Labyrinth of the Demon King emerges as an essential experience for enthusiasts of the survival horror genre. This first-person dungeon crawler deftly melds elements reminiscent of classics such as King’s Field, Resident Evil, and Condemned, offering players a unique and unsettling journey through its dark corridors.
Essential Tips for New Players
As you embark on this eerie adventure, consider these four crucial pieces of advice:
- Always be kicking: This simple action can be your best defense.
- Consumables are your ally: Items like talismans can significantly enhance your survival.
- Prioritize stamina upgrades: Invest in stamina three or four times before focusing on health.
- Exercise patience with weapon upgrades: Wait longer than you think necessary before upgrading the broken katana.
In true FromSoftware fashion, players will encounter a character who offers to repair the broken katana, provided they can supply an intact sword for materials. However, this character warns against using the first sword encountered, even going so far as to mock those who opt for the rusted blade found in the initial act. The offer is a one-time opportunity, and the quality of the repair hinges on the sword you choose to donate. With this in mind, many players, including myself, opted to hold onto the katana hilt until reaching the main shop, where a superior Royal Katana could be purchased. Yet, it turns out that further patience would have yielded even better results.
In a recent conversation with J.R. Hudepohl, the lead developer of Labyrinth of the Demon King, I learned that multiple versions of the katana can be created. While the end product will always be a Chrysanthemum Blade, the model and stats differ based on the original katana used for the repair. For instance, utilizing the rusty katana results in a weaker weapon with a distinct appearance, while using a sword found in the prison or bathhouse yields a repaired model that reflects its origins and inherits certain stats and effects.
Hudepohl also hinted at a personal favorite: the prison sword, a cursed red blade reminiscent of Elden Ring’s Rivers of Blood. This revelation has sparked my interest in replaying the game, eager to explore the depths of its weapon upgrade system.
What excites me most is the discovery of hidden layers within the game, reminiscent of the surprises found in titles like Disco Elysium or Baldur’s Gate 3. The fact that many players may overlook the intricate weapon upgrade mechanics adds a delightful twist to the experience.
In his review, Shaun Prescott awarded Labyrinth of the Demon King an impressive 81%, describing it as “the most potent weird horror we’re likely to see in 2025.” The game is available on Steam, running seamlessly on the Steam Deck, with a launch price of , set to increase to an MSRP of on May 27.
