
‘Bloodthief’ Demo Brings New Content and a Speedrunning Challenge for Steam Next Fest
The fast-paced, blood-fueled dungeon-runner Bloodthief has returned to Steam Next Fest with a significant demo update—and it’s turning up the heat for speedrunners. Developed by the solo creator Blargis, Bloodthief is a brutal, high-momentum action game that dares players to chain their movements and melee kills in a dark medieval fantasy setting. Now, with a fresh level, new weapons, and a community challenge to mark the occasion, it’s the perfect time to dive in.
If you’re unfamiliar with Bloodthief, think of it as the high-octane offspring of Ghostrunner, Hotline Miami, Quake, and Ultrakill. It’s a game where fluid motion isn’t just a feature—it’s your lifeline. Players traverse death-laden dungeons using acrobatics, tight controls, and well-timed melee strikes, all while draining the blood of their enemies to power up their abilities. The experience is equal parts stylish and ruthless, requiring precision, timing, and reflexes to survive.
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The newly updated demo—available now on Steam—introduces an extra level to explore, a brand-new weapon to master, and three hidden artifacts needed to unlock that weapon. While the main path can be conquered in around an hour, completionists will find themselves engaged for up to 20 hours. Hidden powerups, unique enemy variants, cleverly concealed artifacts, and more are scattered throughout, offering plenty of incentive for thorough exploration.
Blargis clearly understands their audience: Bloodthief is built for speed and style, and to celebrate the demo’s launch, they’re inviting players to prove their mettle in a time trial competition. The Bloodthief Speedrunning Challenge is officially underway, open to all players who complete a “Full Game Inbounds” run by June 16 at 11:59 PM PST.
Top performers will be rewarded generously. The five fastest runners will each receive a Steam gift card, with the top prize being a $100 USD card and smaller amounts awarded down to $25 USD. But even if you don’t claim a top-five spot, every participant who submits a qualifying run via Speedrun.com will receive a special Discord role and an in-game leaderboard badge in the final release—bragging rights well-earned.
This event isn’t just a clever way to draw attention; it’s a testament to the game’s tight design and speed-friendly mechanics. With enemies acting as both obstacles and opportunities—since their blood is your primary resource—you’ll need to think creatively and act decisively to keep your momentum. Every encounter is a chance to extend your movement chain or find a hidden route, and every second counts when you’re racing against the clock.
Bloodthief also stands out with its darkly immersive world. Its gothic aesthetic—combining brutalist architecture with cryptic dungeons, flickering torches, and grim enemies—enhances the sense of danger and urgency. Each room feels like a puzzle waiting to be solved at 100 miles per hour, and discovering the optimal path is half the fun.
For those who enjoy a real challenge and thrive on leaderboard competition, now is the ideal time to sharpen your fangs. The demo is live, the challenge is clear, and the rewards are more than just digital—they’re badges of honor in one of the year’s most intriguing indie speedrunning titles.
So whether you’re a veteran speedrunner looking for your next fix or a newcomer interested in a unique twist on melee combat, Bloodthief is calling. Download the demo, master the flow, and show the world how fast you really are.