The cult-favorite roguelite shooter, Section 13, is officially leaving its Early Access phase. Publisher Kakao Games and developer Ocean Drive Studio have confirmed the full release date is May 26. The game will launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, bringing its unique blend of sci-fi horror and corporate satire to a wider audience after nearly a year of development with its community.
What Exactly is Section 13?
Section 13 is a twin-stick shooter with deep roguelite mechanics. Players take on the role of an agent for the S2P Corporation, a shadowy organization dealing with paranormal and otherworldly threats. The game kicks off when a top-secret containment facility suffers a catastrophic breach, and you are sent in to handle the chaotic aftermath.
While the gameplay is action-packed, the game’s tone is what makes it unique. It mixes intense bullet-hell combat with sharp, sarcastic humor that pokes fun at corporate culture. You can play as one of four distinct agents: Red, Scalpel, Boy Scout, and Beaker, each with their own personality. The game’s writing is filled with witty office banter and satire that makes the experience both thrilling and funny.
Core Gameplay and Unique Mechanics
At its heart, Section 13 follows the classic roguelite formula. Each mission, or “run,” is procedurally generated, ensuring no two attempts are the same. When you die, you return to your base with knowledge and resources to become stronger for the next attempt. This loop is built on a foundation of persistent upgrades.
What truly makes the gameplay stand out are its layered systems. Players can heavily customize their experience through several means:
- Customizable Weapons: Find and tweak a variety of guns to fit your playstyle.
- Synaptic Enhancements: These are powerful mods that can dramatically alter how your agent plays.
- Genetic Modifications: Take risks by altering your agent’s DNA for powerful, and sometimes unpredictable, new abilities.
One of the most creative features is the “Fear level” mechanic. As your agent faces overwhelming odds, their fear can rise, potentially causing a panic attack in the middle of a fight. This adds a psychological survival element on top of the physical combat.
The Journey from Early Access to 1.0
Section 13 first launched in Early Access on July 19, 2023. Developer Ocean Drive Studio has actively used this period to listen to its growing community and refine the game. Player feedback led to significant changes, including a major overhaul of the Fear mechanic to make it less punishing and the addition of more rewarding progression systems between runs.
This active communication has built a loyal fanbase that appreciates the developers’ transparency. With the full 1.0 release, players can expect a more polished experience. The launch version will include new story content, more enemies, expanded upgrade trees, and a rebalanced difficulty curve designed for both solo players and co-op groups.
How Section 13 Fits into the Roguelite Market
The roguelite genre is incredibly popular, with major hits like Hades and Enter the Gungeon setting a high bar. However, Section 13 brings enough unique ideas to the table to find its own audience. Its heavy focus on three-player co-op is a major differentiator, as many of the genre’s most popular titles are single-player only.
The combination of co-op, deep customization, and a strong narrative focus helps it stand out. Here is a quick look at how it compares to some other well-known games in the genre.
| Feature | Section 13 | Enter the Gungeon | Hades |
| Multiplayer Co-Op | Yes (up to 3) | No | No |
| Persistent Progression | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Narrative Focus | Moderate to High | Low | High |
| Weapon Customization | Extensive | Medium | Moderate |
By blending familiar roguelite action with a distinct personality and strong multiplayer features, Section 13 is well-positioned to attract players looking for a fresh challenge.
