The Relic: First Guardian Release Date Confirmed for Nintendo Switch 2 — October 9, 2026

Perp Games and Project Cloud Games have set a release date for their dark action RPG The Relic: First Guardian on Nintendo Switch 2. The title, inspired by Korean folklore and ancient mythology, arrives digitally on the Nintendo eShop worldwide on 9 October 2026. The announcement positions the game as a narrative-driven, combat-focused entry for Nintendo’s next portable-home hybrid platform. Set in the ruined realm of Arsilthus, the developers describe the setting as an apocalyptic landscape left by the destruction of a great relic. According to the game's premise, players will encounter "Relics"—fragments that carry the emotions and memories of those who lived before—and will be tasked with finding and using those fragments to restore the world. The developers frame the player as the "last hope for Arsilthus," charged with honouring lost lives and driving the narrative forward through exploration and combat. Project Cloud Games and Perp Games have outlined gameplay systems that emphasize aggressive attack play and precise defensive options. Combat is promoted as “fast-paced and brutal,” with continuous, zero-cost basic attacks and a stamina system reserved for high-stakes defensive actions such as dodging and blocking. High-power magic operates on separate cooldowns and a dedicated meter, creating a separation between offensive freedom and defensive resource management. Key features confirmed by the publisher and developers include: - Fast-paced combat mechanics that allow continuous basic attacks while using stamina primarily for defense - A shattered, semi-open world of interconnected regions, hidden dungeons, and lore-rich ruins - Up to 80 distinct boss encounters, each presented as mythic, standalone folktales tied to the game's tragic narrative - Five weapon masteries (Sword & Shield, Battle Staff, Daggers, Two-Handed Weapons, Longsword) with unique, non-duplicated items that carry individual histories - Skill trees and relic-powered passives that alter combat tempo and grant powerful ultimate abilities - A gear- and relic-driven progression system that replaces traditional leveling with build flexibility and over 70 unique passive effects The Relic: First Guardian will be available digitally on the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch 2 on 9 October 2026. The publishers and developers have focused coverage on combat innovation, worldbuilding inspired by Korean myth, and a relic system designed to reward exploration and experimentation.