13Z: The Zodiac Trials is a frenetic hack-and-slash roguelike steeped in Eastern mythology. Shown on a recently concluded Xbox Developers Asia session, players embark on an epic quest to earn the coveted title of the 13th Zodiac, facing relentless trials that test their might, speed, and resilience.

Developed by Mixed Realms, a studio renowned for its VR expertise, 13Z: The Zodiac Trials is the team’s ambitious leap into action-roguelikes. With support from Xbox, the game has already garnered 40,000 downloads in its first playtest, receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback from players.

13Z: The Zodiac Trials Offers Fast-Paced Combat with Deep Roguelike Mechanics

Inspired by acclaimed roguelikes such as Hades and Sworn, 13Z is focused on mobility, emphasizing fluid swordplay and rapid movement. Players take control of Lilac the fox and Silas the raven, utilizing both their humanoid and animal forms to navigate combat in dynamic ways.

13Z offers both single-player and 4-player co-op, allowing players to strategize together or conquer the trials solo. While Lilac and Silas are currently available, more playable characters will be introduced in future updates.

Every run in 13Z presents players with meaningful choices, rewarding them with opportunities to enhance attacks through various martial arts styles. Additionally, players can augment their abilities with elemental seals inspired by the Chinese trigram, which inflict effects like burn and electric damage. Combining elements unlocks synergistic attacks, empowering players with creative ways to dominate their foes.

As expected in the roguelike genre, failure is a stepping stone to progression. Players earn jade, the currency used to upgrade the cultivation grid found in the village, reinforcing their capabilities for future runs.

While zodiac guardians might seem to be standard boss fights, not all serve as combat encounters. The Monkey Zodiac, for example, offers trials and rewards, while the Pig and Rooster provide aid in unique ways.

Among the eight elemental zodiac guardians, the Goat Zodiac represents the mountain element, wielding Earth-based attacks like rock slams and defensive shields. As in any action-RPG, exploiting elemental weaknesses is key to victory, especially since bosses feature multi-phase battles that demand adaptability.

Co-op play in 13Z introduces varied combat strategies. One player might handle aerial enemies, while another focuses on ground-based foes. Playstyles also differ—Lilac excels in close combat, whereas Silas specializes in ranged attacks.

13Z: The Zodiac Trials is actively in development and promises fast-paced action, strategic depth, and mythological intrigue. The current co-op preview will soon be followed by a single-player-focused playtest, with additional updates to expand co-op mechanics.

To experience its exhilarating combat firsthand, visit Mixed Realms’ website and sign up for the upcoming PC/Steam playtest on April 12th, 2025.