The Shattering Swords is a 3rd-person action game centered around a real-time weapon-switching combat system. Combat is grounded and deliberate, similar to Dark Souls. You wield a magical sword that can change its shape on the fly when exposed to various gemstones. You play as a reluctant hero who takes up the sword to defend their village from a horde of living gem constructs. You'll slash, roll, and parry your way through combat encounters, gathering new gemstones and mastering your weapons three forms: the balanced Topaz, the heavy Ruby, and the swift Sapphire. The game culminates in a boss fight against the human leader of the horde, who wields a sword that mirrors your own.