Where to Buy DEATHLOOP
DEATHLOOP Gameplay Video
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 i7-12700H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 140W
storage 32GB DDR4-3200MHz
US $1349
Model: MSI Pulse GL66 with RTX 3070 and i7 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i7-12700H (Score: 900)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 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 i9-13900H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 140W
storage 16GB DDR5-5200MHz
US $999
Model: Acer Nitro V with RTX 4060 and i9 13th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-13900H (Score: 1058)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 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 i9-14900HX
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 140W
storage 32GB DDR5-5600MHz
US $1749
Model: Lenovo Legion Pro 5i (i9-14900HX, RTX 4060)
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-14900HX (Score: 1200)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 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 i9-12900H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti 150W
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
US $1397
Model: Asus Rog Strix Scar 15 with RTX 3070 Ti and i9 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i9-12900H (Score: 1030)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 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 i5-12450H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 75W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
US $645
Model: HP Victus 15 with RTX 3050 and i5 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i5-12450H (Score: 628)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 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 i5-12500H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 80W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
US $710
Model: Acer Nitro 5 with RTX 3050 Ti and i5 12th Gen
memory CPU: Intel Core i5-12500H (Score: 633)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 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 7435HS
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 75W
storage 32GB DDR5-4800MHz
US $799
Model: ASUS TUF A15 with RTX 3050 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7435HS (Score: 1655)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 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 6800H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 140W
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
US $1299
Model: ASUS ROG Strix G15 with RTX 3060 and Ryzen 7
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 6800H (Score: 880)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 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 5900HS
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 100W
storage 16GB DDR4-3200MHz
US $1489
Model: ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 Ultra with RTX 3080 and Ryzen 9
memory CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HS (Score: 820)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 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 i7-13620H
developer_board NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070
storage 16GB DDR5-4800MHz
US $1350
Model: MSI Katana 15 with RTX 4070
memory CPU: Intel Core i7-13620H (Score: 843)
developer_board GPU: NVIDIA GeForce 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 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.