Valor Mortis launches at $39.99 on Xbox Game Pass to stand out in October's crowded release schedule

Valor Mortis, a first-person action soulslike from the developers behind Ghostrunner, is launching October 13 at $39.99 instead of the standard $59.99 price point. The decision reflects publisher strategy to gain visibility during one of the year's busiest release windows.

In a statement, the team acknowledged the competitive fall market: "We believe the game has the quality, fidelity, and playtime in its 20-hour story to go toe-to-toe with many 'full price' titles. Still, this Fall is stacked and there's high demand for your time and money. That's why Valor Mortis is launching on October 13 at $39.99 / €39.99 / 149.99 zł."

The reduced launch price doesn't apply to players with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass subscriptions, who will have access on day one at no additional cost. A Deluxe Edition priced at $59.99 includes story DLC launching in 2027.

Valor Mortis casts players as William, a soldier from Napoleon's Grande Armée resurrected on a plague-ravaged Europe. Armed with supernatural powers tied to a mysterious corruption, players battle monsters and uncover a conspiracy threatening humanity. The game combines first-person combat with soulslike mechanics and RPG elements.

The pricing strategy reflects pressure from major releases dominating September and October, with Grand Theft Auto 6's November launch already shaping consumer spending patterns across the fall season.