13Z: The Zodiac Trials Is a Fluid Roguelike That’s Shaping Up Nicely

I attended an Xbox closed-door virtual developer session where fellow creators, media representatives, and I got an early look at five indie titles currently in development across Southeast Asia. One of those games was 13Z: The Zodiac Trials, a roguelike action hack-and-slash adventure from Singapore-based studio Mixed Realms.

In 13Z: The Zodiac Trials, players embark on a quest to become the 13th Zodiac in a fast-paced, chaotic roguelike adventure. It’s a grueling climb, with each trial pushing you to the edge. Every failure resets your progress—but you come back stronger each time, gaining upgrades and learning from your previous mistakes.

Mixed Realms kicked off the session on a high note by showing us two playthroughs: one led by a developer who speedran through the game, making the boss look like a mere warm-up; the other showed two less experienced players working together through the same content. It was a smart contrast that highlighted both the game’s fluid mastery and its chaotic potential.

Speedy transitions are key

At its core, 13Z shares a lot of DNA with Hades and other roguelites like it, presenting a roguelite loop of clearing randomized rooms and battling toward a final boss. Death resets your run, but that’s where the magic lies. Roguelikes thrive on the tension between progress and failure, and 13Z leans into that tension with smooth momentum.

One thing that stood out during the presentation was how seamless the transitions were between rooms. After clearing a room and choosing an upgrade, the next level rises from the clouds beneath your feet, instantly throwing you back into the action. Games like this live and die by pacing, and this kind of flow gives me confidence that 13Z is on the right track.

According to Mixed Realms, their goal is to make 13Z “fluid, fast-paced, and expressive,” and so far, it shows. The first playthrough demonstrated a loop that looks addicting—blasting through enemies with a wild build, chaining upgrades, and melting enemies in seconds. Even in its current state, it feels like a solid foundation for that ideal roguelike rhythm.

Between combat sections, there are quick intermissions: shops run by mysterious floating boat vendors, character encounters that hint at a deeper narrative, and critical upgrade points that shape your build. Like any roguelike, 13Z encourages you to experiment with different combinations and strategies every run.

Co-op madness holding the key to success

The co-op segment, on the other hand, brought a healthy dose of chaos. With just two players on screen, things already looked hectic—so I’m curious how the team plans to manage clarity and balance when all four player slots are filled and flashy abilities are going off left and right. If the developers can fine-tune its coop systems with the right depth and balance, you’ll have a roguelite that could go to-to-to with the greats in the genre.

So far, only two playable characters have been revealed. Each brings a unique playstyle and traversal mechanic: one is a melee-focused fox who can climb walls, while the other is a ranged character that transforms into a raven to soar across the battlefield. The devs aim to ship the game with at least six characters, each offering different ways to play.

13Z: The Zodiac Trials has already held two public playtests. The first saw over 40,000 downloads, while the second—focused on testing co-op and network functionality—recently wrapped up. A third playtest is currently scheduled for April 12 on PC, though we’ll update this article once that’s confirmed.

ID@Xbox’s Developer Session

13Z: The Zodiac Trials was accompanied by other titles under development across Southeast Asia—Agni: Village of Calamity from Indonesia, Kriegsfront Tactics also from Indonesia, Vapor World: Over the Mind from Korea, and Nightmare Circus from Thailand. Each game left a solid impression in its own way, with 13Z setting the tone early with its polished roguelike gameplay and bright visual identity. It’s shaping up to be one of those indie titles you’ll spend hours on without realizing it—just one more run.

Sessions like these are fantastic—a space where a select group of games get the spotlight and a real chance to show off to media and content creators. It’s a success in my eyes, because it proves one thing: yes, there are many promising games being made right here in our region. 13Z: The Zodiac Trials is shaping up nicely, and with the developers actively involving their community through playtests, it’s only going to improve. Like all great talent, all they need is a chance to shine and the support to keep going. Thankfully, Xbox is giving them exactly that. It’s a small step, but a meaningful one—as more people begin to realize that Southeast Asia is packed with hidden gems just waiting to be unearthed.

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