Soulcalibur: Lost Swords was a free-to-play fighting game distributed through PlayStation Network. Released in 2014 the game is based on Soulcalibur V and is strictly single-player. It uses the same weapon-based fighting system from previous games; however several of the gameplay mechanics were changed simplified or otherwise removed. The game was also periodically updated with new content including new events items and characters. The game ceased operations effective in 2015. Like previous games in the series Soulcalibur: Lost Swords was a weapon-based fighting game. Players could inflict high and low horizontal and vertical attacks block oncoming attacks and use parries to gain a tactical advantage. Features such as Soul Crush and Armor Destruction first introduced in Soulcalibur IV have been retained; Soul Crush could be used to make opponents drop collectible items and weapons. Several mechanics were no longer present in the game however such as the ability to ring out a character counter hits and Just Guard. Guard Impact while having the same properties as Soulcalibur V no longer used a specific meter to execute. Two new mechanics were added: Weapon Arts which granted each character unique attacks such as breaking through an enemy's guards; and support character feature which allowed players to temporarily borrow another player's character online.