Arc System Works has officially unveiled Qliphah in Providence’s Shadow, an all-new tactical counter-timeline RPG that blends stylish action, strategic combat, and supernatural mystery into a striking post-apocalyptic adventure. Launching September 24, 2026, the new title will arrive on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Steam, and the Epic Games Store.
Alongside the announcement, Arc System Works released the game’s first reveal trailer, opened pre-orders, and confirmed early purchase bonuses for players looking to dive into one of the publisher’s most ambitious original projects.
A Post-Apocalyptic Tokyo Consumed by the Supernatural
Set in a ruined Tokyo where reality itself is beginning to collapse, Qliphah in Providence’s Shadow places players inside a world where monstrous creatures roam the streets and supernatural phenomena have become part of everyday life.
The story follows Soma Hoshigami, a young delivery worker whose life changes forever after a violent encounter with a supernatural creature leaves him transformed into a “half-turned” human. Branded as “lost property” rather than a citizen, Soma is taken into custody by Rena Hizuki, an investigator with the Metropolitan Police Department’s Public Safety Bureau, Foreign Affairs Section 5, better known as the Public Anomaly Squad.
Together, the unlikely duo begins investigating a growing series of unexplained incidents, including the spread of the mysterious Tiny True drug, strange Stigma markings appearing across the bodies of young people, and the emergence of a dangerous cult operating from the shadows.
As their investigation deepens, so too does the mystery surrounding the collapse of reality itself.
Tactical Combat Meets Stylish Action
One of the biggest draws of Qliphah in Providence’s Shadow is its unique Tactical Counter-Timeline battle system.
Rather than relying on traditional turn-based mechanics or full-speed action combat, players can slow down or pause battles at any moment to analyze the battlefield. Enemy attack patterns, skill recharge timers, and positioning are all visible, allowing players to carefully plan each encounter before unleashing devastating combinations.
Arc System Works describes the system as one that rewards both thoughtful strategy and aggressive execution, allowing battles to feel tactical while still maintaining the speed and spectacle of an action RPG.
Another standout mechanic involves stacking abilities over time to create increasingly powerful attacks, encouraging players to experiment with timing and skill combinations throughout each encounter.
Meet the Two Protagonists
Rena Hizuki
Voiced by Ikumi Hasegawa, 28-year-old Rena serves as an investigator within the Public Anomaly Squad.
Her body bears mysterious Stigma markings centered around her chest, while a supernatural Demon Eye grants her glimpses into her own future. Armed with an ancient cursed ceremonial blade acquired in China, Rena doesn’t simply slash through enemies. Instead, she manipulates space itself, severing supernatural anomalies through dimensional interference.
Soma Hoshigami
Voiced by Itsuki Tousi, Soma is a 20-year-old delivery worker whose transformation into a half-supernatural being changes everything.
Now classified as “lost property” rather than fully human, Soma unconsciously manipulates the space around him. His mutation allows him to manifest conceptual fangs and jaws through punches and kicks, giving him a brutal and visually unique fighting style that complements Rena’s more calculated abilities.
Together, the pair appear to offer contrasting perspectives on a world slowly unraveling.
Pre-Orders Include Exclusive Bonuses
Players who pre-order the physical edition or purchase the digital version early will receive several bonus rewards at launch.
The early purchase package includes:
- The exclusive “Voidfall” Extra Battle
- Three alternate character skins for each protagonist
- Sixteen additional high-difficulty challenge battles
These bonuses will be available immediately when the game launches on September 24.
A New Original World from Arc System Works
While Arc System Works is best known worldwide for acclaimed fighting game franchises like Guilty Gear and BlazBlue, Qliphah in Providence’s Shadow represents another step into original RPG development.
Between its supernatural detective narrative, stylish anime presentation, strategic combat system, and mystery-driven storytelling, the title appears positioned to offer something distinct from the publisher’s traditional catalog while maintaining the striking visual identity fans have come to expect.
For players looking for an RPG that blends tactical planning with cinematic action, Qliphah in Providence’s Shadow is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing releases arriving later this year.
Qliphah in Providence’s Shadow launches September 24, 2026, for PlayStation®5, Nintendo Switch™, Steam®, and EPIC. The game’s website, select store pages, and pre-orders are now live!
Watch the Reveal Trailer
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