This asymmetrical multiplayer horror experience, initially released in 2024, pits one Killer against four Survivors in tense matches where Survivors must repair generators to escape. The core loop involves stealth, pursuit, and evasion across various maps. The "All Things Wicked Chapter" specifically introduced The Unknown as a new Killer and Sable Ward as a new Survivor, alongside new cosmetic content.
The fundamental gameplay revolves around a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. Survivors must coordinate to repair a set of generators scattered across a map to power an exit gate, allowing them to escape the trial. Success for Survivors depends on stealth, teamwork, and utilizing environmental elements to evade the Killer.
Conversely, the Killer's objective is to locate, injure, and sacrifice the Survivors to an unseen entity. Killers possess unique powers and abilities that define their approach to hunting. The game supports both player-versus-player (PvP) interactions and PvE elements through environmental hazards and AI-controlled aspects of the map.
The game's distinctiveness lies in its reliance on asymmetric balance and the constant tension between the two opposing roles. Each match presents a unique dynamic based on the combination of Killer powers and Survivor perks chosen before the trial begins.
The All Things Wicked Chapter update introduced new playable characters to the roster. This chapter specifically added The Unknown as a new Killer, bringing a distinct set of powers to the hunt, and Sable Ward as a new Survivor, offering unique perks for the escapees. The update also included new cosmetic items for players to acquire.
With a growing roster of characters, players can customize their loadouts extensively. Each Killer and Survivor brings unique passive abilities and unlockable perks, allowing for diverse strategies and shifting the current meta depending on which characters are favored.
While the game features competitive player-versus-player encounters, the primary focus remains on the session-based horror survival experience. Progression is tied to unlocking new abilities and cosmetic items rather than long-term character leveling in a traditional RPG sense.