13Z News

Hey Zodiac Challengers!

We've got some fun updates and news for everyone, plus a bit of what’s brewing behind the scenes since the release of the playtest.

[h2]What We’re Working On[/h2]
We’re super grateful (and honestly, a bit relieved! 😌) for the positive reception since the playtest launched. It’s been amazing to see so many of you enjoying the fluidity and verticality of the combat! We’re eager to build upon what you love about the game, and we’d love for you to continue being a part of this journey with us.

With all the insights you shared, we’ve zeroed in on some key areas to improve—and, luckily, they match up perfectly with our plans. Here are a few things we’re focusing on:

[h3]Improving Level Design[/h3]
We’re restructuring some rooms and making overall improvements to the size, layout and verticality.



[h3]Pacing[/h3]
Coins will be rewarded upon the completion of the room rather than being distributed in random vases and pots all over the rooms. These breakable items will still have a chance to contain health drops, though.

[h3]Attack Variations & Deeper Progression[/h3]
We’re working on something new and big, and will reveal the details soon… this deserves its own dedicated devlog. ;) But here's a preview of one of those exciting changes:



[h3]Telegraphing[/h3]
Getting hit from behind? We’re enhancing telegraphing animations and effects to provide clearer cues in the heat of battle.



[h3]Graphics Upgrades / Explorations[/h3]
Along with adding more details to the environment, we’re experimenting with shaders to give 13Z a more unique look that matches its theme. It’s still a work in progress but we’d love to hear what you think.



We're also experimenting with water physics to make the environments more immersive. This will compliment Act 1’s various water features like the waterfalls and Gold Croak's level.



[h3]Handy QoL Tweaks[/h3]
Features like camera lock and smoother targeting are on the way.



[h3]New Key Art Sneak Peek [/h3]
We've also heard you asking about more info on the 12 Zodiacs—and we’re on it! We’re working on new key art that gives them a bigger spotlight. It’s super early, and some of the headshots are more playful than serious (our artist was having fun, lol), but we wanted to give the community a better sneak peek into 13Z's universe.



[h2]About the Next Playtest Update[/h2]
We’re fully diving into co-op mode development, along with some new mechanics. We’re targeting Q1 2025 for the big Co-op Playtest.



But you don’t need to wait that long to play an updated version of the current single-player playtest. We’ll be releasing another patch soon. However, some of the bigger changes mentioned above won’t make it into this upcoming patch just yet, as the co-op and single-player builds are on different tracks, and transferring all new mechanics would break the game.

We don’t have a specific date for this update yet, but we’re targeting to release it before the end of the year. Here’s what you can expect:

• Camera/Target Lock – Yep, it’s finally on the way!
  
• Enhanced VFX – A little extra flash never hurts.
  
• New Visuals for Lyra – We’ve made some tweaks to bring out her character more; we’ll showcase more sneak-peeks on our Discord.
  

[h2]Community Updates[/h2]
On Discord, we’ve added some fresh stickers and emojis for you to play with, and we’re cooking up a few more!


Also, here’s the very first fanart of Lyra courtesy of the talented Booey! If you've made fanart of 13Z, we’d love to see it—share it on our Discord, and don't forget to tag us on X (@13Z_game) so we don’t miss it. ;)


Thanks for being with us and sharing your feedback! We’re excited to be building 13Z together with you!

Chat with us on: Discord | Twitter | Tiktok

Crafted with Love,
Mixed Realms Team

Hey Challengers! Thank you so much for supporting our global playtest of 13Z. It’s been an exciting milestone for the team, and we’re thrilled by the positive feedback so far. Now, we’d love to answer some of the most common questions we’ve been getting!

[h3]Watch the full video here:[/h3]
[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

[h3]And, in case you missed it, here are some FAQs from the original set, as well:[/h3]

Is this build representative of the final game?
There’s going to be a lot more content and improvements! Scroll up a little and read under Looking Ahead: The Road to Full Release.

Does the game support keyboard or controller?
We support both!

What controller models do you support?
We’ve fully tested the game using the following controllers: Xbox One, Xbox 360, DualShock and DualSense controllers. Most generic controllers are also supported natively or via Steam Input.

Does the game run on Steam Deck?
We’ve not done extensive tests yet but based on what we experienced, the game can run decently on Steam Deck from start to finish with the occasional frame drops.

I encountered a bug! Where can I report it?
The best place to report a bug would be through: Discord server as this allows our team to respond immediately while being able to categorize the reports under different tags.

I have some suggestions and feedback! Where’s the best place to share them?
You can respond to our online feedback form (there’s free text entry at the end) or drop us a message under the suggestions section on our Discord.

Are you planning to add more languages?
We currently support English, Chinese and Japanese. Currently, we don’t have plans to add more languages during the playtest period as we are still finalizing the content.

Until when is the playtest going to be available to the public?
We haven’t decided yet but we will make an announcement once we’re ready to close it… that would most likely be in preparation for the updated version with new content / co-op!

Crafted with Love,
Mixed Realms Team

Hey, Zodiac Challengers! Thanks for all your bug reports so far—keep ‘em coming! During the Global Playtest, we’re prioritizing critical bugs and anything that breaks the game.

Without further ado, here are the fixes in this update:

## [0.5.1.671] - 2024-09-20
### Fixed
- Fixed certain challenger SFX not being properly pegged to SFX volume in options.
- Fixed a bug where saved master volume level was not applied correctly at startup.
- Fixed Mushroom Hunt turn-in description incorrectly pointing to Innkeeper instead of Teahouse Keeper.
- Fixed a control config issue with keyboards with non-QWERTY layout.
- Fixes for some UI not appearing correctly in ultrawide resolution.
- Fixed a bug where Loot Magnet blessing would not reset upon returning to the hub.
- Fixed some chests being underground in Stage 2.
- Fixed Blessing Shrines incorrectly handling rounding of HP after deducting HP cost.

Crafted with Love,
Mixed Realms

Hey Zodiac Challengers, welcome to the very first Global Playtest for 13Z!

We just cracked open the doors to the Zodiac Trials, giving you an early sneak peek at our hack-and-slash action roguelike game inspired by the legend of the 12 Eastern Zodiacs. Step into the challenge and help us shape the adventure with your feedback and suggestions.

[h3]Watch the Global Playtest Trailer here:[/h3]
[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

While co-op isn’t available in this build yet, please share 13Z with your friends—the more feedback we receive, the better we can fine-tune the game. If you're excited about what you see, be sure to wishlist 13Z too! :)

Now, let’s dive into what you can expect in this playtest build!

[h2]What Awaits You in the Global Playtest[/h2]
Take on the first act of the Zodiac Trials as one of the challengers gunning for the 13th Zodiac spot: Lyra the Fox also known as the Peerless Sword.



Unleash your unique abilities, boosted with upgrades and elemental powers collected along the way, as you tackle hordes of enemies. Face off against two formidable mini-bosses and gear up for the ultimate battle against the Goat Zodiac in the Act’s thrilling final showdown! If you stumble, don’t worry—there’s a welcoming village to nurse your spirits, so you can return to the trials stronger than ever!

[h3]Meet Your Adversaries[/h3]
The trials are not just about endurance and strength—they’re about strategy and skill. Practice your ‘perfect dodge’ against the heavy-hitting Gronks or show off your aerial combat prowess against the flying Cursed Lanterns.


Each enemy is designed to test a different aspect of your combat skills. But beyond these common foes, be prepared for more daunting battles ahead.

Goldcroak the Guardian of Day and Treasures, lurking within the waterfalls.

The Moth Queen, the Night Guardian, casting whirlwinds with her relentless wings.

The formidable Goat Zodiac, commanding his flurry of sheeps and barraging you with flying spears in the Act’s final battle.

[h3]Upgrades and Power-Ups[/h3]
Your journey through the Zodiac Trials isn’t just fraught with peril but opportunities for growth and power. Some upgrades appear upon clearing a level while pretty nifty perks are unlocked as permanent rewards for your past efforts in trying to beat the trials.

Elemental Scrolls: These are tied to elements that enhance your skills. While there will be more elemental choices in the future, the current playtest features the first three—Fire, Water, and Lightning—each with its own unique effect. Imagine leaving a trail of lightning with every dash, or summoning a fire spirit after executing your Special move. It’s your call!

Anvils: Customize your skills's attributes to better suit your play style. One of this dev’s favorite anvil upgrades is Falling Willows combined with the Secondary attack! ;)

Blessings: As you prove your worth, the 12 Zodiac Guardians may bestow blessings upon you… for a price.

Whether you aim for brute strength, agility, or strategic control, dive in and discover what works best for you!

[h3]Turtle Village: Your Sanctuary Between Trials[/h3]
If the trials knock you down, Turtle Village is where you stand back up to chill until you’re ready to jump back into the fray.

You’ll discover intriguing side quests, bump into future challengers like the Raven and Panda who aren’t quite ready to join the trials just yet and unlock permanent upgrades at the Cultivation Tree using Jade earned from your past attempts.


You’ll be greeted by Fu Xi, the volunteer custodian of the makeshift village. He’s cleverly created variants of his likeness to maintain order as we await the arrival of all the Guardians. Don’t be fooled by his youthful looks and demeanor—rumor has it he’s at least 500 years old!


Why is the village named Turtle Village? While we can’t spill all the secrets just yet, venturing beyond its bounds might give you some intriguing clues… ;)

[h2]Looking Ahead: The Road to Full Release[/h2]
This playtest is just the beginning. You're getting a firsthand look at our work in progress, complete with some placeholders and the occasional bugs. Apart from overall polish, here's what's on the horizon for the full game:

• A deeper roguelike experience with more impactful builds and meaningful choices;
  
• More playable characters;
  
• Co-op mode;
  
• Three more Acts, each set in unique landscapes guarded by their own Zodiac Guardians;
  
• A bustling village, full of new NPCs and quests to discover between Trials;
  
• More elements, skills, and abilities to experiment with!
  
• Game balancing and combat mechanics will be prioritized to enhance the overall player experience.
  

[h2]Share your Feedback[/h2]
We truly value your insights and suggestions at this stage, so please don't hesitate to share them with us. Along with the in-game survey, our detailed feedback form below offers more questions and space for you to freely express your thoughts and comments.

:excited_gq:FEEDBACK FORM: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScZRxXF2KrOoFn-zVi6TgMg2SY3jnVDzD6RdL_gQ6aW8fBPjw/viewform


[h2]Spread the Word and Stay Connected[/h2]
Sharing 13Z with friends and adding it to your wishlist are great ways to support our team. Every bit counts as we continue to build this game with the community. Chat with us on: Discord | Twitter | Tiktok

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2348250/13Z/

Thank you for joining us, and we hope you’ll enjoy your first dive into the world of 13Z.
Now, let the Zodiac Trials begin!

Craft with Love,
Mixed Realms

------



Is this build representative of the final game?
There’s going to be a lot more content and improvements! Scroll up a little and read under Looking Ahead: The Road to Full Release.

Does the game support keyboard or controller?
We support both!

What controller models do you support?
We’ve fully tested the game using the following controllers: Xbox One, Xbox 360, DualShock and DualSense controllers. Most generic controllers are also supported natively or via Steam Input.

Does the game run on Steam Deck?
We’ve not done extensive tests yet but based on what we experienced, the game can run decently on Steam Deck from start to finish with the occasional frame drops.

I encountered a bug! Where can I report it?
The best place to report a bug would be through: Discord server as this allows our team to respond immediately while being able to categorize the reports under different tags.

I have some suggestions and feedback! Where’s the best place to share them?
You can respond to our online feedback form (there’s free text entry at the end) or drop us a message under the suggestions section on our Discord.

Are you planning to add more languages?
We currently support English, Chinese and Japanese. Currently, we don’t have plans to add more languages during the playtest period as we are still finalizing the content.

Until when is the playtest going to be available to the public?
We haven’t decided yet but we will make an announcement once we’re ready to close it… that would most likely be in preparation for the updated version with new content / co-op!

Heads up, Challengers! We're just two weeks away from our first Global Playtest for 13Z! Soon, you'll step into the Zodiac Trials and get an early glimpse of what our team has passionately crafted over the past year.

We’ll keep this post short and sweet so you can jump into the experience fresh. But don’t miss our last devlog featuring Lyra the Fox—she’ll play a crucial role in this playtest. 😉

[h3]We’re in the final stretch: squashing bugs, fine-tuning gameplay, and adding the finishing touches over the next couple of weeks.[/h3]

Controls are smooth - check!

Enemies are wreaking havoc - check!

Lyra is kicking ass - check!

We even got the playtest build to run on Steam Deck!
So far, so good.

Our Chief Happiness Officer and their new assistant are hopping on to give the game their paw of approval (hopefully, soon!).


[h3]Be Part of our Journey[/h3]
Your support means the world to us, and every wishlist, share, and comment makes a huge difference. If you haven’t already, please wishlist 13Z, spread the word to your friends, and gear up for an exhilarating experience when the update drops!

For more sneak peeks and updates, don’t forget to join us on our social channels below.
Discord Twitter Tiktok

See you in the Zodiac Trials in two weeks!

Crafted with Love,
Mixed Realms