Ys X: Proud Nordics is an action RPG from Nihon Falcom, the studio credited with pioneering the action RPG genre through its long-running Ys and Trails series. After a tense encounter at sea, the young red-haired adventurer Adol Christin and the proud Norman warrior Karja Balta find themselves bound together by shackles of Mana, forced into an uneasy partnership against an undying horde known as the Griegr. These creatures seek to pillage the vibrant Obelia Gulf, and the two protagonists must gather a crew of allies aboard their ship, the Sandras, to push them back.
This is a departure from the party systems that defined recent entries in the series. Rather than cycling through a larger roster, the game narrows its focus to just two playable characters, building its combat around the dynamic between Adol and Karja. The action plays out from a third-person perspective with the fast-paced combat the series is known for, while sailing and ship combat make their first appearance in the franchise. A new Mana Hold ability lets players manipulate the world around them, adding another layer to exploration and encounters alike.
The setting spans the Obelia Gulf and its surrounding waters, with Öland Island serving as the centerpiece of a brand-new storyline woven into the broader adventure. There, two Shield Siblings named Canute and Astrid accompany players through a mystery unique to the island. For those seeking punishment, Muspelheim offers a timed dungeon built around diabolical difficulty.
Chronologically, the story sits between Ys II and Ys: Memories of Celceta, placing it early in Adol's long history of adventures. Proud Nordics positions itself as the definitive edition of Ys X: Nordics, folding in graphical improvements, quality-of-life updates, and the Öland Island content as seamless additions rather than bolted-on extras. Available on PC through Steam, the game releases in February 2026.