Tripwire shares developer diary videos for Norse: Oath of Blood, showcasing world-building and combat

Publisher Tripwire Presents and developer Arctic Hazard have released two final developer diary videos for Norse: Oath of Blood, showcasing world-building and combat. The first dev diary was released in November 2025 alongside the release date announcement, highlighting the game's story.

The World Building developer diary dives into some behind-the-scenes footage of the game, including using motion capture for cutscene creation and satellite data for environments. The Combat developer diary highlights the game's tactical battle system and how it blends with the settlement-building components.

Additionally, Tripwire has shared a music video for the track LEGACY from English dark neo-folk band Galdorcræft, which is featured in the game. We've included this in the press release below.

Norse: Oath of Blood is set to release on February 17 for PC (Steam), followed by console releases for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S later in the year. In case you missed it, Tripwire recently shared a gameplay trailer alongside details on the game's pre-order bonus and special editions.

Developer Diary #2 - World Building

Developer Diary #3 - Battle and Combat

Tripwire Presents, the publishing division of Tripwire Interactive, and developer Arctic Hazard today shared two final video developer diaries taking a look behind the shield-wall for their upcoming Viking-era turn-based tactical game set in Dark Age Norway, Norse: Oath of Blood, ahead of the release on Windows PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and Good Old Games on Feb. 17. Following the release of the first Developer Diary late last year, the second Developer Diary focuses on “Worldbuilding”, introducing players to the gripping characters and untamed wilds of Dark Age Norway, and the actors and developers behind them. The new video also showcases the technology and performances used to create enthralling cinematic sequences and realistic, lived-in landscapes to fully immerse players in Gunnar’s tale.

The third and final Developer Diary, focused on “Battle and Combat”, delves into how the development team embraced the Viking culture of war, in designing the turn-based combat and encounters. Throughout Gunnar’s story players will encounter dangerous foes ranging from the beasts of the wild and bandits to trained and experienced warriors capable of advanced tactics like forming shield walls, requiring players to adapt and evolve their strategies for each battle. Maintaining and improving Gunnar’s settlement will play a key role in victory, ensuring that even freshly recruited warriors can be equipped with powerful gear allowing them to jump straight into battle.

Step into the rugged, untamed beauty of Dark Age Norway in Norse: Oath of Blood, a turn-based tactics game that plunges players into the heart of the Viking Age. Embark on an epic quest for vengeance as Gunnar, a young warrior whose destiny is forged in blood and betrayal. After the treacherous Steinarr Far-Spear murders his father, Jarl Gripr, and usurps his high seat, Gunnar's path is clear: rebuild, ally, and rise to reclaim honor and justice.

Craft a settlement from the ground up, gather allies from far and wide, and train a formidable warband to stand by your side. Every decision shapes the world around you, as you navigate a landscape teeming with both danger and opportunity. Face off against rival clans, forge unbreakable bonds, and outmaneuver your enemies in tactical, turn-based battles that test your strategic prowess.

Norse: Oath of Blood is available for digital pre-purchase on Windows PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and Good Old Games ahead of release on Feb. 17. The standard edition is available for $34.99 and a Special Edition, including the in-game Kievan War armor set and unique Ulfberht sword, is available for $44.99. All PC pre-purchases will be discounted by 15% until launch, and will also include Brokkr’s Bearded Axe, a powerful weapon capable of smiting enemies and turning the tide of battle.

Hear the latest single LEGACY, from dark neo-folk band Galdorcræft, featured in Norse: Oath of Blood on Spotify and watch the music video featuring in-game footage on the Grimfrost YouTube channel.