Quick Read
- 1348 Ex Voto features a deep, two-stance sword combat system that reviewers have identified as the game’s standout mechanic.
- The game is currently experiencing significant performance issues on PC, characterized by frame rate instability and stuttering.
- Despite technical flaws, the title offers a nine-chapter narrative experience focused on a knight-errant in 14th-century Italy.
A medieval quest with technical hurdles
Following its high-profile appearance at the Future Games Show Spring Showcase 2026, 1348 Ex Voto has officially launched on PC and PlayStation 5. The third-person action game, developed by Sedleo, transports players to 14th-century Italy, following the journey of Aeta, a knight-errant seeking to rescue her companion, Bianca, amidst a plague-ridden landscape. While the title has garnered attention for its narrative-driven approach and commitment to a challenging, character-focused story, early reception highlights a sharp divide between its mechanical successes and its technical execution.
Sword-fighting mechanics take center stage
The core of 1348 Ex Voto lies in its refined sword-fighting system. Players can switch between one-handed and two-handed longsword stances, each offering distinct tactical advantages in combat. The system encourages precision, rewarding players who master parrying and staggering mechanics against various foes. According to critics at TechRadar, this combat suite represents the game’s strongest asset, providing a satisfying, skill-based experience that remains engaging throughout the nine-chapter campaign.
PC optimization concerns
Despite the praise for its combat, the game’s launch on PC has been marred by significant performance issues. Players have reported consistent frame rate drops and stuttering, even on hardware that typically meets the requirements for modern titles. Reviews note that even after adjusting settings to lower fidelity, the game struggles to maintain a stable 60 frames per second, particularly in environments with dense atmospheric detail. These technical shortcomings have led to criticism regarding the game’s overall polish, with some users noting that the reliance on internal monologue instead of environmental storytelling further detracts from the experience.
While 1348 Ex Voto delivers a mechanically sound combat system that stands out in the action genre, its current state on PC suggests that the title requires substantial post-launch optimization to fully realize its potential for players.