Double Fine, the imaginative studio behind Psychonauts, has pulled back the curtain on its newest project: Kiln. Slated for a Spring 2026 release, this title represents a pivot toward competitive multiplayer for a developer typically celebrated for its eccentric single-player adventures.
At first glance, Kiln feels like a clever reimagining of the mech combat genre. Revealed during the Xbox Developer Direct 2026, the game is a team-based brawler where players pilot combat-ready clay pots. Instead of swapping out engines or armor plates, players sculpt and mold their “vessels” from raw clay to find the perfect balance between defensive durability and offensive agility. Each pot belongs to a specific weight class and boasts unique special abilities, and players can even share their custom blueprints with the community.
The creative process is central to the experience. As studio head Tim Schafer showcased in the debut footage, the sculpting mechanics prioritize accessibility over rigid simulation. While the tools are deep enough to allow for intricate detailing, the system is designed to be intuitive, automatically refining shapes so that players can focus on the artistic and strategic aspects of their build.
“Our goal was to make pottery creation effortless and engaging—just a button and a thumbstick,” explains project lead Derek Brand. “We wanted players to feel like master craftsmen the moment they started molding their first vessel.”
Once your masterpiece is fired and ready, you’ll dive into high-stakes PvP encounters. In the flagship “Quench” mode, two teams of four battle to transport water to their opponent’s kiln. The physical properties of your pot play a massive role here: your vessel’s shape and volume dictate your movement speed, attack patterns, and how much water you can carry. Furthermore, certain environmental shortcuts are restricted to specific pot sizes, adding a layer of tactical depth to team composition.
The arenas in Kiln are just as vibrant as the gameplay, drawing inspiration from various world mythologies. Players control small spirits inhabiting the pottery, battling across domains overseen by ancient deities. Fans of Hades 2 might find the thematic focus on Greek and Egyptian pantheons particularly appealing.
“For instance, Hermes’ stage is set within a chaotic divine logistics center, where moving treadmills and flying packages create constant hazards,” Brand notes. “Dionysus’ map, meanwhile, features a ‘Boogie Lounge’ with a central dance floor. If you get caught on the wrong tile, your character is forced into a dance routine, turning a serious skirmish into a hilarious, dynamic spectacle.”
Outside of the arena, players can relax in The Wedge, a dedicated social hub. This communal area features minigames, customizable decorations, and a storefront that utilizes in-game currency earned solely through play. Double Fine has already committed to expanding the experience with post-launch content updates.
Kiln is scheduled to launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC in Spring 2026, with a closed beta period expected to begin soon.
Source: gamesradar.com
