✨Demo Update Live Now — Co-op Demo Date Revealed!✨

[p][/p][p]Hey Zodiac Challengers! Big news today — we’re officially announcing that 13Z’s Co-op Mode will land on the demo build this November 21, 2025.[/p][p]It’s the feature many of you have been waiting for, and we can’t wait for you to experience the Trials together.
[/p][p][/p][h3]But before that, we’ve rolled out a new update to the current demo (details below!), packed with new gameplay content (like 80+ new seals and boons 😎), balancing, QoLs, system updates, bug fixes and a brand-new way to show off your skills through Glory, our new performance-based currency.[/h3][hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]🙌 A Small Favor, Challengers[/h2][p]Before we dive into the details of this update, we’d love your help spreading the word.[/p][p]If you’ve enjoyed your time in the Trials, please tag “13Z: The Zodiac Trials” on Steam with “Action Roguelike” and “Hack-and-Slash.”[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]It’s a small gesture that helps more players who love games like this discover 13Z. Thank you for giving us that extra push forward![/p][p][/p][h2]👋We’re going live tonight! Come say HI![/h2][p]We’re also thrilled to announce that 13Z is one of the finalists in this year’s Indie X showcase! We’ll be temporarily unfurling from our introvert pods to join their team to chat as they livestream 13Z! 🙂
[/p][p]WHEN: Oct 23 (Thu) at 11 AM PST / 8PM CET[/p][p]WHERE: [dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p][/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p]
Now, on to the updates![/p][h2]
🌟 Boons and Glory[/h2][p]Boons have been reworked to tie directly to a new performance-based currency: Glory. You earn Glory by playing well during your Trials, and spend it to purchase Boons of different rarities[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Boons now come in five tiers: Common, Rare, Epic, Legendary, and Patron Boons.[/p][p]Only Patron Boons are linked to the Zodiac Guardians, but the expanded pool adds more build variety and experimentation for every Challenger.[/p][p]Here are some examples:[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]This system rewards skillful play and adds a more strategic layer to your builds. It also sets the stage for some friendly (😈???) team dynamics when co-op arrives next month![/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][h2]
⚔️ Combat Improvements[/h2][p]Lyra and Sylith’s jump animations have been adjusted to improve timing and weight.

We’ve also added a new target lock option called “Free Rotation,” which offers smoother movement compared to the original, more focused “Locked” mode. You can switch between the two under Options > Gameplay > Target Lock-On Camera.

[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]👹 Enemy Improvements[/h2][p]Enemies have received some love too!

Attack telegraphs are easier to read, with updated VFX that make danger zones clearer. Certain enemies have had their animations, timing, and movement patterns adjusted to feel fairer and more reactive. Still a work in progress, of course. Your early feedback would help us iron out the roughest spots[/p][p]
[/p][p]…And word has it that the Goat Zodiac has a new trick up his sleeves.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]🍜 The Pig Zodiac’s food cart has finally gone legit.[/h2][p]Our Master of Feast has upgraded his humble food cart. It no longer sucks the living daylights out of your HP. It goes straight for your wallet instead. Apparently, he’s been taking business lessons from the Rooster. Stop by his stall between runs to see what’s cooking.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]🌳 Progression and Difficulty[/h2][p]Clearing a run on Normal difficulty now unlocks higher difficulty tiers, with stronger enemies and better rewards. The Jade Tree system has also been updated to support the expanded progression structure, giving you more long-term goals as you strengthen your Challenger.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]💫New Cosmetics & More[/h2][p]Alongside the major systems, this update also adds new cosmetics to unlock, an improved tutorial for new Challengers, and various fixes and quality-of-life improvements.[/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]🐠 Bye, Goldie… For Now[/h2][p]We’re temporarily removing Companions from the demo.

Don’t worry, they’ll be back! We’re reworking the system to make Companions more impactful and meaningful in future updates. For now, they’re resting in celestial waters while we fine-tune their roles.[/p][p]
[/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]👉Mark Your Calendar: Co-op Arrives November 21[/h2][p]All these improvements are available now in the current demo. Then, on November 21, Co-op Mode will officially arrive, bringing team-based play to the Zodiac Trials!

We’ll share more details and previews closer to release — so make sure your squad is ready.[/p][p]
[/p][p][/p][p]—[/p][p][/p][p]Crafted with Love,[/p][p]Mixed Realms[/p][p]
You can find us on: [/p][p]Discord / X (Twitter) / Tiktok / Youtube / Reddit [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]Full Patch Notes:[/h2][p]Those with * were inspired by community suggestions![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p]