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Press release:
ROSWELL, Ga. — Feb. 17, 2026. Gather your warriors, a song of swords awaits… Tripwire Presents, the publishing division of Tripwire Interactive, and developer Arctic Hazard today announced the release of their Viking turn-based tactical game set in Dark Age Norway, NORSE: Oath of Blood, on Windows PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and Good Old Games.

The standard digital edition is available for $34.99/€34.99/£26.99 and a Special Edition, including the in-game Kievan War armor set and unique Ulfberht sword, is available for $44.99/€44.99/£34.75, with both versions discounted 15% on all storefronts, including as part of the Tripwire Interactive Publisher Sale on Steam, through Tuesday, Feb. 24. The PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S versions remain in development and will launch this Spring.

“I’m thrilled to say, ‘The Vikings are here!’ Creating NORSE: Oath of blood has been a saga in its own right, one that has brought many challenges, forged new friendships, and highlighted the spirit, dedication, and passion of everyone involved,” said Terje Lundberg, CEO and Creative Director at Arctic Hazard.

“We will continue to work on and support the game as it makes its way into the world, and we truly hope people enjoy playing it as much as we have enjoyed making it.”

“Working with Arctic Hazard on NORSE: Oath of blood is an incredible opportunity for Tripwire Presents to bring a bold and immersive Viking experience to players,” noted Bryan West, Publishing Director at Tripwire Presents. “The game’s strategic depth, intense turn-based combat and rich world-building make it a truly unique and thrilling adventure.”

Step into the rugged, untamed beauty of Dark Age Norway in NORSE: Oath of Blood, a turn-based tactics game that plunges players into the heart of the Viking Age. Embark on an epic quest for vengeance as Gunnar, a young warrior whose destiny is forged in blood and betrayal. After the treacherous Steinarr Far-Spear murders his father, Jarl Gripr, and usurps his high seat, Gunnar’s path is clear: rebuild, ally, and rise to reclaim honor and justice.

Craft a settlement from the ground up, gather allies from far and wide, and train a formidable warband to stand by your side. Every decision shapes the world around you, as you navigate a landscape teeming with both danger and opportunity. Face off against rival factions, forge unbreakable bonds, and outmaneuver your enemies in tactical, turn-based battles that test your strategic prowess.

NORSE: Oath of Blood Key Features:

Tactical Turn-Based Combat: Command a warband in tactical skirmishes where positioning, terrain, and timing determine survival.

Settlement Building & Resource Management: Oversee Gunnar’s Viking village as it grows from a small camp into a thriving stronghold.

Character-Driven Narrative: Make impactful choices that influence relationships, shape alliances, and unfold the story of Gunnar as he restores his father’s legacy.

Historically Grounded World: Get fully immersed in a gritty Viking saga penned by prize-winning and Sunday Times bestselling author Giles Kristian, enriched by compelling cinematic cutscenes directed by award-winning filmmaker Philip Stevens, and accompanied by a haunting original soundtrack scored by composer Dan Wakefield and dark pagan neo-folk band Galdorcræft.

Read or listen to Sword Brothers, the official short prequel story to NORSE: Oath of Blood written by Giles Kristian.

Visit the newly launched NORSE: Oath of Blood online store with items themed after the game, presented in partnership with Grimfrost, a company focused on the highest quality Viking reproductions available.

Hear the latest single LEGACY, from dark neo-folk band Galdorcræft, featured in NORSE: Oath of Blood on Spotify and watch the music video featuring in-game footage on the Grimfrost YouTube channel. The full soundtrack for the game will be available through Grimfrost Records soon.

Find out more about NORSE: Oath of Blood on the official website, and follow the game on X, Bluesky, Instagram, TikTok, and Discord. This game has not been rated for PC, and expects a rating of 17+ on consoles by the ESRB and 18+ PEGI.

To learn more about Arctic Hazard visit their official website, and follow them on X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

For more information about Tripwire Interactive visit their official website and follow them on X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

About Arctic Hazard
Arctic Hazard AS is an independent Norwegian game developer dedicated to creating high-quality international electronic entertainment across all platforms. Founded in 2010 by industry veterans Terje Lundberg and Mats Tveita—each bringing over a decade of experience—the company boasts a team of some of Norway’s most talented and experienced developers. Every member of the Arctic Hazard team is a passionate gamer at heart, with a minimum of 10 years’ experience working on international game titles.

At Arctic Hazard, the focus is all about crafting exceptional gaming experiences. To achieve this, the company licenses advanced technology from trusted third-party vendors, which it then adapts and enhances. This approach ensures the team always has access to the best tools and engines, allowing them to channel their resources into delivering innovative and engaging gameplay.

Arctic Hazard’s ultimate mission is to establish Norway as a major hub for game development in Europe.

About Tripwire Interactive
Formed in 2005 as a humble independent developer founded by gamers who found success in the video game modding community, Tripwire Interactive has developed and self-published multiple critically acclaimed titles in the wildly popular Killing Floor and Rising Storm franchises, which have collectively sold over 30 million units to date. The studio’s last internal project, Maneater, broke new ground in the popular action RPG genre and tasked players with taking on the role of a deadly shark with the uncanny ability to evolve as it feeds. Since its release in 2020 Maneater has sold over 14 million units worldwide across all platforms.

Since then, Tripwire Interactive has expanded its business with the publishing division, Tripwire Presents, turning its experience and resources to include publishing titles spanning multiple platforms and genres from other talented independent studios. Tripwire Presents aims to help like-minded independent studios bring their titles to market, including Chivalry 2 developed by Torn Banner Studios, Espire 1: VR Operative and Espire 2 developed by Digital Lode, DECEIVE INC. developed by Sweet Bandits Studios, Road Redemption developed by EQ Games and Pixel Dash Studios, Rogue Waters developed by Ice Code Games, The Stone of Madness developed by The Game Kitchen and NORSE: Oath of Blood, developed by Arctic Hazard. Tripwire Presents continues to grow their portfolio, and are always on the lookout for the next great team and game. Inquiries and pitches can be directed to [email protected], or submitted through their publishing application form. Tripwire Interactive is a standalone entity within the Embracer Group.