The long-awaited video game NORSE: Oath of Blood is now available for PC. The turn-based Viking Age game was released for Windows PC via Steam on February 17 and is set to arrive on PS5 and Xbox in spring 2026.
Revenge mission
NORSE: Oath of Blood is a turn-based tactical game set in early medieval Norway. Created by the Scandinavian games developer Arctic Hazard, NORSE tells the story of Gunnar, a young Viking warrior seeking to avenge the death of his father, Jarl Gripr.
Gunnar embarks on an epic quest to vanquish the killer, Steinarr Far-Spear, and reclaim his family's birthright.
As reported by The Viking Herald, NORSE has been long in the making. Terje Lundberg, the founder of Arctic Hazard and the game's creative director, had wanted to make an authentic Viking Age game for many years.
A committed team of developers and storytellers began working on NORSE in 2021. Terje even recruited the acclaimed Viking author Giles Kristian to ensure the very highest standards in narrative and dialogue.
The group has focused on producing a game that is highly enjoyable yet also faithful to the historical aspects of the Viking Age.
"We're not creating a historical documentary – it's meant to be engaging," narrative director Phil Stevens explained to The Viking Herald in the production phase.
"We hope someone can play the game and have a really good impression of what it would be like to live during that period. But we also have to remember that it's entertainment."
The PC Special Edition includes an in-game Kievan War armor set and a unique Ulfberht sword. Source: Arctic Hazard
Immerse yourself in the Viking Age
The developers have strived to create cinematic sequences that present the absorbing world of the Viking Age in intricate detail. They hope that the carefully constructed, lived-in landscapes will help players truly immerse themselves in the Viking world.
Tactical, turn-based gameplay will also give users a chance to test out their strategic abilities and outwit opponents.
To really set the mood, the game also features authentic Scandinavian music, including music from the dark neo-folk band Galdorcræf.
In addition, Giles Kristian has written a special prequel tale to help gamers learn the backstory for NORSE: Oath of Blood. The story "Sword Brothers" focuses on the events leading up to Gunnar's mission, and can be downloaded here.
NORSE: Oath of Blood is available for digital purchase on Windows PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG. The game is also set for release on PlayStation and Xbox this spring. The Special Edition of the PC version includes an in-game Kievan War armor set and a unique Ulfberht sword.
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