Sword and Fairy 4 Deep Dive

Sword and Fairy 4 Deep Dive

Sword and Fairy 4 Remake trailer draws attention for battle mechanics and parry system similarities to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 in Unreal Engine 5 RPG.

Eliza Crichton-Stuart

Eliza Crichton-Stuart

Updated Jan 4, 2026

Sword and Fairy 4 Deep Dive

The first trailer for Sword and Fairy 4 Remake has drawn attention from fans for its apparent similarities to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Developed by Chinese studio Up Software and published by Cube Game, the single-player, turn-based role-playing game is being rebuilt in Unreal Engine 5 and is expected to launch on PC and consoles at a later date.

The trailer, titled “Unpredictable Divine Will,” has been noted for its dynamic battle system, with some players highlighting elements such as the action-oriented parry mechanics, the camera movement during combat, and the interface design. Observers have pointed out that these aspects resemble the combat style seen in Sandfall Interactive’s Expedition 33, a game that recently received Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2025.

Story and Series Context

Sword and Fairy 4 Remake continues the long-running Legend of Sword and Fairy series, a franchise rooted in Chinese mythology and xianxia themes. The series began in 1995 and has produced nine mainline entries alongside multiple spin-offs. This remake is the fifth mainline installment and serves as a prequel to the third game in the series.

The previous entry, Sword and Fairy 7, released in 2021, later received an English version under the title Sword and Fairy: Together Forever for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. That title drew comparisons to modern turn-based RPGs like Final Fantasy, which also influenced the development of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

Fan Reactions and Comparisons

Reactions to the trailer have been divided. Some players accuse Up Software of closely mirroring Expedition 33, citing similar combat systems and visual styles. Comments on social media include statements such as, “Totally not copy and paste combat, style, parry, from Clair Obscur Expedition 33,” and “Is this DLC of Expedition 33?”

Other fans argue that the game aligns with established turn-based RPG conventions and the Sword and Fairy franchise’s history, suggesting that the similarities may be coincidental. Comparisons have also been made to other modern RPGs with dynamic combat mechanics, including the Persona series.

Upcoming English Trailer and Release

Cube Game has confirmed that an English version of the Sword and Fairy 4 Remake trailer will be released soon via a regional publisher. The upcoming trailer is expected to provide more information on gameplay mechanics, story elements, and release windows for international audiences.

Meanwhile, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 continues to enjoy renewed attention following its Game of the Year award, with its developers recently releasing surprise downloadable content. The timing of Sword and Fairy 4 Remake’s trailer suggests that Chinese RPGs with dynamic combat systems are becoming a growing trend in the genre.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Sword and Fairy 4 Remake?
Sword and Fairy 4 Remake is a single-player, turn-based RPG developed by Up Software and published by Cube Game. It is a remake of the fifth mainline entry in the long-running Legend of Sword and Fairy franchise.

When will Sword and Fairy 4 Remake be released?
The game does not have a confirmed release date but is expected to launch on PC and consoles. An English version of the trailer is expected soon.

Why are fans comparing it to Clair Obscur: Expedition 33?
Fans have noted similarities in the combat system, parry mechanics, camera movement, and interface design, which resemble the battle style of Expedition 33.

What platforms will the game be available on?
The remake is planned for PC and console platforms, though specific consoles have not been officially confirmed.

What is the Legend of Sword and Fairy series?
The series is a Chinese mythology and xianxia-themed RPG franchise that began in 1995. It has produced nine mainline games and several spin-offs, with the latest mainline entry being Sword and Fairy 7.

Will there be an English version?
Cube Game has confirmed that an English trailer will be released by a regional publisher, indicating that an international release is likely.

Game Updates

updated

January 4th 2026

posted

January 4th 2026