Ys X: Proud Nordics

Released

Release Date: February 20, 2026

RPG, TPP, Fantasy, Action RPG, jRPG, Singleplayer

8.3

OpenCritic

6.1

Steam

Rate It!

Ratings

 Videos: 2 

Images: 6 

New features in the final version
Gameplay
Storyline
Graphics

In 1987, Japanese studio Nihon Falcom released Ys I: Ancient Ys Vanished, an action RPG that gave birth to a series that has since been to become a mainstay of the team's work.

In 2023 (in Japan, because in the West a year later) the tenth installment of the series was released, namely Ys X: Nordics. Over time, it lived to see the "final version," the Ys X: Proud Nordics described here, which made its debut in the Land of the Cherry Blossom in July 2025, while its global release took place in February 2026.

New features in the final version

Ys X: Proud Nordics differentiates itself from the original primarily due to a new plot thread. As part of it , the game's main character, Adol Christin, arrives on the island of ?land, where he, along with Kanut and Astrid, learns the mystery of this piece of land.

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In addition, the new version of the game features an additional ability to manipulate the environment, called Mana Hold. There are also additional challenges on the island ?land. For seasoned daredevils there is Muspelheim, a dungeon with a time limit and a very high difficulty level, where their skills are put to the ultimate test.

All this is complemented by improved graphics, as well as a number of gameplay enhancements.

Gameplay

In Ys X: Proud Nordics, we view events from a third-person perspective (TPP). During the game we travel through the northern land, where both islands and open waters await us to traverse aboard the ship Sandras.

In the course of the adventure we get to know the inhabitants of the territory and perform tasks for them, as well as face enemies. We eliminate enemies on dry land, using two combat modes ("solo mode" and "combination mode", focusing on solo and duo actions, respectively), as well as fighting dynamic battles at sea. As we progress, we develop the character and his companions.

Storyline

In Ys X: Proud Nordics we play as Adol Christin, who, after leaving the Kingdom of Ys, finds himself in the northern lands. They are home to a seafaring people called the Normans, represented, among others, by the brave Karja. The hero decides to aid them in their fight against the lurking threat of the Griegr?w, or immortal undead.

Graphics

The graphic design of the game Ys X: Proud Nordics is maintained in a manga style.

Platforms:

PC Windows

PlayStation 5

Switch 2

Developer: Nihon Falcom

Publisher: NIS America

Similar Games:

Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age

Tales of Arise

Edge of Eternity

Game Series

13GAMES

Ys Game Series

Features

System Requirements

System Requirements for Ys X: Proud Nordics Video Game:

PC / Windows

Minimum System Requirements:
(60 fps, 1080p) AMD Ryzen 5 1600, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 2 GB GeForce GTX 1050, 8 GB HDD, Windows 10/11 64-bit.

Recommended System Requirements:
(60 fps, 1440p) Intel Core i5-10400, 16 GB RAM, graphic card 4 GB GeForce GTX 1650, 8 GB HDD, Windows 10/11 64-bit.

Ratings

Game Ratings for Ys X: Proud Nordics Video Game.

8.3

OpenCritic Rating

Game is Recomended by 91% of Critics. There are 36 Critic Reviews.

OpenCritic

NoobFeed: 70 / 100 by Zahra Morshed

Ys X: Nordics is a well-thought-out remake that puts community building and maritime exploration ahead of large party systems. Its focus on two main characters makes character relationships stronger and fighting sharper and more deliberate. Ys X: Nordics grows the franchise without cutting it off from its roots by tying development to both land and sea.

Full Review

Entertainium: 3 / 5 by Eduardo Rebouças

Returning Ys X players have little to look forward to in Ys X: Proud Nordics as it doesn’t add anything particularly substantial and the technical improvements aren’t that great to begin with.

Full Review

Analog Stick Gaming: 7 / 10 by Jeff M Young

Proud Nordics does provide some fine quality of life features, but they are still encased in an adventure that is nowhere as good as the previous entries in the series.

Full Review

61%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Mixed (54)

STEAM

User Reviews Summary generated by AI

The main pros of the game

Combat System: Many users praised the refined combat mechanics, highlighting the fluidity and variety of moves available to both Adol and Karja. The dodge and parry systems were noted as particularly well-executed.
Visuals and Performance: The game is described as visually appealing, with vibrant environments and smooth performance across platforms.
Character Development: The chemistry between the main characters, Adol and Karja, was well-received, with Karja being noted as a strong and evolving character.
Gameplay Improvements: Features such as a streamlined skill leveling system, better map information for collectibles, and enhanced ship battles were appreciated.
Exploration: The game provides a sense of adventure with island exploration and naval combat, which some players found enjoyable.

The main cons of the game

Pricing and Business Practices: A significant number of reviews criticized the high price point ($70) for what many considered a minor upgrade from the original game, with some describing it as a "DLC in disguise." The limited-time discount for existing owners of the original game was also seen as anti-consumer.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

Repetitive Enemy Design: Some users noted that enemy variety was lacking, leading to repetitive combat experiences as the game progressed.
Gameplay Design Flaws: Issues with targeting mechanics, AI pathfinding, and the complexity of controls were highlighted as frustrating elements that detracted from the overall experience.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

Co-op Mode: Players expressed disappointment over the absence of co-op gameplay, which had been a feature in the original "Ys X: Nordics."
More Content for Existing Owners: Users felt that the new version should have included more substantial content or a free upgrade path for those who purchased the original game, rather than a limited discount.
Variety in Enemies: A call for more diverse enemy types was made, as many players felt that the game became repetitive due to a lack of new challenges.
Improved AI and Pathfinding: Players mentioned that the AI for non-controlled characters often struggled with navigation, leading to immersion-breaking moments.

Summary

Overall, while "Ys X: Proud Nordics" has its strengths, particularly in combat and character dynamics, many users expressed frustration over the pricing strategy and certain gameplay limitations.

Summary generated on: February 25, 2026

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