Is Vindictus Defying Fate a Soulslike?

Vindictus Defying Fate combines hack-and-slash with precise, Soulslike combat in a bright, myth-inspired setting, focusing on single-player.

Vindictus Defying Fate has fast-paced combat
Fast-paced combat in Vindictus: Defying Fate (Image via Nexon)

Vindictus: Defying Fate is an action RPG set in a fantastical world inspired by Celtic mythology. The game is developed by Nexon and retells the story of Vindictus, the 2010 MMORPG. Despite its roots in multiplayer hack-and-slash, Defying Fate has a greater focus on single-player with a layered combat system.

This has led old fans and newcomers alike to question whether Vindictus: Defying Fate is a Soulslike. The answer is mixed, as the game has Soulslike elements but does most things differently. 

Is Vindictus Defying Fate Considered a Soulslike Game?

The combat system relies on precise dodging and counterattacking
The combat system relies on precise dodging and counterattacking (Image via Nexon)

Vindictus: Defying Fate has Soulslike combat mechanics but not a Soulslike backdrop and world-building. Soulslike games refer to those bearing a resemblance to FromSoftware’s popular series of games. They are characterized by a simple yet skill-based combat system involving attacking, dodging, and parrying. They are also known for their Gothic dark fantasy settings and punishing boss battles. 

While Vindictus: Defying Fate has legacy hack-and-slash elements in its combat, it introduces snappy Soulslike combat mechanics. Regardless of which character the player chooses, they will rely on blocks, well-timed dodges, and counterattacks to fight through enemies beyond the easy difficulty. Nexon terms this new Soulslike combat as their “Precision Action” system. Likely because of its combat mechanics, Vindictus: Defying Fate has earned the Soulslike tag on Steam by popular vote. 

However, when it comes to the setting and storytelling, Vindictus: Defying Fate is far from a Soulslike. The game boasts bright and picturesque landscapes based on its 2010 predecessor. Instead of the dark backdrop of a Souls game, Defying Fate has more of a classic medieval fantasy setting. The starting town is part of a large and prosperous kingdom. The player constantly converses with NPCs, becomes a member of the local mercenary group, and embarks on missions for them. Additionally, none of the game’s areas are physically connected in the game world, which means it’s not an open-world game. 

Also Read: Does Vindictus Defying Fate Have Co-Op?

Vindictus Defying Fate Combat System Overview

Vindictus Defying Fate has several tough boss battles
Vindictus: Defying Fate has several tough boss battles (Image via Nexon)

Although Vindictus: Defying Fate features Soulslike combat mechanics, it retains some hack-and-slash elements from the original and adds an ability system. Each of the four characters in Vindictus: Defying Fate has their own unique attack combos and abilities. Combos can be chained together using dodge, basic attack, strong attack, and unique ability buttons. 

Similar to a Souls game, Defying Fate has a healing flask with limited uses that need to be managed and timed well during boss fights. Each character gains points to unlock abilities as they defeat enemies, complete missions, and gather experience. Exclusive abilities add skills, more attacks to combos, increased damage, etc. Shared abilities add account-wide bonuses, improving all characters. 


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