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Directive 8020 Gameplay Video
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Directive 8020 Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | Unreal Engine 5 |
| Genre | Survival Horror, Interactive Drama |
| Release Window | 2026 |
| Developer | Supermassive Games |
| Publisher | Supermassive Games |
| Setting | Deep Space / Alien Planet (Tau Ceti f) |
| Perspective | Third-Person |
| Platforms | PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S |
| Multiplayer | 2-Player Online Co-op, 5-Player Local/Online Co-op |
| Unique Feature | A cinematic sci-fi horror story that introduces a 'Turning Points' rewind mechanic and full third-person stealth/action controls to the series. |
Directive 8020 System Requirements
1080p
tune Minimum – Low Preset, 1080p resolution.
tune Recommended – High Preset, 1080p resolution.
Directive 8020 Laptop Recommendations
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 - Minimum (Low Preset, 1080p resolution.).
memory AMD Ryzen 9 8940 HX
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 5060 115W
storage 32GB DDR5-5200MHz
1689
Model: HP Omen 16 (RTX 5060 & Ryzen 9 8940HX)
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 8940 HX (Score: 2225)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 5060 (Score: 9000) @ 115W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5200MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA / FHD+)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset, 1080p resolution.).
memory AMD Ryzen 9 7845 HX
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4080
storage Up to 64GB DDR5
2799
Model: Dell Alienware M16 Gaming Laptop with RTX 4080
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 7845 HX (Score: 2078)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4080 (Score: 12500)
storage RAM: Up to 64GB DDR5
save Storage: 4000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (WQXGA)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low Preset, 1080p resolution.).
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Core Requirements
- desktop_windowsOperating System: Windows 10 64-bit 1909 revision or higher / Windows 11
A modern 64-bit OS is a firm requirement.
- memoryDirectX: Version 12
DirectX 12 is required for the Unreal Engine 5 feature set.
- save_altStorage Note: 70 GB available space
An SSD is recommended for faster loading times and seamless transitions.
Directive 8020: Map Size and Regions
The game is a linear, cinematic adventure. Locations include the claustrophobic corridors of the crashed starship Cassiopeia and the surface of the hostile alien planet, Tau Ceti f. The game features full, player-controlled exploration, a significant departure from the fixed cameras of previous series installments.
Directive 8020: Post-Launch Content / DLC
The Digital Deluxe Edition includes an exclusive bonus mission and cinematic filters. The game is designed for high replayability with branching storylines and multiple endings.
Directive 8020 Skills & Upgrades Overview
The game does not feature traditional RPG leveling. Progression is narrative and inventory-based. Players find and use key items and gadgets to solve environmental puzzles. The 'Turning Points' system is a key feature, allowing players to 'rewind' pivotal decisions to explore alternate narrative paths, though irreversible 'Survival Mode' is also available.
Directive 8020: Game Editions
The Digital Deluxe Edition includes the base game, the 'Dark Pictures Outfit Pack' (iconic outfits from previous games), a 'BONUS MISSION: THE DARK PICTURES HEIRLOOMS RETRIEVAL,' three cinematic filters (60's Black and White, 70's Gritty, 80's VHS), an artbook, and the exclusive soundtrack.
Directive 8020: Cross-Platform / Crossplay
Cross-platform play is expected for the game's multiplayer modes, allowing players on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S to play together.
Directive 8020 Specific Game Elements
Directive 8020 Weapons
- securityWedge Tool (Utility / Melee)
A tool that can be used as a last resort to open doors or to momentarily stun an enemy. Players generally do not use lethal firearms.
Directive 8020 Vehicles
- directions_carNone (N/A)
The game is set within the claustrophobic confines of a crashed starship and the immediate alien landscape. There are no controllable player vehicles.
Directive 8020 Characters
- personBrianna Young ('Young') - Playable Protagonist (playable)
The co-pilot of the Cassiopeia and one of the five playable main characters. Portrayed by Lashana Lynch.
- personJosef Cernan ('Cernan') - Playable Protagonist (playable)
The technical engineer and 'resident philosopher' of the crew, dedicated to living a life he could be proud of.
- personLaura Eisele ('Eisele') - Playable Protagonist (playable)
The senior mission officer and the architect of the Cassiopeia, known for her cold, rational brilliance.
- personNolan Stafford ('Stafford') - Playable Protagonist (playable)
The mission Commander and the founding father of the space program, mentoring Brianna Young.
- personSamantha Cooper ('Cooper') - Playable Protagonist (playable)
The medical specialist and sole survivor of a previous tragedy, highly dedicated to protecting life.
Top 3 Characters:
Young ('Young'): The co-pilot of the Cassiopeia and one of the five playable protagonists. Portrayed by Lashana Lynch, she is marketed as the leading actress. 2. Nolan Stafford ('Stafford'): The Commander of the mission, a veteran explorer who mentors Young and acts as a father figure. 3. The Alien Hunter: The primary antagonist, a shapeshifting, unkillable parasitic alien that hides among the crew, creating intense psychological paranoia.
Directive 8020 Missions / Objectives
- flagEpisodic Campaign
Objective: The game is structured into eight, hour-long episodes. The main objective is to guide the five crew members to survive the alien threat and the hostile environment, with the story branching dramatically based on player choices.
Top 3 Missions/Objectives:
the Alien Hunter: The core objective is to evade, outsmart, and ultimately save the crew from the parasitic, shapeshifting alien that is hunting and mimicking its prey. 2. Navigate Crew Paranoia: A core objective to manage trust and cooperation between the five protagonists, where every dialogue choice risks betrayal, alliance, or the death of a character. 3. Explore the Narrative Branches: The overarching goal for replayability, requiring players to explore alternate paths using the 'Turning Points' system to see multiple endings and fill the decision flowchart.
Directive 8020 Companions / Summons
- groupCrew Members (Human (Player/AI))
Ability: The game revolves around five protagonists. In co-op, players control separate characters, making shared decisions and managing inventory together. The enemy's ability to mimic means any companion can become a threat.
Directive 8020 Collectibles
- collections_bookmarkMessenger
Location/Use: A utility strap tool used for silent communication between crew members, even when potential alien 'imposters' are nearby.
- collections_bookmarkScanner
Location/Use: A tool housed in the utility strap. Used to scan for electronics or spot the alien entity capable of mimicking crew members.
- collections_bookmarkThe Dark Pictures Heirlooms
Location/Use: Hidden dolls and relics from previous games. Finding them unlocks secrets that connect Directive 8020 to the wider anthology universe.
Top 3 Collectibles:
Collectibles from previous Dark Pictures games that unlock secrets and further connect the game to the anthology universe. 2. Utility Gadgets: Tools found on the multifunctional utility strap (Scanner, Wedge Tool, Remote Control) used for survival, puzzles, and investigation. 3. Clues: Documents and environmental details that help unravel the conspiracy, mirroring a 'detective thriller' style.
Directive 8020 Armor
- shieldNone
Focus/Stats: The game does not feature an armor system. Survival depends entirely on stealth, evasion, and successful choices, not on equippable defensive gear.
Directive 8020 Clothing / Appearance
- checkroomCrew Uniforms
Details: The game's Deluxe Edition includes the 'Dark Pictures Outfit Pack,' allowing players to dress the crew in iconic outfits from previous games in the anthology.
Directive 8020 Other Features & Info
- labelMultiplayer Modes
The game supports both single-player and multiplayer modes. 'Shared Story' is a 2-player online co-op mode. 'Movie Night' is a local/online co-op mode accommodating up to five players, who can mix and match between couch and online play.
- labelStory and Setting
The game is the fifth installment in The Dark Pictures Anthology. Earth is dying, and the crew of the colony ship Cassiopeia crash-lands on Tau Ceti f. They must contend with an alien organism that can mimic human form, creating intense themes of paranoia and isolation. The story is structured into eight hour-long episodes and is heavily influenced by sci-fi horror films like Alien and The Thing.
- labelTop 3 Gameplay Mechanics
- 1. Turning Points System: A major new feature allowing players to 'rewind' to pivotal story moments and retry crucial decisions without overwriting their original progress, aiding completionists and narrative exploration. 2. Real-Time Stealth & Evasion: The game moves beyond QTEs, incorporating full third-person control and stealth mechanics where players must 'evict' the deadly alien threat by staying in the shadows and avoiding detection. 3. Dual-Mode Co-op: Supports both 2-player online co-op ('Shared Story') and a 5-player local/online 'Movie Night' mode, accommodating multiple players and playstyles.
Directive 8020 Frequently Asked Questions
- help_outline What is Directive 8020?It is the fifth installment in The Dark Pictures Anthology, a series of cinematic, interactive horror games. This installment is a sci-fi horror story about the crew of a crashed spaceship being hunted by a shapeshifting alien.
- help_outline How is it different from other Dark Pictures games?It marks a significant evolution for the series, moving from fixed camera angles to full third-person player control. It also introduces deeper gameplay mechanics like real-time stealth, a full inventory system, and the 'Turning Points' system to retry decisions.
- help_outline What is the 'Turning Points' system?It's a major new feature that allows players to 'rewind' to a pivotal decision they have made and retry the sequence, enabling them to explore alternate narrative paths without losing overall story progress.
- help_outline Can I play with friends?Yes, the game supports two main co-op modes: a 2-player online 'Shared Story' mode and a 5-player local/online 'Movie Night' mode.