Arc System Works has released a new Qliphah in Providence’s Shadow gameplay trailer, giving players a closer look at the tactical counter-timeline RPG before launch.
Qliphah in Providence’s Shadow arrives September 24, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC via Steam, and the Epic Games Store.
Tokyo After the Collapse
Qliphah in Providence’s Shadow takes place in Tokyo after the World Collapse, where reality is breaking down, and Anomalies have overrun the city.
The story follows Soma Hoshigami, a part-time courier attacked by an Anomaly and left in a “Half-turned” state. Rena Hizuki, an investigator with the Public Safety Anomaly Response Division, takes him into custody as “Lost Property.”
From there, Rena and Soma investigate the demonic drug “Tiny True,” body-carved patterns called Stigmas, and a cult tied to the city’s collapse.
A Counter-Timeline Battle System
The new trailer breaks down combat, which may look like action at first glance but uses command-battle mechanics.
Players use Counter Skills sorted by red, blue, and yellow colors to answer enemy attacks. Matching a skill color to an enemy skill on the Timeline triggers a counter, with cooldowns affecting damage and counter windows.
As difficulty rises, enemies use layered attacks that require players to swap between Rena and Soma and use support skills.
Timeline, Counters, and Secret Arts
Battles center on the Timeline shown in the middle of the screen.
Enemy and player skills move toward the center, with activation timing tied to when each skill bar reaches it. Players can stack skills, plan counters, and respond to multi-layered attacks.
Successful counters can launch lesser enemies into the air for follow-ups. Against larger foes, counters can drain a Down Gauge, opening a critical-hit window that can be capped off with a Secret Art.
Investigation and Mystic Passes
Story progression plays out by choosing locations on a Tokyo map.
Events can change based on location and time, giving players decisions to weigh as they search for the cause of the Anomalies.
Arc System Works also detailed Mystic Passes, passwords that unlock certain skills. Players can find them through the in-game SNS feature or battle results, with the publisher encouraging players to share them online.
Bonuses Available at Launch
Pre-orders and early purchases include the “Voidfall” extra battle, three extra skins for each character, and 16 high-difficulty battles at release.
Qliphah in Providence’s Shadow launches September 24 for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Steam, and the Epic Games Store.
