'13Z: The Zodiac Trials' is a high-speed 3D action roguelike game developed by Singaporean studio Mixed Realms and published by Clouded Leopard Entertainment. Players take control of warriors imbued with animal spirits to challenge repeating trials, blending action with the genre's signature progression structure of combining abilities gained along the way to grow progressively stronger. It supports both single-player and up to 4-player online co-op.
The name '13Z' originates from the 12 Zodiac animals, a familiar lore concept. The game's premise revolves around overcoming all trials to claim the seat of the '13th Guardian' following the traditional 12 Zodiac deities.
The game's narrative begins with the legend of the 12 Zodiac deities fading from human memory. Having protected the people of the Eastern Continent since ancient times, the 12 Zodiac deities lost their power as faith diminished, gradually causing the world's balance to break down. Ultimately, the deities hold the 'Zodiac Trials' once more to find a new guardian.
Players control Linlang, Cheongmyeong, and Mukta—warriors who harbor animal spirits—as they embark on trials to fulfill their respective goals. Linlang, a fox swordswoman known by the moniker Sword Saint, employs swift sword techniques, while Cheongmyeong, who possesses the spirit of a raven, features agile combat utilizing feather-made weapons. Mukta, a panda martial artist, is a character who relies on powerful single strikes. In the demo build available at the TGS 2026 booth, only Linlang and Cheongmyeong were playable.
The hands-on demo allowed players to first explore the plaza and interact with various NPCs before taking on a short, single trial. Although the language was set to Japanese—making it difficult to grasp every detailed bonus effect—the core gameplay structure faithfully adhered to action roguelike conventions. Upon clearing each stage, players choose one of several bonus effects to enhance their abilities, building strength to ultimately challenge the Zodiac deity awaiting at the end.
The trial featured in the demo was granted by the 'Sheep God.' Throughout the run, various smaller and larger monsters spawned in waves, and after clearing each stage, players could select a bonus to upgrade attacks or add secondary effects.
Because all bonus descriptions were in Japanese, choices were essentially made based on luck. Even so, picking up different bonuses made it possible to piece together a surprisingly effective build. Options included adding elemental damage to basic attacks or triggering bonus effects on heavy attacks, alongside abilities that activated upon successful perfect dodges, suggesting that dodge-centric builds are fully viable.
Shops also appear after progressing through several stages. Players can spend currency earned during the run to purchase extra bonuses and accumulate more power for upcoming battles. Ultimately, players unload everything from their crafted build into the final battle against the waiting Zodiac deity.
The Sheep God entered battle wielding a massive polearm, exhibiting slightly different special attack patterns as its health dropped. Most attacks telegraphed their hit areas on the floor, making them relatively easy to evade, but certain attacks covered large portions of the arena at once, requiring more tactical play than mindlessly attacking.
Though short, the hands-on session was well-suited to showcase the core action of '13Z: The Zodiac Trials.' While combat initially felt somewhat sparse in terms of effects and action, combining bonuses stage by stage naturally rendered the screen far more flashy. The sharp contrast between the early and final stages provided a tangible sense of growth unique to roguelikes.
The developers particularly highlight the co-op experience. The full release will support up to 4-player online co-op, as well as 2-player split-screen co-op on Nintendo Switch 2 and PS5. Although only single-player was playable in this demo, teaming up with friends hints at deeper strategic potential, such as comparing builds or combining complementary effects for powerful synergies.
'13Z: The Zodiac Trials' is scheduled to launch worldwide on January 14, 2027 for PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2. The game will support Korean subtitles, alongside Japanese and English character voiceovers.
