the moment you step into the dirt arena, the game demands your full attention. Starting off unarmed and bare-chested, you face off against an opponent who is just as vulnerable as you. The controls are intentionally challenging, requiring precise timing and careful positioning to land attacks or block blows. It’s a far cry from typical fighting games, Half Sword’s combat simulates the weight and feel of real medieval fighting, right down to the blood spatters and bruises that mark every successful hit.

Half Sword Brings Medieval Combat to Life

A Vision Rooted in Martial Arts

The idea for Half Sword came from Frank Togonidze, a developer with a background in Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA). Dissatisfied with how most games portray medieval combat, Togonidze set out to create something that accurately represents the fighting styles and weapon control of the era. Starting as a student project in 2019, Half Sword evolved into a full game focused on letting players control their weapons freely, backed by a robust physics engine that models how strikes, blocks, and armor interact in combat.

Togonidze began the project while studying in Japan, then moved back to Georgia to form a studio and develop the game professionally. This decision was as much about representing Georgia in the global game development space as it was about making a standout title.

Half Sword Brings Medieval Combat to Life

Building a World That Feels Real

Joining Togonidze was Ivan Nestorov, the game’s Art and Creative Director. Nestorov brought a commitment to historical authenticity, adding detailed armor and weapon models based on late 15th-century designs. This combination of physics-based combat and accurate visuals helps Half Sword stand out from other medieval games that often rely on fantasy or simplified mechanics.

For example, the game realistically models how helmets protect against attacks, even allowing stabs through vulnerable spots like eye slits. It adds an extra layer of tactical thinking to every encounter. The sound design and visual feedback also contribute to the game’s grounded tone, where even the clank of armor becomes part of the immersion.

Half Sword Brings Medieval Combat to Life

Combat That Demands Precision

Half Sword’s combat requires players to adapt and think strategically. You can’t just slash wildly and expect to win. Armor changes how fights play out, forcing players to plan their attacks carefully and exploit weaknesses. This makes the gameplay deeper and more nuanced than many other sword-fighting titles.

As players unlock weapons and armor, the complexity of each match increases. Heavier gear offers more protection but limits mobility, while lighter setups require more agility and precision. It becomes a balance between equipment choice, player skill, and understanding the physics of each encounter.

Half Sword Brings Medieval Combat to Life

No Story, Just Survival

There is no overarching story or campaign in Half Sword. Instead, it puts players into a simulated tournament environment where every fight could mean victory or death. The progression comes from mastering the game’s systems and choosing the right mix of weapons and armor based on your in-game status.

The game’s design deliberately avoids hand-holding. Players are expected to learn through trial and error, much like training in a real martial art. This decision reflects the team’s design philosophy: challenge the player, and reward them through growth and understanding rather than scripted tutorials.

Half Sword Brings Medieval Combat to Life

The Team Behind the Vision

Half Sword is the product of a diverse international team working remotely, with contributors from Georgia, Argentina, India, Sweden, and the Netherlands. The small team works independently while maintaining a shared vision: to build a game that treats medieval combat with respect and accuracy.

Their collaborative effort continues to evolve the project, with regular updates and ongoing development aimed at refining both the mechanics and visual presentation.

Free Demo on Epic Games Store

Half Sword is currently available as a free demo on the Epic Games Store, giving players a chance to explore its punishing and rewarding combat system. The full version is available to wishlist, with ongoing updates planned as the game approaches release.

For players looking for a medieval combat experience that leans heavily into realism and challenges their skill, Half Sword offers a unique and demanding take on swordplay. It is a game that respects the complexity of historical fighting while delivering intense and often brutal duels.