The path to becoming the 13th Zodiac Guardian has officially opened. Independent Singaporean developer Mixed Realms (creators of Sairento VR, Gordian Quest, and Hellsweeper VR) has released the first public demo for 13Z: The Zodiac Trials on Steam, alongside a brand-new gameplay trailer that premiered during the Future Games Show at gamescom 2025.
The demo gives players a taste of the game’s mythology-rich action rogue-lite adventure, offering two distinct playable heroes and a first look at the spiritual world of the Zodiac Trials.
Step Into the Zodiac Trials
In 13Z: The Zodiac Trials, players battle through an epic mythological gauntlet for the right to ascend as the 13th Zodiac Guardian. The demo introduces two of the four playable warriors:
- Lyra the Fox – A master of close-range swordplay, excelling in agile melee combos.
- Sylith the Raven – A deadly ranged assassin who wields area-of-effect attacks and long-distance precision.
Each hero plays completely differently, and players can switch between eight martial arts-inspired combat styles, each with branching upgrade paths.
Adding to the tactical depth is a six-element seal system that allows for powerful, customizable builds that fuse physical combat with mystical abilities.
Beyond the Trials
Outside the heat of battle, players can retreat to the Village Hub, where permanent upgrades, character customization, and deeper lore about the 12 existing Zodiac Guardians await. The game’s rogue-lite design ensures every run introduces new challenges, with themed event rooms, randomized combat nodes, and evolving mythological encounters.
A Trailer Showcasing Martial Arts Action
The latest trailer gives the most detailed look yet at 13Z: The Zodiac Trials. Showcasing previously unseen levels, it highlights the game’s fast-paced vertical and horizontal movement, reactive martial combat, and striking anime-inspired aesthetic steeped in Eastern spiritual motifs.
Key Features of 13Z: The Zodiac Trials
- Massive Replayability – Unlock modifiers, upgrades, and new characters across deeply branching rogue-lite systems.
- Dynamic Martial Combat – Blend melee, ranged, and mystical techniques with free movement and responsive controls.
- Stylized Anime Visuals – A bold and vibrant art direction inspired by anime and Eastern iconography.
- Mythology-Driven World – A rich narrative rooted in the legend of the twelve Zodiacs and the rise of a mysterious 13th.
- Solo or Co-Op Play – Experience the trials alone or team up with 2–4 players in cooperative multiplayer.
Early Access Coming in 2026
13Z: The Zodiac Trials is planned to enter Early Access in 2026, but fans can get a head start today by downloading the demo on Steam and adding the game to their wishlists.
With its blend of martial arts combat, rogue-lite progression, and mythology-driven worldbuilding, 13Z: The Zodiac Trials is shaping up to be one of the most distinctive indie action games on the horizon.
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