# Bleak Sword — Dark Fantasy Dioramas

> Dark fantasy action game with diorama battlefields and cursed quests. (iPhone/iPad app by Devolver.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bleak-sword/id1403554793 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Devolver](https://appshunter.io/developer/457410262)
- Category: Games, Action
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.50/5 from 899 App Store ratings · 551 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 12+
- Requires: iOS 13.0 · 467 MB
- Languages: Korean, Dutch, German (Germany), Russian, European Spanish, Arabic, American English, Italian, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified, China) and 4 more
- Released: 2019-09-19
- Data updated: 2026-08-12
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bleak-sword/id1403554793/reviews.md

## What is Bleak Sword?

Developed by more8bit

Bleak Sword is a dark fantasy action game tasking players to struggle across compact, cursed diorama battlefields. Through nine tense chapters, heroes must lift the curse of the legendary Bleak Sword by striking down all manner of creatures in every forest, swamp, castle, and dungeon on their journey. Invoke powerful magic, uncover helpful items, and level up your character to upgrade your stats before facing down menacing guardians. Once the curse has been lifted the challenging Arena Mode and thirty unlockable achievements await even the most accomplished warrior.

Bleak Sword is designed to be able to play it easily with elegant controls allowing heroes to roll, parry, attack and counter-attack using basic movements on gamepads and touch controls. Scored by award-winning composer Jim Guthrie with sound by famed designer Joonas Turner.

## Key features

- Diorama battlefields
- Nine tense chapters
- Powerful magic invocation
- Item discovery
- Character leveling and stat upgrades
- Arena Mode
- Unlockable achievements

## What do users think of Bleak Sword?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🚀 Smooth and responsive controls
- 👍 Satisfying combat mechanics
- 🎨 Unique and atmospheric pixel art style
- 🕹️ Challenging but fair gameplay
- 🕰️ Suitable for short play sessions
- 🎶 Great sound design and music

**Cons**

- 🐛 Occasional save data loss issues
- 🔍 Difficulty in tracking character on screen
- 🤕 Overly punishing difficulty curve
- 🧠 Lack of progression and upgrade systems
- 🔍 Blurry visuals on some devices

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Controls becoming unresponsive after app switch
- Inconsistent blocking mechanics

**Most requested features**

- Landscape mode support for tablets
- Ability to skip credits after first completion
- More enemy and boss variety
- Customizable controls
- Expanded story and lore

## Recent user reviews (10 of 551)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bleak-sword/id1403554793/reviews.md

### 4/5 — Спорно

*2026-08-01*

Сложность в управлении. И босс на третьей локации на коне крайне багнутый

### 5/5 — Best game that has been made in a LONG time

*2026-07-05, version 4.0*

Bleak Sword is AWESOME, I love how everything is in a    2-D pixelated style, the game is time consuming and fun. This game is such an energetic game that i will continue to play forever! Keep up the good work, Devolver!

### 5/5 — Blake sword two

*2026-07-02, version 4.0*

This was one of the best games I’ve ever played. Please make a second one please please

### 2/5 — Equipped Items in INVENTORY!

*2026-05-29, version 4.0*

I really enjoy the pixel art and simplicity of the game. 

Equipped items should not take up space in your inventory. If I put on a glove, necklace, or ring it does not take up space in my pocket or bag BECAUSE IT ISN’T THERE ANYMORE. 
I’m also not a big fan of losing ALL MY EXPERIENCE. Half would make sense, but not all. 

The only truly unique thing about this game is that it doesn’t follow traditional rule so it’s more annoying. I suppose that makes it a wannabe Darksouls-like.

### 5/5 — Shout out to the creators

*2026-04-19, version 4.0*

This the first game i played in a long time that had substance to it.. and its a mobile game at that. Felt like i was a wi lad again on the gameboy/PSP something i haven’t had in a long time because game companies no longer put love into their games but with this game thats not the case. 

I will say though i wish there were more options for controls because it feels unresponsive at times I’m not sure if its me or not but both 1 and 2 hand controls felt unresponsive at times which was very frustrating i almost threw my phone through my bedroom wall a few times but i guess that just might be a necessary part of the experience lol

### 3/5 — Controller

*2026-04-19, version 4.0*

Doesn’t support controller like it says

### 5/5 — I’m very impressed for a mobile game

*2026-04-01, version 4.0*

The style is amazing and very cool. It’s action packed and very brutal, my dream come true. It’s very entertaining and stand out.  Two critiques though. One, it could use a better story, you could put that in a update or maybe sequel. Two, it’s extremely hard even on easy mode. Otherwise, I love this game and it’s safe to say I’m impressed!

### 4/5 — Gameplay et visuels aux petits oignons

*2026-03-27*

Très sympa visuellement, gros point positif pour le sound design également ! Très bon gameplay, intuitif, je regrette juste quelques passages vraiment punitifs, et des succès Game Center qui demandent de refaire facilement cinq fois le jeu pour toutes les avoirs (ce qui m’a vite refroidi, je dois l’admettre).

### 5/5 — One of the best

*2026-03-21, version 4.0*

Amazing story, great gameplay, and I’m honestly so impressed that the game maintained this greatness in its port from PC to mobile. If you’re looking for a good game to play on the go, or just something to core boredom, this is it.

### 5/5 — Muito bom

*2026-03-14*

Parabéns pela jogabilidade.

## Frequently asked questions about Bleak Sword

### What kind of game is Bleak Sword?

Bleak Sword is a dark fantasy action game. Players navigate compact, cursed diorama battlefields, battling creatures to lift a legendary curse. It features elements of combat, character progression, and exploration across various environments.

### What are the main gameplay features?

Key features include battling through nine chapters, using powerful magic, finding helpful items, and leveling up your character to upgrade stats. The game also offers an Arena Mode and thirty unlockable achievements for post-curse challenges.

### How is the game controlled?

The game is designed for easy play with elegant controls. Players can roll, parry, attack, and counter-attack using basic movements, supporting both gamepad and touch controls.

### Is Bleak Sword available on multiple platforms?

The provided description does not specify platform availability beyond being a mobile application. It is designed for easy play on touch controls and gamepads.

### What is the objective of the game?

The primary objective is to lift the curse of the legendary Bleak Sword. This is achieved by striking down all manner of creatures across the game's various cursed environments and ultimately facing down menacing guardians.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 4.0 — 2022-10-03

Thanks for downloading Bleak Sword's latest content update! Here's What's New!
- Take on 10 new challenging levels in the Castle of Despair
- Face the evil maker of the Bleak Sword in an epic new boss fight!
- Encounter two new diabolical enemies; the Hunched Knight, and the Bleak Sword maker's fiendish tentacle demons!
- New music from Jim Guthrie

### 3.0 — 2021-10-04

Thanks for downloading Bleak Sword's latest content update! Here's What's New!
- 1 new chapter with 10 new dioramas
- 2 new regular enemies
- 1 new boss fight
- 3 new cutscenes
- New music from Jim Guthrie

### 2.2 — 2021-01-28

Bug fixes and improvements

### 2.1 — 2020-12-16

THANKS FOR DOWNLOADING BLEAK SWORD’S FIRST BIG CONTENT UPDATE. HERE IS WHAT’S NEW!
 
 -A BRAND NEW CHAPTER WITH NEW LEVELS. ACCESS IT THROUGH THE EXTRAS MENU.
 -A NEW BOSS AND TWO NEW ENEMIES TO CHALLENGE YOU.
 -NEW MUSIC TRACKS BY JIM GUTHRIE.
 -NEW SAVE SYSTEM.
 -VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS AND BUG FIXES.

### 1.1 — 2019-10-06

Bug fixes and improvements
Option to disable chromatic aberration

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All apps by Devolver: https://appshunter.io/developer/457410262

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-12.*