It’s not often that a game makes me want to stay in the shadows, but when you’re playing as a 200-year-old goblin with a mouth as sharp as his dagger, the darkness is exactly where you want to be.
I’ve spent the last week skulking through the latest entry in the Styx saga, Styx: Blades of Greed, and I have some thoughts. First, a quick disclaimer: the publisher was kind enough to provide me with a review key for the Xbox version. However, I enjoyed my time with this foul-mouthed infiltrator so much that I ended up putting my own gold down for the Styx: Master of Stealth Collection just to support the developers’ excellent work. When a game is this good, you want to make sure the team behind it knows it.
Here is why Styx: Blades of Greed is the stealth sequel we’ve been waiting for.
From Pawn to Boss: A Goblin with a Plan
In previous games, Styx was often the one taking orders. Not anymore. In Blades of Greed, our favorite, green-skinned anti-hero has leveled up to “Boss” status. Operating out of his own zeppelin, Styx leads a crew on a high-stakes hunt for Quartz—the most precious and dangerous resource in a world teetering on the edge of a Great War.
The story is a treat for lore buffs. It serves as the origin story for the Black Hand, the mercenary group fans will recognize from Of Orcs and Men. Avoiding the Inquisition while navigating the tensions between humans, elves, and orcs provides a high-pressure backdrop that makes every successful heist feel earned.
Infiltration is an Art (and the Dagger is Your Paintbrush)
The “play your way” philosophy is at the heart of the experience. The freedom and creativity offered here are a significant step up from Shards of Darkness.
- The Classics: Amber skills like cloning and invisibility are back and better than ever.
- The New Hotness: Quartz-powered abilities like Mind Control and Time Shift turn every room into a lethal puzzle.
- Preparation is Key: You’ll need to craft your own weapons and potions before embarking on a job. It adds a layer of tactical depth—every mission feels like a “heist” you’ve personally planned.
If your combat skills are a bit rusty, don’t sweat it. As Styx would say, if no one sees you, you can’t get caught!
A World Built for Verticality
The environments in Blades of Greed are massive, and they aren’t just for show. The game utilizes a Metroidvania-style progression where new tools unlock previously unreachable areas.
The Three Pillars of Exploration:
- The Wall: The daunting border of the human world.
- Turquoise Dawn: A lush, vibrant orc village.
- Akenash: The haunting ruins of the elven capital.
Using the grappling hook, glider, and Styx’s own claws, the verticality is dizzying. Reaching a high balcony and looking down at the guards you just bypassed is incredibly satisfying.
The Ultimate Stealth Package
If you’re new to the series or, like me, you just want the complete experience, the Styx: Master of Stealth Collection is a massive value. It includes:
- Styx: Master of Shadows (The dark fantasy origin)
- Styx: Shards of Darkness (The expanded sequel with co-op)
- Styx: Blades of Greed (The newest masterpiece)
Buying the collection also nets you some killer bonus content, like the Greedy Skin Pack and the Legacy Skin Pack, which lets you rock Styx’s iconic outfits from previous missions.
Final Verdict
Styx: Blades of Greed is a masterclass in modern stealth that rewards environmental creativity just as much as it does a quick blade. While I was fortunate enough to receive a review key from the publisher, the game’s sheer quality and the developers’ obvious passion led me to purchase the Styx: Master of Stealth Collection with my own money to fully support their tremendous work. Between Styx’s signature caustic humor and the brilliant new Quartz-powered mechanics, this is easily the most refined and vertically ambitious entry in the series to date. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the Akenash lore or a newcomer looking for a true infiltration challenge, this is an essential addition to your Xbox library. It turns out that being greedy—and a little bit mean—has never felt this good.
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