Skautfold: Moonless Knight doesn’t ask for your attention, it demends it, pulling you into a world where every decision in combat matters, and every step forward feels earned.
Now available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch for £12.49 (from the Xbox Store), this latest entry in the Skautfold series pushes things toward a dramatic conclusion, blending Lovecraftian horror with tight, skill-driven gameplay.
At A Glance
- Game: Skautfold: Moonless Knight
- Developer: Red Art Games
- Publisher: Red Art Games
- Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch
- Price: £12.49
- Game Type: Metroidvania / Action RPG
A Mission That Spirals Into Chaos
Skautfold: Moonless Knight wastes little time throwing you into the deep end.
You step into the role of Gray, the 2nd Knight of the Angelic Empire of Britannia, sent on what should have been a routine diplomatic mission. Instead, it quickly unravels into a full-blown crisis, with cultists staging a coup and the fate of empires hanging in the balance.
Much of the journey unfolds within the Oda Imperial Palace, a sprawling, interconnected space filled with secrets, danger and an ever-present sense that something far worse is lurking beneath the surface.
Exploration That Rewards Curiosity
This is a world designed to be picked apart.
Moonless Knight leans into a semi-open Metroidvania structure, letting you tackle objectives in your own order while gradually unlocking shortcuts, relics and new paths. It’s the kind of design that encourages experimentation, doubling back and slowly piecing together how everything connects.
Along the way, there’s plenty to uncover, from hidden collectibles and stranded soldiers to more unusual discoveries… including the occasional ninja pug tucked away where you least expect it.
Combat That Pushes Back
Where Moonless Knight really finds its identity is in combat.
The Guard System returns, refined and expanded, placing a heavy emphasis on timing and control. Perfect blocks, well-timed dodges and smart positioning are essential, with every mistake carrying consequences. Take too many hits and your defensive capacity shrinks, making each encounter more dangerous the longer it drags on.
But it works both ways. Break your enemy’s guard and you can quickly turn the tide.
There’s also flexibility in how you approach fights. Different weapons, relics and abilities allow for varied playstyles, whether you prefer heavier, deliberate strikes or faster, evasive tactics.
A Series That Has Found Its Rhythm
For those who have followed the Skautfold series, Moonless Knight feels like a natural evolution.
We previously reviewed Skautfold: Usurper, awarding it a 4/5 and praising its challenge and satisfying combat loop, noting how rewarding it felt to master the Guard system. That same core is present here, but expanded and refined.
On the other hand, Skautfold: Into the Fray didn’t quite hit the same heights, with its control issues holding things back despite an engaging premise. Moonless Knight appears to take lessons from both, delivering a more focused and confident experience.
A Dark Journey Worth Taking
Skautfold: Moonless Knight isn’t here to hold your hand. It’s a game about learning, adapting and pushing through difficult encounters, all set against a backdrop of unsettling horror and layered storytelling. For fans of Metroidvania design and demanding combat systems, there’s plenty to dig into here.
Find the game on the usual digital storefronts, like that of the Xbox Store.
