Kiln Review

Kiln is a multiplayer party brawler developed by Double Fine Productions and Xbox Game Studios, the creative minds behind Psychonauts 2. Players take on the role of spirits inhabiting clay vessels crafted by the trickster deity Celadon, competing in lively events where the goal is to extinguish the flame from rival altars.

Designed for chaotic fun and unpredictable encounters, Kiln blends mythic charm with party‑game energy, but is quite too limited as of now to make a recommendation.

Out of the Kiln Into the Fray!

As party games go, Kiln channels the chaotic energy of titles like Fall Guys, infused with Double Fine’s trademark humor and playful antics. Players begin by customizing their spirit, which is summoned by the deity Celadon, who guides them through a tutorial that teaches movement, combat, and the art of “quenching” kilns. To do so, you inhabit clay vessels of varying shapes and sizes, from pots to vases and beyond.

Each vessel type carries distinct advantages and trade‑offs. Larger forms have higher durability and greater water capacity for quenching, but will sacrifice speed. Smaller, thinner vases excel at mobility, slipping through tight spaces, though they’re fragile and have limited capacity.

Combat styles between different vessels differ as well, with heavy pots unleashing whirlwind area attacks, medium vessels delivering precise thrust strikes, and nimble vessels darting in and out for quick escapes.

After mastering the basics, players are introduced to one of Kiln’s standout features, the pottery wheel. Here, you craft vessels of your own design, shaping pots, urns, kettles, or other imaginative forms to represent your spirit in matches.

Finishing touches like spouts and handles add flair, while cosmetic items further personalize your creations. With up to three vessels in your loadout, experimentation is encouraged before committing to a style that suits your play. You are literally limited by your imagination, so feel free to try out different things.

Kiln’s blend of customization, humor, and unpredictable party brawling ensures every match feels fresh, chaotic, and uniquely yours.

Ceramic Chaos!

Once your vessels are crafted, the real chaos begins in Kiln’s core multiplayer mode, “Quench.” Here, you’re matched with four other players in a contest to extinguish each other’s kilns. Victory is achieved either by fully quenching an opponent’s kiln or by having the highest progress when the timer runs out. The mechanic is simple yet strategic: collect water with your vessel and douse the opposing kiln until its life bar is depleted.

Matches demand more than frantic button‑mashing. Teams must balance offense and defense, protecting their own kiln while coordinating attacks on the enemy’s. Vessel destruction adds another layer of strategy; if your clay form shatters mid‑match, you can swap to another from your loadout or mold a new one on the fly, adapting to the terrain or the opposing team’s tactics.

Each map introduces unique layouts that favor different strategies, requiring squads to adjust their approach. Balanced arenas encourage varied playstyles, while specialized terrain can tilt the advantage toward certain vessel types.

Progression comes through experience points earned after each match, with winners gaining more rewards. While the gameplay loop is fun for short bursts, Kiln’s longevity is limited at present because only one mode and five maps are available. The novelty lies in experimenting with vessel creation and inviting friends to join the mayhem, but sustaining long‑term engagement will depend on future updates and expanded content.

Verdict: Wait For It…

Kiln has the ingredients for a fun and distinctive multiplayer experience, showcasing Double Fine Productions’ trademark humor and creative flair. Yet charm alone can only carry a multiplayer title so far, as sustained engagement requires consistent updates and meaningful content to keep the community invested.

With only one mode and a handful of maps at launch, the novelty of sculpting unique vessels may not be enough to maintain long‑term interest. While creative players can rally friends for chaotic matches and community fun, the game’s staying power will depend on how much support and expansion it receives post‑release.

Double Fine has crafted a unique concept with Kiln, and with continued development and fresh content, it has the potential to grow into a lasting multiplayer staple rather than a fleeting experiment.

*Kiln was reviewed on an Xbox Series X|S with a review code provided by the publisher.