Step onto the battlefield where steel clashes, arrows whistle through the air, and every swing of your sword could be your last. Mordhau is a visceral multiplayer medieval combat game that throws players into chaotic, blood-soaked warfare with an unparalleled focus on skill-based melee fighting. Developed by indie studio Triternion, this 2019 release quickly carved out a reputation as one of the most intense and rewarding swordfighting games available, earning praise as a spiritual successor to Chivalry: Medieval Warfare while refining and deepening its combat mechanics.
The name Mordhau (German for “murder-strike”) refers to a real historical fencing technique where a sword is gripped by the blade and used to deliver a crushing blow with the hilt. It’s a fitting metaphor for the game itself, brutal, precise, and deeply satisfying for those who master it.
But how does Mordhau compare to its biggest rival, Chivalry 2? While both games revel in medieval chaos, Mordhau leans into complexity and player skill, whereas Chivalry 2 offers a more streamlined, cinematic experience. If you crave a combat system with near-limitless depth, Mordhau is the clear choice.
Production & Development
Built on Unreal Engine 4, Mordhau began as a Kickstarter project in 2017, raising over $300,000 from eager fans. Despite its modest budget and small development team, the game launched in April 2019 with impressive polish and a wealth of features, including:
- 64-player battles
- Extensive weapon and armour customisation
- Modding support
- Multiple game modes (Frontline, Battle Royale, Horde, and more)
Triternion’s commitment to authenticity and community feedback helped Mordhau thrive post-launch, with regular updates balancing weapons, adding maps, and refining mechanics.
Gameplay & Setting
Unlike story-driven RPGs, Mordhau has no single-player campaign. Instead, it drops players into massive medieval battles where the only narrative is the one you create, through heroic last stands, brutal duels, and the sheer madness of siege warfare.
Combat Mechanics: Skill Over Button-Mashing
At its core, Mordhau is about precision, timing, and mind games. The combat system includes:
| Mechanic | Description |
|---|---|
| Directional Attacks | Swing from multiple angles (left, right, overhead, stab). |
| Feints | Fake an attack to bait an opponent into blocking early. |
| Morphs | Change attack direction mid-swing (e.g., overhead into a stab). |
| Chambering | Perfectly timed counter-attacks that clash with the enemy’s strike. |
| Ripostes | Immediate counter after a successful block. |
| Kicks | Break an enemy’s guard if they block too much. |
This system rewards practice and adaptability, making each duel a tense battle of wits and reflexes.
Weapons: A Focus on Swords
Swords are the star of Mordhau, each with unique traits:
| Weapon | Playstyle |
|---|---|
| Longsword | Balanced, versatile, ideal for beginners and veterans alike. |
| Greatsword | Heavy, wide swings, devastating but slow. |
| Arming Sword | Fast, one-handed, great with a shield. |
| Executioner’s Sword | Massive cleaver, slow but obliterates unarmoured foes. |
| Bastard Sword | Can be used one- or two-handed for flexibility. |
| Zweihänder | Enormous reach and power, dominates in group fights. |
Other weapon types (axes, polearms, bows) add variety, but swords remain the most satisfying to master.
Reception & Criticism
Mordhau was met with critical acclaim, praised for:
✔ Deep, rewarding combat
✔ Massive 64-player battles
✔ Highly customisable loadouts
✔ Active modding scene
However, it faced some criticism:
❌ Steep learning curve (new players often get destroyed by veterans)
❌ Occasional balance issues (some weapons dominate meta)
❌ Toxic community elements (though moderation has improved)
With an 81/100 Metacritic score and “Overwhelmingly Positive” Steam reviews, it remains a standout in the genre.
Platform Availability & Performance
Originally a PC-exclusive, Mordhau expanded to consoles in July 2023:
| Platform | Performance Notes |
|---|---|
| PC | Best experience, high FPS, mod support, largest player base. |
| PS5 / Xbox Series X | Smooth 60 FPS, improved visuals over last-gen. |
| PS4 / Xbox One | Playable but with reduced performance. |
No PC-console crossplay exists, limiting multiplayer pools on consoles.
Legacy & Influence
Mordhau set a new standard for first-person melee combat, inspiring games like Chivalry 2 (which opted for a more casual approach). Its legacy lives on through:
- Active duel & invasion servers
- Thriving modding community
- Continued developer support
While Chivalry 2 offers more cinematic, large-scale battles, Mordhau remains the king of skill-based swordplay.
Where to Buy
Available on:
- Steam / Epic Games Store (PC)
- PlayStation Store (PS4/PS5)
- Xbox Store (Xbox One/Series X|S)
Frequent sales make it an easy pickup for fans of medieval mayhem.
What we think…
If you want the most realistic, skill-driven medieval combat in gaming, Mordhau is unmatched. But if you prefer a more accessible, chaotic experience, Chivalry 2 might be the better choice. Either way, blood will be spilled.
Watch the trailer:
