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Kaidan Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | Unreal Engine 5 |
| Genre | Action RPG, Soulslike, Extraction |
| Release Window | TBA |
| Developer | 5th Column Studio |
| Publisher | 5th Column Studio |
| Setting | Japanese Folklore / Cosmic Horror |
| Perspective | Third-Person |
| Platforms | PC (Steam) |
| Multiplayer | 3-Player Online Co-op (Drop-in/Drop-out) |
| Unique Feature | A unique blend of Soulslike melee combat with a tense, replayable 'extraction-lite' gameplay loop set in a Japanese cosmic horror world. |
Kaidan System Requirements
1080p
tune Minimum (Speculative - Target: 1080p, 60 FPS, Low/Medium Preset) – Low/Medium Preset, Upscaling (DLSS/FSR 'Performance') likely required.
1440p
tune Recommended (Speculative - Target: 1440p, 60+ FPS, High Preset) – High Preset, Upscaling (DLSS/FSR 'Quality' or 'Balanced') recommended.
Kaidan 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 - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, Upscaling likely required.).
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 - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, Upscaling likely required.).
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 - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, Upscaling likely required.).
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 - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, Upscaling likely required.).
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/Medium Preset, Upscaling likely required.).
memory Intel Core I9 14900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4070
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
1699
Model: MSI Creator M16 HX with RTX 4070
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 14900 H (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4070 (Score: 8700)
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (QHD+)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, Upscaling likely required.).
memory Intel Core I9 14900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4070
storage 16GB DDR5-5600MHz
1615
Model: ASUS ROG Strix G16 with RTX 4070
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 14900 H (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4070 (Score: 8700)
storage RAM: 16GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1600 (QHD+)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, Upscaling likely required.).
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/Medium Preset, Upscaling likely required.).
memory Intel Core I9 12950 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 3080 TI 175W
storage 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
2499
Model: ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17 Se with RTX 3080 Ti and i9
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 12950 H (Score: 1054)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3080 TI (Score: 9100) @ 175W TGP
storage RAM: 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
save Storage: 2000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, Upscaling likely required.).
memory Intel Core I9 14900 H
developer_board NVIDIA RTX 4080
storage 64 GB DDR5-5600MHz
2699
Model: HP OMEN 16 with RTX 4080 and intel i9 14th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core I9 14900 H (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4080 (Score: 10500)
storage RAM: 64 GB DDR5-5600MHz
save Storage: 1000GB NVMe
desktop_windows Display: 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Meets criteria for tier: 1080p - Minimum (Low/Medium Preset, Upscaling likely required.).
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Core Requirements
- desktop_windowsOperating System: Windows 11 64-bit
A modern 64-bit OS would be a firm requirement.
- memoryDirectX: DirectX 12 Ultimate
DirectX 12 Ultimate would be required for next-gen features.
- save_altStorage Note: 100 GB available space (NVMe SSD Required)
A fast NVMe SSD would be mandatory to handle the increased asset quality and the streaming of detailed environments.
Kaidan: Map Size and Regions
The game features a large, interconnected world with multiple biomes, but is explored through mission-based 'incursions' or 'runs'. Each zone is a haunted, procedurally arranged area with its own unique Yokai, minibosses, and a final Chordbearer target. The world state can mutate between runs based on player actions.
Kaidan Skills & Upgrades Overview
Progression is player-driven and tied to successful extractions. Players use gathered resources like blood, essence, and memory fragments to unlock permanent buffs and upgrade gear at a central hub. A 'Sigil' system acts as a skill tree, allowing players to unlock new combat moves and passive abilities. Weapons and gear can be crafted, upgraded, and enchanted.
Kaidan: Game Editions
Details on different game editions are yet to be announced. The game is planned to have a robust early access or ongoing update model after its initial PC launch.
Kaidan: Cross-Platform / Crossplay
While no specific details have been announced, cross-platform play would be a likely feature for the game's drop-in/drop-out co-op mode between its planned PC and console versions.
Kaidan Specific Game Elements
Kaidan Weapons
- securityAxes (Melee)
Heavy, high-damage weapons designed to break through the guards of formidable Yokai.
- securityKatanas (Melee)
A balanced and iconic melee weapon, likely offering a mix of speed and precision.
- securityPolearms (Melee)
Long-reaching weapons like spears or naginatas, excellent for controlling space and keeping enemies at a distance.
Kaidan Vehicles
- directions_carNone (N/A)
The game is focused on on-foot exploration and combat. There are no controllable player vehicles.
Kaidan Characters
- personThe Chordbearers - Bosses
The primary antagonists and main targets of the extraction missions. These are powerful, unique beings that anchor the corruption in each region of Ikaiguchi.
- personThe Envoy - Key NPC / Quest Giver
A cryptic, mystical entity who holds power over the Seeker due to their pact. The Envoy guides the player and is central to the game's 'deal with the devil' allegory.
- personThe Seeker - Playable Protagonist (playable)
A lost soul resurrected by the Envoy, forced to fulfill a dark pact. The player's identity is intentionally vague, with progression and customization defining the character.
Top 3 Characters:
Seeker (Player): A lost soul marked by a pact, whose identity is purposefully blurred. Their progression and appearance are shaped by player choices and successes. 2. The Envoy: The mysterious, cryptic entity that resurrects the player. It acts as a guide and quest-giver, representing the 'deal with the devil' theme. 3. The Chordbearers: The main antagonists and bosses of each biome. They are unique, powerful entities that serve as the linchpins of the extraction missions.
Kaidan Missions / Objectives
- flagIncursions
Objective: The main gameplay mode. Players plan a loadout and 'plunge' into a haunted zone of Ikaiguchi to hunt a specific Chordbearer, gather resources, and attempt to extract successfully.
Top 3 Missions/Objectives:
Incursion (Core Loop): The main objective of planning a loadout, entering a haunted biome, surviving its procedural events and enemies, and successfully extracting with loot. 2. Slay the Chordbearer: The climactic objective of each run, requiring players to defeat a powerful, larger-than-life boss to secure the most valuable rewards and potentially alter the world state. 3. Upgrade the Resting Shrine: A recurring objective to use extracted resources to upgrade the player's home base, unlocking permanent buffs and new starting options for future runs.
Kaidan Companions / Summons
- groupCo-op Teammates (Human (Player))
Ability: In the game's 3-player co-op mode, other players act as your companions. Team play is encouraged through unique synergies, allowing players to specialize in roles like tank, healer/debuffer, or DPS.
Kaidan Collectibles
- collections_bookmarkLore Items
Location/Use: Found through exploration. The story unfolds through item descriptions and environmental storytelling rather than traditional cutscenes.
- collections_bookmarkRelics
Location/Use: Powerful artifacts that must be successfully extracted from Ikaiguchi. They are the primary items used to unlock new combat moves and powerful character upgrades.
Top 3 Collectibles:
Powerful artifacts extracted from Ikaiguchi, used to unlock new moves, combos, and permanent character upgrades. 2. Resources (Blood, Essence, Memory Fragments): The core currency for progression, used to upgrade gear and the home base shrine. 3. Sigils: Items that unlock nodes in the skill tree, allowing for deep customization of a Seeker's playstyle.
Kaidan Armor
- shieldArmor Sets
Focus/Stats: Players can customize their Seeker with different armor sets and masks. In addition to providing defensive stats, these cosmetics can also influence gameplay and narrative by affecting how certain NPCs or Yokai interact with the player.
Kaidan Clothing / Appearance
- checkroomCustomizable Armor & Masks
Details: Players can customize their Seeker's appearance with various armor sets, masks, and style sets. These are not just cosmetic, as they can also grant strengths, weaknesses, and passive bonuses that affect gameplay.
Kaidan Other Features & Info
- labelMultiplayer Modes
The game is designed as a single-player journey but supports seamless drop-in/drop-out cooperative play for up to three Seekers. Co-op introduces unique synergies and the ability to revive fallen comrades, at a cost.
- labelStory and Setting
Set in Ikaiguchi, a snowbound land corrupted by cosmic horrors, players are a 'Seeker' revived by a mystical Envoy. Tasked with fulfilling a dark bargain, the Seeker must enter the Yokai-infested nightmare to slay dread 'Chordbearers' and confront the madness covering the land. The world blends feudal Japanese aesthetics with Lovecraftian themes of existential terror.
- labelTop 3 Gameplay Mechanics
- 1. Extraction-Lite Loop: The core structure of the game. Players must balance risk and reward on each run, deciding whether to push deeper for better loot or extract to safely secure what they've gathered. 2. Visceral Melee Combat: A fast-paced, Soulslike combat system focused on dodging, parrying, and mastering the heavy, calculated strikes of various melee weapons against unpredictable Yokai. 3. World Mutation: A dynamic system where player actions, such as extracting with a certain relic or killing a specific boss, can permanently alter future runs by changing weather, enemy types, or unlocking new story paths.
Kaidan Frequently Asked Questions
- help_outline What is Kaidan?Kaidan is an upcoming third-person melee action game that blends the challenging combat of Soulslikes with the high-stakes loop of extraction games, all set in a dark fantasy world inspired by Japanese folklore and cosmic horror.
- help_outline Is it a multiplayer game?It is primarily a single-player experience but supports seamless drop-in/drop-out online co-op for up to three players.
- help_outline What does 'Extraction-Lite' mean?It means the core gameplay loop involves entering a dangerous, procedurally-arranged zone, gathering resources and completing objectives, and then successfully escaping (extracting) to keep your loot. Failure can result in losing progress and items from that run.
- help_outline When will it be released?As of August 2025, there is no official release date for Kaidan. A playable demo has recently been shown at events like Gamescom 2025.