Silent Hill f introduces Soulslike melee combat with stamina management, weapon durability, and dodge-timing. But early hands-on impressions raise concerns about balance and gameplay depth.
Silent Hill f Takes a Swing at Soulslike Combat—And Fans Are Split
The long-running Silent Hill franchise is veering into unfamiliar territory. According to early hands-on previews, Silent Hill f, developed by NeoBards, is embracing a more action-oriented, melee-heavy combat system—a move that’s drawing comparisons to Soulslike games such as Elden Ring and Bloodborne.
While some fans are excited by the idea of more intense gameplay, others are raising eyebrows over whether this approach suits the franchise’s survival horror roots.
A New Direction: More Action, Less Passive Dread
Producer Motoi Okamoto recently confirmed what many had suspected from the game’s combat footage: enemies in Silent Hill f are tougher, and encounters demand a more active response. Gone are the slower-paced, tension-driven sequences of the Silent Hill 2 remake. Instead, players control Hinako, the game’s protagonist, in real-time battles requiring dodges, timed attacks, and careful stamina management.
This stamina bar isn’t just a cosmetic touch. It’s central to the game’s combat rhythm. Light and heavy attacks, dodging, and even blocking all drain stamina—and it takes nearly 1.5 seconds for it to start regenerating. This results in a gameplay loop where players are forced to stay defensive longer than they might like, especially during boss fights or encounters with multiple enemies.
Soulslike in Form, Not in Finesse
Media outlets attending a closed-door preview at Konami’s Tokyo HQ echoed the same sentiment: while Silent Hill f borrows Soulslike elements, it doesn’t fully commit to the genre’s hallmark precision and flow.
Here’s What Stood Out:
- No Lock-On Mechanic: Unlike most modern action titles, Silent Hill f lacks a lock-on system. In a combat environment requiring tight timing, this could lead to frustration.
- Weapon Durability: Yes, it’s back—and more aggressive than ever. Weapons like pipes and bats degrade with use, especially when blocking. While repair kits exist, players will often have to scavenge for replacements.
- Difficulty Options: Unlike true Soulslikes, Silent Hill f includes adjustable difficulty levels. This at least offers a buffer for players new to stamina-based melee combat.
The Horror Element: Does This Still Feel Like Silent Hill?
For longtime fans of the franchise, the question isn’t just whether the combat “works”—but whether it feels right. Silent Hill has traditionally been about psychological tension, oppressive atmosphere, and helplessness in the face of overwhelming dread. Shifting the focus to stamina bars and perfect dodges risks losing that tone.
That said, Silent Hill f’s setting—a 1960s-era rural Japan plagued by botanical horror—remains visually and narratively in line with the franchise’s signature eeriness. And if the combat supports rather than overshadows the ambiance, it could add a compelling new layer.
Combat Concerns: Design Choice or Design Flaw?
The preview has sparked debate across fan forums. Critics argue that the slow stamina regen and lack of attack windows in multi-hit boss fights leave players in endless retreat. Others welcome the tension it adds, arguing that being forced to choose between dodging and attacking enhances the survival horror feel—particularly when escape is sometimes the best option.
Weapon degradation has also proven divisive. While it enhances realism and encourages scavenging, it risks interrupting combat flow and punishing players who engage too aggressively.
Final Verdict? We’ll Know in September
With a release date set for September 25, 2025, fans won’t have to wait long to see if Silent Hill f’s bold new combat vision can deliver. NeoBards is clearly aiming to modernize the formula without abandoning the franchise’s roots—but blending Soulslike mechanics with survival horror storytelling is a balancing act few have pulled off.
Pro Tip:
If you’re eyeing this title, consider revisiting games like The Evil Within 2 or Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water—both of which blended action elements with horror pacing. They might help calibrate your expectations ahead of launch.
Silent Hill f introduces a stamina-based, melee-heavy combat system reminiscent of Soulslikes—but with adjustable difficulty and mixed execution. It’s a bold departure that may invigorate the franchise—or divide its fanbase even further.
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