13Z The Zodiac Trials Releases Free Demo on PC
13Z: The Zodiac Trials, a frantic Hack ‘n Slash Roguelike game inspired by Eastern mythology, is now available for players to experience firsthand with the release of a free demo on Steam. Developed by Mixed Realms Pte Ltd, the game immerses players in a celestial trial where they must prove their worth to become the coveted Thirteenth Zodiac Guardian.
In 13Z: The Zodiac Trials, players embody one of several extraordinary animal spirits, each possessing a distinct combat style and special skills. The core gameplay loop involves fighting through procedurally generated arenas, defeating hordes of enemies and powerful Zodiac Guardians, and constantly upgrading abilities to prepare for the next confrontation. The game utilizes a deep upgrade system with permanent unlocks and numerous temporary modifiers, allowing for a unique and highly replayable experience with every run. The demo currently allows players to experiment with different builds and elemental seals.
The free demo, which was released in August 2025 and recently received an update, offers substantial content, including up to three hours of gameplay that scales with meta progression. Players can take on the trials as two playable characters: Lyra the Fox (a master swordswoman) and Sylith the Raven (a ranged specialist). The demo also grants access to two biomes, including the floating isles of Act one and a preview of the desert in Act two. While the current demo is optimized for desktop PC, the full game is designed for both single-player and 2 to 4-player cooperative multiplayer, with the co-op mode expected to land on the demo soon. 13Z: The Zodiac Trials is currently planned for Early Access in 2026 on PC and Xbox, and the free demo provides a perfect opportunity for players across the globe to sharpen their skills ahead of the full release.
THIS IS Our Take
The combination of Eastern mythology with the fast-paced, addictive Hack ‘n Slash Roguelike genre is a potent mix, drawing favorable comparisons to titles like Hades. The decision by Mixed Realms to release a feature-rich, multi-hour demo is a confident move that respects the player’s time while generating strong word-of-mouth. The focus on deep customization and the upcoming co-op mode suggests this game is not just chasing a trend, but aiming to deliver a lasting, community-driven experience. Any player in Southeast Asia who enjoys high-energy action should grab this demo immediately to start carving their name into the celestial trials.
