Medieval combat games have long trafficked in theatrical exaggeration. Swords swing through armour, arrows fly in slow-motion arcs, and entire armies collapse in choreographed sequences. Kinstrife, a new non-linear medieval adventure from former Mount and Blade modders, aims to upend that convention by grounding players in a world where the physics of swordplay actually matter. The game comes from developer Finitude, which was founded by Mount and Blade modders Khaya Ludidi and Christoph Rüger.
As a knight errant in the tumult and turmoil of 13th-century Germany, you set out with just your trusty sword by your side, gradually building up your reputation, wealth, and followers as you write your name in the history books. With the region facing a power vacuum caused by the Great Interregnum in the wake of the death of Emperor Frederick II, noble houses are in fierce competition for the right to the imperial throne of the Holy Roman Empire. Travel along the banks of the Rhine and discover vast castles, cosy villages, bustling monasteries, and dense forests.
What separates Kinstrife from other medieval strategy sandboxes is how it treats the mechanics of violence. One of the major draws of Kinstrife is the physically simulated combat that the developers claim is revolutionary. Each slash and stab of the sword or any other weapon will be fully simulated, meaning it won't simply clip through oncoming weapons or shields, and instead, players must use skill to strike in strategic places. Weapons don't simply clip through but instead deliver staggering blows, characters fall when losing their balance and horse charges knock down your opponents.
The progression system mirrors Mount & Blade's core loop. You begin as a squire with minimal resources and must earn gold, gather equipment, and recruit a band of followers through tournaments, duels, and small-scale battles. Over time, your retinue grows into something resembling an actual army. The challenge lies in keeping them alive through pitched combat where the laws of physics apply consistently.
Finitude has announced that Kinstrife will now be published by indie strategy specialists Hooded Horse, putting it in great company with some of the most creative strategy games in recent years, from Manor Lords and Menace to Against the Storm and Norland. Based in Dallas, Texas, Hooded Horse is most known for publishing tactical and strategic games such as Against the Storm, Old World, Manor Lords, and 9 Kings. The company was founded in 2019.
"Kinstrife has been our passion project for a long time," Rüger said. "Finding the right partner for the years ahead was hugely important to us." Ludidi added, "We've wanted to work with Hooded Horse from the moment we set out to find a publisher. Their passion shows in how they curate games and give unique projects a chance to shine, which makes this partnership feel completely natural."
For players fatigued by the Mount & Blade formula but hungry for something in that vein, Kinstrife promises genuine novelty through its commitment to physical simulation. Whether the two-person core of Finitude can sustain momentum as the team expands remains an open question. Until now, Kinstrife has been the passion project of just two developers. Now that they've officially started their studio, that's about to change, with plans to expand their team. Later this year, they plan to open the playtest to more players. No release date has been announced, but 2025 is shaping up to be a big step forward for Kinstrife.
You can wishlist Kinstrife on Steam or follow development news through Hooded Horse's official site.