DEATHLOOP Gameplay Video
Featured: Game Comparisons
DEATHLOOP Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | Void Engine (Modified id Tech) |
| Genre | Action-Adventure, Immersive Sim, First-Person Shooter, Stealth, Time Loop |
| Initial Release | 2021-09-14 |
| Developer | Arkane Lyon |
| Publisher | Bethesda Softworks |
| Setting | Blackreef Island (Subarctic, Alternate 1960s) |
| Perspective | First-Person |
| Platforms | PC (Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S (added later) |
| Multiplayer | Asymmetrical PvP (Colt vs. Julianna) |
| Unique Feature | Time Loop Assassination Puzzle, Playable Antagonist (Julianna), Supernatural Slabs & Trinkets System, Stylish 1960s Psychedelic Aesthetic, Immersive Sim Design. |
DEATHLOOP System Requirements
1080p_30FPS_Low
tune Minimum (1080p ~30 FPS, Low Preset) – Low Preset
1080p_60FPS_High
tune Recommended (1080p ~60 FPS, High Preset) – High Preset
4K_60FPS_Ultra
tune Ultra (Estimated 2160p/4K ~60 FPS, Ultra Preset, Upscaling Needed) – Ultra Preset, Upscaling (FSR Performance/Balanced or equivalent)
DEATHLOOP Laptop Recommendations
memory Intel Core I7 12700 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3070 140W
storage 32GB DDR4-3200MHz
1349
Model: MSI Pulse GL66 with RTX 3070 and i7 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I7 12700 H (Score: 900)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 (Score: 6600) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset).
memory Intel Core I9 13900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4060 140W
storage 16GB DDR5-5200MHz
999
Model: Acer Nitro V with RTX 4060 and i9 13th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 13900 H (Score: 1058)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4060 (Score: 6700) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-5200MHz
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset).
memory Intel Core I9 14900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4060 140W
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
1749
Model: Lenovo Legion Pro 5i (i9-14900HX, RTX 4060)
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 14900 H (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4060 (Score: 6700) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset).
memory Intel Core I9 12900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3070 TI 150W
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
1397
Model: Asus Rog Strix Scar 15 with RTX 3070 Ti and i9 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 12900 H (Score: 1030)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 TI (Score: 7100) @ 150W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset).
memory Intel Core I5 12450 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3050 75W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
645
Model: HP Victus 15 with RTX 3050 and i5 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I5 12450 H (Score: 628)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3050 (Score: 7220) @ 75W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset).
memory Intel Core I5 12500 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3050 TI 80W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
710
Model: Acer Nitro 5 with RTX 3050 Ti and i5 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I5 12500 H (Score: 633)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3050 TI (Score: 7220) @ 80W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 512GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 7435 HS
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3050 75W
storage 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
799
Model: ASUS TUF A15 with RTX 3050 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7435 HS (Score: 1655)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3050 (Score: 7220) @ 75W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset).
memory AMD Ryzen 7 680 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3060 140W
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
1299
Model: ASUS ROG Strix G15 with RTX 3060 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 680 H (Score: 880)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3060 (Score: 7448) @ 140W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset).
memory AMD Ryzen 9 590 HS
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3080 100W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
1489
Model: ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 Ultra with RTX 3080 and Ryzen 9
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 590 HS (Score: 820)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3080 (Score: 7904) @ 100W TGP
storage RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset).
memory Intel Core I7 13620 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4070
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
1350
Model: MSI Katana 15 with RTX 4070
memory CPU: Intel Core I7 13620 H (Score: 843)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4070 (Score: 8700)
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p_30FPS_Low - Minimum (Low Preset).
-
Core Requirements
- desktop_windowsOperating System: Windows 10 version 1909 or higher (64-bit)
64-bit Windows 10 (specified version or newer) or Windows 11 is required.
- memoryDirectX: DirectX 12
DirectX 12 API is required.
- save_altStorage Note: 30 GB available space (SSD Recommended).
An SSD is highly recommended for faster loading times between districts and restarting loops.
settings_applications Optimization Notes:
Upscaling: Supports AMD FSR 1.0 & 2.0. NVIDIA DLSS support is not native but might be achievable via mods or driver-level settings for some users.
Key Settings: Texture Quality, Shadow Quality, Model Detail, Ambient Occlusion (HBAO+), View Distance, Anti-Aliasing, and Post-Processing effects heavily impact performance.
DEATHLOOP: Post-Launch Content / DLC
A major free update, 'GOLDENLOOP,' was released, adding a new powerful weapon (HALPS Prototype), a new ability (Fugue Slab - makes enemies confused), new enemy types (Paint-Bomber Eternalist), an extended ending, new Trinkets, and cross-play for PvP. No major paid story expansions have been released.
DEATHLOOP: Game Editions
Available in Standard Edition and Deluxe Edition. Deluxe Edition included unique weapons (Transtar Trencher, Eat The Rich Tribunal, .44 Karat Fourpounder), character skins ('Party Crasher' Colt, 'Sharp Shooter' Julianna), and original soundtrack selections. Pre-order bonuses often included additional cosmetic items or trinkets.
DEATHLOOP: Cross-Platform / Crossplay
DEATHLOOP's online multiplayer mode (Protect the Loop - Julianna invading Colt) supports cross-play between PC (Steam & Epic Games Store) and PlayStation 5. Cross-progression between these platforms is generally not supported for campaign progress.
DEATHLOOP Specific Game Elements
DEATHLOOP Weapons
- securityGrenades (Frag, Proximity) (Throwable Explosive)
Standard fragmentation grenades and proximity-triggered mines for area denial and dealing with groups.
- securityHackamajig (Utility Tool (Hacking))
Colt's device for hacking security systems, turrets, sensors, and distracting enemies. Can be upgraded via Trinkets.
- securityMachete (Primary Melee)
Colt's default and always-equipped melee weapon. Used for stealth takedowns, breaking objects, and close-quarters combat. Can be infused for temporary buffs.
- securityPistols (PT-6 'Spiker', Tribunal, .44 Karat Fourpounder - Unique) (Handgun (Nailgun, Semi-Auto, Revolver))
Includes a silent nailgun (Spiker), standard semi-auto pistols, and powerful revolvers. Customizable with Trinkets.
- securityRifles (Rapier, Sepulchra Breteira - Unique Sniper) (Semi-Auto / Bolt-Action (Medium to Long Range))
Includes versatile semi-auto rifles and the powerful Sepulchra Breteira sniper rifle. Customizable with Trinkets.
- securityShotguns (Strelak 50-50, Vopat Trencher) (Close Quarters (High Damage))
Pump-action and automatic shotguns for devastating close-range damage. Customizable with Trinkets.
- securitySlab Powers (Shift, Aether, Karnesis, Nexus, Havoc, Fugue) (Supernatural Abilities)
Powerful abilities acquired from Visionaries. Shift (teleport), Aether (invisibility), Karnesis (telekinesis), Nexus (links enemies), Havoc (damage/defense buff), Fugue (confuses enemies). Each has multiple upgrades.
- securitySubmachine Guns (LIMP-10, MG-1 'Pepper Mill') (Automatic (Close to Medium Range))
Rapid-firing weapons for close-quarters combat. The Pepper Mill is a heavier SMG/LMG hybrid. Customizable with Trinkets.
- securityUnique Weapons (Constancy Automatic, HALPS Prototype, Strelak Verso, Heritage Gun, etc.) (Legendary/Special)
Special named weapons with unique properties, appearances, and often powerful pre-set perks or functionalities (e.g., Strelak Verso transforms between dual pistols and an SMG, HALPS Prototype is a laser cannon). Acquired through specific quests, puzzles, or by killing Visionaries.
DEATHLOOP Vehicles
- directions_carContextual Traversal Aids (e.g., Ramps for Sliding, Cranes, Rooftops) (Environmental Elements)
Levels are designed with verticality and interconnectedness, featuring environmental elements like ramps for sliding, rooftops for parkour, cranes, or other structures that Colt can interact with or use to his advantage for traversal and stealthy approaches.
- directions_carNo Player-Controlled Vehicles (General Traversal) (N/A)
Colt Vahn primarily traverses the districts of Blackreef on foot, utilizing his parkour-like agility and supernatural Slab abilities (like Shift for teleportation). There are no player-drivable cars, bikes, or other traditional vehicles for general exploration within the districts.
- directions_carTunnels / Access Points (Between Districts & Time Periods) (Map Transition Mechanic)
Colt travels between the four main districts (Updaam, Karl's Bay, Fristad Rock, The Complex) and advances the time of day (Morning, Noon, Afternoon, Evening) by returning to his underground tunnels/bunker and selecting his next destination and time slot from a map interface. This transition involves a loading screen and is how the 'loop' progresses from one segment to the next.
DEATHLOOP Characters
- personAleksis 'The Wolf' Dorsey - Visionary / AEON Program Financier
A hedonistic and narcissistic businessman who throws an extravagant wolf-themed party every night in Updaam. One of Colt's assassination targets.
- personCharlie Montague - Visionary / AEON Program Game Designer
A game designer who has turned his district (Updaam) into a series of elaborate live-action role-playing games, often using Eternalists as participants.
- personColt Vahn ('The Captain') - Protagonist / Assassin (playable)
The main playable character. An assassin trapped in a time loop on Blackreef with amnesia. He is determined to break the loop by assassinating the eight Visionaries. Known for his wisecracking personality and resourcefulness.
- personDr. Wenjie Evans - Visionary / AEON Program Lead Scientist
The brilliant but cold lead scientist behind the AEON Program and the time loop. Multiple versions of her exist simultaneously in her lab in The Complex due to her experiments.
- personEgor Serling - Visionary / AEON Program Scientist
A paranoid and eccentric scientist obsessed with self-experimentation and achieving breakthroughs, often found in The Complex or Fristad Rock conducting research.
- personEternalists (Generic NPCs) - Inhabitants of Blackreef / Cultists
The general populace of Blackreef, devoted to the AEON Program and the time loop. They act as common enemies, often engaging in hedonistic or bizarre activities until alerted to Colt's presence.
- personFia Zborowska - Visionary / AEON Program Artist & Archivist
An artist with a volatile temper, obsessed with a doomsday scenario. She has a secret bunker in Fristad Rock and a complicated relationship with Charlie Montague.
- personFrank Spicer - Visionary / AEON Program Musician & Radio Host
A former rockstar who now runs Blackreef's radio station from his club in Fristad Rock. Known for his ego and elaborate security.
- personHarriet Morse - Visionary / AEON Program 'Spiritual Leader'
A cult-like figure who preaches to the Eternalists in Karl's Bay, leading them in bizarre rituals.
- personJulianna Blake ('Jules', 'Archives Lass') - Antagonist / Rival Assassin / Visionary
Head of security for the AEON Program and a Visionary. She is also trapped in the loop and actively hunts Colt to protect it, engaging in witty and often taunting radio conversations. Can be controlled by another player or AI.
Top 3 Characters (Subjective):
Vahn: The wisecracking, amnesiac protagonist whose determination to break the loop and snarky interactions with Julianna drive the game. 2. Julianna Blake: The witty, skilled, and enigmatic antagonist who constantly taunts and hunts Colt. Her relationship with Colt and her motivations are central to the mystery. 3. The Visionaries (as a collective): The eight eccentric and often unhinged architects of the AEON program (e.g., Aleksis 'The Wolf' Dorsey, Egor Serling, Wenjie Evans, Harriet Morse, Frank Spicer, Charlie Montague, Fia Zborowska). Each has a distinct personality and role in maintaining the loop.
DEATHLOOP Missions / Objectives
- flagArsenal Leads (Weapon & Slab Acquisition)
Objective: Specific leads that guide Colt towards acquiring powerful unique weapons, Slabs (supernatural powers from Visionaries), or significant Slab upgrades. These often involve solving puzzles, infiltrating specific locations at certain times, or defeating a Visionary for the first time.
- flagBreaking the Loop (The Final Day)
Objective: Once Colt has gathered all necessary information and set up the required conditions by manipulating events in previous loops, he can attempt the 'final day' sequence. This involves executing a precise plan to assassinate all eight Visionaries across the four districts and time periods, culminating in a final confrontation or decision to break the time loop.
- flagDiscoveries & Side Puzzles
Objective: Numerous smaller optional tasks, environmental puzzles, hidden safes, or mini-stories found by exploring Blackreef. These can reward Colt with valuable Trinkets, weapons, Residuum, lore documents, or open up new pathways and opportunities within a district.
- flagProtect the Loop (Playing as Julianna - Online PvP)
Objective: When playing as Julianna, the objective is to invade another player's (Colt's) game session and hunt them down. Julianna wins by killing Colt enough times to force him to reset his current district attempt. She has her own progression, loadouts, and can use map knowledge and traps to her advantage.
- flagVisionary Leads (Assassination Storylines)
Objective: The core progression involves pursuing 'Visionary Leads' for each of the eight targets. These are multi-step investigations across different districts and times of day, where Colt uncovers clues about a Visionary's schedule, habits, weaknesses, relationships, and potential ways to manipulate events to make them vulnerable or gather them with other targets. Completing these leads allows Colt to set up the 'perfect loop' to eliminate all targets in one day.
Top 3 Missions/Objectives (Subjective - as it's a puzzle box):
a Key Visionary with a Unique Method: Discovering and executing a complex, often environmentally-driven, way to kill a Visionary that exploits their schedule or weaknesses (e.g., Aleksis Dorsey's party, Egor Serling's experiment). 2. Uncovering a Major Lead/Clue: Finding a crucial piece of information (document, audiolog, hidden interaction) that reveals how to get multiple Visionaries in the same place at the same time, or how to bypass a major obstacle. 3. The 'Perfect Loop' Execution: The ultimate objective of successfully assassinating all eight Visionaries in a single day by applying all learned knowledge of their routines and Blackreef's secrets.
DEATHLOOP Companions / Summons
- groupJulianna Blake (Via Radio Comms & Invasions) (Human (Visionary))
Ability: While primarily an antagonist, Julianna is a constant presence via radio, engaging in witty, taunting, and sometimes informative banter with Colt. When she invades (as AI or another player), she acts as a direct, intelligent adversary, but not a companion.
- groupNone (Gameplay - Colt's Perspective) (N/A)
Ability: Colt Vahn operates as a lone assassin throughout his attempts to break the loop. He does not have any AI companions that follow him or assist in combat during his playthrough.
- groupThemselves (Multiple Wenjies) (Human (Visionary Clones))
Ability: Dr. Wenjie Evans has multiple versions of herself existing simultaneously in her lab due to time loop experiments. While these are all 'Wenjie' and act as enemies, they can sometimes interact with each other or be manipulated by Colt, creating a unique dynamic unlike traditional companions.
DEATHLOOP Collectibles
- collections_bookmarkDocuments (Notes, Letters, Schematics, Audiologs)
Location/Use: Readable or listenable lore items found throughout all districts. They provide crucial backstory on the AEON Program, the Visionaries, Colt's past, Julianna's motivations, the nature of the time loop, and clues for assassinating targets or solving puzzles. Key to unraveling Blackreef's mystery.
- collections_bookmarkLeads & Discoveries (Visionary Leads, Arsenal Leads)
Location/Use: Information gathered by Colt that is tracked in his menu. Visionary Leads provide clues about targets' schedules, weaknesses, and how to manipulate events to line them up for assassination. Arsenal Leads point towards unique weapons or powerful Slabs/Trinkets.
- collections_bookmarkResiduum
Location/Use: A shimmering energy resource collected from glowing objects, downed Visionaries, or by sacrificing unwanted Infused gear. Used at the end of each time period (Morning, Noon, Afternoon, Evening) to 'Infuse' weapons, Slabs, and Trinkets, allowing them to be carried over to the next loop. Essential for permanent progression.
- collections_bookmarkSlabs & Slab Upgrades
Location/Use: Slabs (supernatural powers) are initially acquired by assassinating the Visionary who possesses them. Slab Upgrades are earned by defeating that Visionary again in subsequent loops, or by defeating an invading Julianna who is using that Slab. These upgrades enhance the functionality of each Slab (e.g., Shift can be upgraded to allow hovering or reaching further).
- collections_bookmarkTrinkets (Character & Weapon)
Location/Use: Found throughout Blackreef in containers, on Eternalists, or as rewards for completing small objectives or puzzles. Character Trinkets provide passive buffs to Colt (e.g., increased health, double jump, faster movement). Weapon Trinkets enhance firearms (e.g., faster reload, increased accuracy, silenced shots, elemental bullets).
- collections_bookmarkWeapon & Gear Tiers (Common, Rare, Epic - Indicated by color)
Location/Use: Weapons and some Trinkets can be found in different rarity tiers, with higher tiers often having more perk slots or better base stats. Colt will typically seek out higher-tier versions of his preferred gear.
Top 3 Collectibles:
& Slab Upgrades: Acquired from Visionaries. Essential for gaining supernatural powers. Upgrades enhance these powers and are also found by defeating Visionaries multiple times or Julianna. 2. Trinkets (Character & Weapon): Provide passive buffs. Found throughout Blackreef, dropped by enemies, or earned as rewards. Crucial for build customization. 3. Documents & Audiologs: Provide lore about Blackreef, the AEON Program, the Visionaries, Colt's past, and the nature of the time loop. Essential for piecing together the mystery.
DEATHLOOP Armor
- shieldCharacter Trinkets (Defensive Perks)
Focus/Stats: Colt can equip a limited number of Character Trinkets that provide passive buffs. Some of these offer defensive benefits, such as increased maximum health, faster health regeneration, damage resistance, or reduced damage from specific sources (e.g., falls, explosions). These function as his primary 'armor' system.
- shieldNo Traditional Armor System
Focus/Stats: Colt Vahn does not equip different pieces of armor with varying defensive stats. His survivability is primarily determined by his base health, which can be increased by specific Character Trinkets, and his skill in using Slabs (like Havoc for damage reduction or Aether for invisibility), stealth, and combat.
- shieldReprise Ability
Focus/Stats: Colt has a built-in 'Reprise' ability that allows him to die twice within a single district/time period before the loop fully resets for that district attempt. This acts as a form of extra lives or resilience.
- shieldSlab Abilities (Defensive Uses)
Focus/Stats: Certain Slabs, like Havoc (which absorbs damage and unleashes it), Aether (invisibility for evasion), or Shift (for quick escapes), provide significant defensive capabilities when used effectively.
DEATHLOOP Clothing / Appearance
- checkroomColt Vahn's Attire (Default & Unlockable Skins)
Details: Colt has a signature default outfit (leather jacket, turtleneck). Players can unlock additional cosmetic skins for Colt through game progression, special editions (e.g., 'Party Crasher' skin), or updates. These change his appearance but offer no gameplay advantages.
- checkroomJulianna Blake's Attire (Default & Unlockable Skins)
Details: Julianna also has a default outfit and can unlock additional cosmetic skins for when she is player-controlled in the 'Protect the Loop' mode (e.g., 'Sharp Shooter' skin).
- checkroomWeapon Skins (Limited)
Details: Some unique or Deluxe Edition weapons come with specific skins. A broader weapon skin customization system is not a primary feature, though Trinkets can sometimes alter weapon appearance slightly or add visual effects.
DEATHLOOP Other Features & Info
- labelMultiplayer Modes
1. Protect the Loop (Online PvP): Players can choose to invade another player's game (who is playing as Colt) as Julianna Blake. Julianna's objective is to hunt down and kill Colt, protecting the time loop. She has her own progression, loadouts, and abilities. This mode can also be set to 'Friends Only' or 'Offline' (where Julianna is AI-controlled). 2. Single-Player Campaign (as Colt): The primary mode where players control Colt Vahn, attempting to assassinate the eight Visionaries and break the time loop, while also being hunted by an AI or player-controlled Julianna.
- labelUser Interface
Features a stylish, 1960s-inspired HUD displaying health, power (for Slabs), equipped weapons/Slabs, and objective markers. A leads system helps track clues and Visionary movements across districts and times of day. Menus for loadouts, Slabs, Trinkets, discoveries, and objectives are accessible. Colt's inner monologue and interactions with Julianna provide constant narrative and guidance.
- labelSound and Music
Original score composed by Tom Salta, with contributions from other artists like Sencit Music and Erich Talaba. Features a distinctive soundtrack blending 1960s spy thriller themes, psychedelic rock, jazz, and electronic elements, creating a unique and memorable audio identity. In-game licensed tracks also feature. Sound design is crucial for detecting enemies, environmental cues, and the distinct sounds of Slabs and special weapons.
- labelGraphics and Visuals
Developed on Arkane's Void Engine, DEATHLOOP features a striking art style inspired by 1960s aesthetics, with bold colors, psychedelic patterns, and retro-futuristic designs. Blackreef's districts are visually distinct and detailed. The game uses stylized character models and environments, focusing on artistic direction over photorealism, though with high technical fidelity.
- labelAccessibility Features
Offers a range of accessibility options, including customizable controls (PC), extensive subtitle and caption customization, options for aim assist strength, adjustable UI element size, colorblind modes, options to reduce head bob/motion blur, and various gameplay toggles for difficulty and HUD elements.
- labelStory and Setting
Set on the subarctic island of Blackreef in an alternate 1960s. The island is home to the AEON Program, which has created a time loop, causing the same day to repeat endlessly. Players control Colt Vahn, an assassin who wakes up on a beach with amnesia, determined to break the loop. To do so, he must assassinate eight 'Visionaries' – the eccentric leaders and architects of the AEON Program – all within a single day. His efforts are complicated by Julianna Blake, another Visionary and head of AEON security, who is also trapped in the loop and actively hunts Colt to protect it. The story unfolds as Colt uncovers memories, learns about the Visionaries' schedules and weaknesses, and pieces together the mystery of Blackreef and his own past.
- labelMap Size and Regions (Districts & Times of Day)
Blackreef is divided into four main, distinct districts that Colt can visit at four different times of day (Morning, Noon, Afternoon, Evening). Each district-time combination offers unique enemy placements, Visionary locations, environmental conditions, and opportunities. The districts are: Updaam (a vibrant party town and cultural hub), Karl's Bay (a former fishing village and airbase, now an entertainment district), Fristad Rock (a rocky, coastal area with bunkers and a radio station), and The Complex (an industrial research facility). While individual districts are sandbox levels, the overall 'map' is navigated by choosing a district and time slot from Colt's bunker. This structure is key to the time loop puzzle.
- labelSkills and Upgrades Overview (Slabs, Trinkets, Infusion, Weapons)
Colt can acquire 'Slabs' from Visionaries, granting supernatural powers (e.g., Shift - short-range teleport, Aether - invisibility, Karnesis - telekinesis, Nexus - links enemies, Havoc - damage buff/resistance). Slabs can be upgraded with unique perks. 'Trinkets' (Character and Weapon) provide passive buffs (e.g., increased health, faster reload, double jump, silenced weapons). Weapons (pistols, SMGs, shotguns, rifles, unique legendary weapons) can be found with different rarity tiers and pre-set perks. The 'Infusion' system allows Colt to spend 'Residuum' (a resource collected in levels) to preserve Slabs, Trinkets, and high-quality weapons between loops, otherwise they are lost when the day resets. Weapon upgrades are typically through finding better rarity versions or specific Trinkets.
- labelTop 5 Powers/Weapons (Subjective/Iconic)
- 1. Shift Slab (with upgrades like Airborne or Reach): Essential for traversal, stealth, and combat repositioning. 2. Silenced Weapons (especially SMG or Pistol with Trinkets): Key for stealthy approaches and eliminating enemies without alerting others. 3. Nexus Slab: Links enemies together so that what happens to one affects all linked targets, excellent for crowd control. 4. Sepulchra Breteira (Unique Sniper Rifle): Powerful long-range weapon, good for picking off targets from a distance. 5. Strelak Verso (Dual Pistols/SMG): Unique transforming weapons offering versatility in combat.
- labelTop 3 Gameplay Mechanics
- 1. Time Loop & Investigation: The core mechanic. Players repeat the same day, learning Visionary routines, level layouts, and experimenting with different approaches to gather information and find ways to eliminate all targets in one cycle. Knowledge carries over between loops. 2. Infusion & Residuum: A system allowing players to preserve weapons, Slabs, and Trinkets between loops by spending Residuum, preventing loss upon death or day reset. Key to building a powerful loadout. 3. PvP Invasion (Julianna): The ability for another player (or AI) to invade as Julianna, creating dynamic and unpredictable encounters that challenge Colt's progress.
DEATHLOOP Frequently Asked Questions
- help_outline What is the main objective in DEATHLOOP?The main objective is to break the time loop by assassinating all eight Visionaries on Blackreef island within a single day. This requires investigating their routines, finding ways to get them in the same place or eliminate them efficiently across four time periods (Morning, Noon, Afternoon, Evening) in four different districts.
- help_outline How does the time loop mechanic work?The day on Blackreef resets at the end of the Evening, or if Colt dies three times within a single district visit (his 'Reprise' ability allows two revivals). When the loop resets, non-Infused weapons, Slabs, and Trinkets are lost, and Visionaries/Eternalists respawn. However, Colt retains all learned information (Leads) and any gear he has 'Infused' with Residuum.
- help_outline What is Infusion and Residuum?Residuum is a resource Colt collects from glowing objects or by sacrificing gear. Between time periods (e.g., when returning to his bunker), Colt can spend Residuum to 'Infuse' weapons, Slabs, and Trinkets he wants to keep. Infused items will carry over to subsequent loops, allowing for permanent progression of his loadout.
- help_outline Can another player really hunt you as Julianna?Yes, DEATHLOOP features an optional online multiplayer mode called 'Protect the Loop.' If enabled, another player can invade your game as Julianna Blake, with the objective of killing Colt. You can also set this to 'Friends Only' or 'Offline' (where an AI Julianna will invade).
- help_outline Are Slabs like Dishonored's powers?Yes, Slabs are very similar to the supernatural powers found in Arkane's Dishonored series. They grant unique abilities like teleportation (Shift), invisibility (Aether), telekinesis (Karnesis), linking enemies (Nexus), and a combat buff (Havoc). They are acquired from Visionaries and can be upgraded.
- help_outline Is DEATHLOOP connected to the Dishonored universe?While not officially confirmed as a direct sequel or prequel, there are numerous fan theories and subtle hints within DEATHLOOP (and Dishonored: Death of the Outsider) that suggest a possible connection or shared multiverse between the two Arkane franchises. However, DEATHLOOP can be fully enjoyed as a standalone story.