What to Expect from ‘Wuchang: Fallen Feathers’

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is a Soulslike action RPG that immerses players in the late Ming Dynasty, a period marked by turmoil and mysticism. Released on July 24, 2025, and developed by Leenzee, a Chengdu-based studio that previously worked on the title A.D. 2047, the game is published by 505 Games and is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. It also stands out for its presence on Microsoft Xbox Game Pass, allowing subscribers to explore the game without committing to a full purchase. With a story that blends historical influences and dark fantasy, Wuchang builds a unique atmosphere deeply rooted in China’s cultural heritage. After trying the game myself and considering feedback from the gaming community, the results are a mix of admiration and critique.

A dark glimpse into Ming dynasty chaos

The game’s premise invites players to take on the role of Bai Wuchang, a female pirate navigating a realistically grim world ravaged by the mysterious “Feathering Disease.” This mysterious ailment transforms its victims into monstrous entities, leaving the protagonist, afflicted yet functional, to search for answers and a cure.

Stepping into Wuchang’s environments is often a haunting experience, and the atmospheric art direction brings history and myth alive. However, the visuals do seem a little outdated, especially considering the game is running on Unreal Engine 5. Textures and character animations sometimes fall short compared to current genre leaders. Still, if you appreciate Chinese aesthetic elements, there is much to be found in the attention to environmental detail and the sense of mystique that permeates each setting.

For soulslike fans who appreciate focused encounters

One of the most noticeable structural choices is how Wuchang feels much closer to Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty than to sprawling open-world titles like Elden Ring. The game is very linear, prioritizing guided progression through well-defined paths. Some players may be disappointed by the lack of open-world exploration and the lack of a jump function, but this focused structure can also be a welcome feature for those who prefer a more directed narrative experience.

Also interesting: ‘Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty’ Could Have Been So Much More [First Look]

Another clear design decision is the use of a pre-made protagonist, who is Bai Wuchang, as you know her from key art and trailers. There is no option for character creation, so players step into the defined role of this afflicted heroine. While some enjoy this more narrative-driven approach, others may see the lack of customization as a limitation compared to other games in the genre.

The combat system is maybe one of Wuchang’s stronger assets. Five weapon types are available, each with distinct styles, and the inclusion of the Impetus Repository, a skill tree system, allows players to modify their approach. With the freedom to respec skills at any time, the customization system fosters experimentation, whether players opt for offensive dual blades or defensive long swords.

Infused within the combat is the unique “Madness” mechanic. Bai’s madness intensifies under specific conditions, such as defeating humanoid enemies or succumbing to defeat, which can amplify her power at the cost of increasing her vulnerability. The strategy behind managing madness makes each encounter a thought-provoking balance of risk and reward, providing a fresh layer to the Soulslike genre’s traditionally unforgiving formula.

Addressing the noise: Community reactions

Wuchang has been met with mixed reactions from players and critics since its release. Let’s reflect on key themes from community feedback.

Commendable aspects

The combat mechanics have been universally lauded, particularly for the blend of flexibility and experimentation with weapons and skills. Matching this is the game’s atmospheric storytelling. Whether it’s facing grotesque enemies inspired by Chinese mythology or traversing landscapes imbued with a haunting beauty, this game captures a unique vibe that enthusiasts of Chinese themes will undoubtedly appreciate.

Challenges that hold it back

However, the experience is far from flawless. Performance issues on the PC version have drawn severe criticism, with numerous players reporting unoptimized graphics, stuttering, and occasional crashes. These technical shortcomings have significantly dented its reception, with developers working post-launch to address these issues through patches. Another common critique zeroes in on its derivative nature. While appearing as a rightful heir to the Soulslike lineage, Wuchang grapples with moments where it feels influenced rather than innovative.

Balancing difficulty is another contentious point. Early sections cultivate a steady pace of challenges, but sudden spikes in difficulty obscure progression and alienate even seasoned Soulslike fans, despite the title being rather welcoming to genre newbies. The lack of a staggering system for specific weapons also tilts combat in favor of a few predefined approaches, which restricts the otherwise flexible builds the game aims to encourage.

A balanced take and why you can still give it a try

Despite its flaws, Wuchang manages to stand out as an exciting addition to Leenzee’s portfolio, following their earlier work on A.D. 2047. It’s a game perhaps best approached via the low-risk option of Microsoft Xbox Game Pass. Soulslike enthusiasts and gamers drawn to the cultural aesthetics of China will likely find this title worthwhile, provided they are willing to overlook some rough edges. For those on the fence, Wuchang is not without merit, but it’s important to consider the known performance issues before finalizing the experience on PC.

Check the ‘Wuchang: Fallen Feathers’ deals on Amazon

If you’re curious and want to see the game in action, we’ve included a “Let’s Play” video embedded below. Recorded on an Xbox Series X via Twitch stream, this uncommented gameplay footage captures the opening moments of Wuchang without revealing any spoilers. It’s a straightforward showcase of this ambitious title’s strengths and atmosphere, a simpler way for future fans to decide if it’s worth embarking on this hauntingly crafted but imperfectly executed adventure. Check it out below on the TechAcute channel.

YouTube: Let’s Play – Wuchang Fallen Feathers [Gameplay, No Commentary]

Photo credit: All images shown are owned by Leenzee and 505 Games. They made the material available for press usage.