Tianji Shadow of the Ancients: Xuan-Yuan Sword Creator Unveils New RPG
Key Takeaways
- Justdan International revealed Tianji: Shadow of the Ancients, a Tang Dynasty turn-based RPG launching in 2027 on PC, PS5, Switch, and Switch 2.
- Combat merges turn-based party tactics with real-time Guard, Chase inputs, Chain Skills, and shield-breaking Vulnerable states.
- The title features hand-drawn ink-wash 2D landscapes, dynamic day-night NPC schedules, and map traversal using grappling hooks and swimming.
What Is Tianji: Shadow of the Ancients?
Tianji: Shadow of the Ancients is an internally developed turn-based role-playing game from Justdan International, scheduled for release in 2027. Directed by the creator of the Xuan-Yuan Sword series, the game combines classic turn-based tactics with real-time action inputs across a fantasy interpretation of China’s historical Tang Dynasty.
The narrative centers on Shangguan Shuo, an amnesiac warrior from the Tianji Guard. Emperor Taizong originally established this secret imperial faction to defend the empire using individuals gifted with supernatural capabilities.
Shangguan Shuo awakens inside a stronghold belonging to the sinister Xuanxin Sect. The protagonist retains only an imperial bronze mask and a fish-shaped tally, known historically as a yufu, as clues to uncover his origins in the Bashu region.
How Does Combat Work in Tianji: Shadow of the Ancients?
Combat in Tianji: Shadow of the Ancients combines turn-based turn orders with active real-time button triggers. Players exploit elemental affinities to drain enemy Guard Points, inflict a helpless Vulnerable state, string consecutive Chain Skills together, and execute manual Chase inputs to deliver up to four offensive strikes in a single turn.
The battle design relies on tactical resource management. Characters expend resources to activate Chain Skills, enabling party members to execute two distinct abilities back-to-back during a single turn.
Enemies feature defensive Guard Points alongside standard health bars. Targeting elemental weaknesses strips these shields away, triggering a Vulnerable state that leaves opponents completely incapacitated and susceptible to bonus damage.
Real-time inputs add active timing requirements between turns. According to Inven Global’s hands-on preview, pressing the controller trigger during attack animations triggers a Chase attack, while pressing the trigger during incoming enemy strikes executes a damage-reducing Guard.
Turn-based RPG $TIANJI combines hand-drawn 2D Tang Dynasty aesthetics with tactical real-time inputs like Guard and Chase.
— Inven Global (@InvenGlobal) September 8, 2026
Published by JustDan and targeting a 2027 release, the game features day-night cycles and exploration mechanics such as grappling hooks.…
Hand-Drawn Exploration and Dynamic World Systems
Tianji: Shadow of the Ancients constructs its world using hand-drawn 2D art inspired by traditional Chinese landscape paintings. High-definition backdrops depict the mountainous roads of Bashu and ancient subterranean structures with ink-wash brushwork.
Map exploration incorporates physical movement mechanics instead of static paths. Shangguan Shuo scales cliffs with a grappling hook, swims through deep waters, and solves mechanical environmental puzzles to unlock hidden regions.
Town environments operate on continuous day-and-night cycles. Non-player characters alter their daily schedules based on the hour, opening specific shops and unlocking unique investigative side quests exclusively during daylight or nightfall.
Companions contribute specialized non-combat skills throughout the campaign. Recruited allies allow players to cook stat-boosting meals, refine combat equipment, upgrade magical Cores, and trade for scarce resources.
Also, learn more about the remake of the Korean classic RPG Astonishia Story coming in 2027!
When Will Tianji: Shadow of the Ancients Release?
Tianji: Shadow of the Ancients launches globally in 2027 for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. Publisher Justdan International confirmed language support for English, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese, with additional localized options potentially arriving before the official launch window.
Field exploration replaces random battles with visible enemy encounters. Players choose whether to engage hostile targets directly, initiate pre-emptive strikes, or instantly eliminate under-leveled adversaries on the map without loading a battle screen.
Justdan International continues active production ahead of the planned 2027 launch window. The project aims to balance tactical turn-based planning with the active controller engagement of modern action titles.
A video game enthusiast ever since I first got my hands on a Game Boy. Over the years, I've played many different games across various genres, discovering hidden gems and niche titles along the way. I'm also passionate about technology, always up-to-date with the latest news and insight in the PC and Console market. Ready to share and bring you the latest news !
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