Square Enix has released its latest multiplayer title, KILLER INN, into Early Access on PC via Steam. Developed in collaboration with Tactic Studios and TBS Games, the project seeks to combine social deduction with real-time action, placing players in a high-stakes competition within a mysterious castle.
The game is set in a fortress owned by an organization known as Astra, where participants are secretly divided into two groups: Wolves and Lambs. Wolves are tasked with eliminating other players while concealing their identities, whereas Lambs must investigate clues, gather resources, and work together to identify the killers or escape. Unlike traditional social deduction games that rely on voting phases, KILLER INN focuses on active combat and exploration, requiring players to use weapons and traps to resolve the conflict.
The Early Access version includes 27 playable characters, each equipped with two distinct abilities. While these can be unlocked through gameplay, an optional in-game purchase is available for those who wish to access the roster immediately. At launch, the game features two primary environments: the Lunum Wing and the Solarium Wing.
Players can choose from four distinct game modes depending on their preferred experience. A guided Tutorial introduces the core rules, while a single player Training mode allows for free movement across maps to learn controls. Competitive play is centered in Casual mode, which supports up to 24 players. For those with specific groups, the Custom mode is recommended for sessions of eight to nine people or more.
Progress through the game involves completing quests, looting chests for gear, and managing evidence. Lambs must scour the environment for clues left at crime scenes, while Wolves can bribe witnesses or set traps to stall the investigation.
KILLER INN is currently available in two versions. The Standard Edition, which includes the base game, is priced at $9.99, though it is currently featured at a 10 percent discount for the first two weeks of launch. The Special Supporter Edition is also available for $29.99, or $26.99 during the launch promotion. This premium version includes the base game along with two additional characters, Bibi the Sleuth and LOVE the Serial Killer, as well as multiple equipment skins and advanced rule editing tools for custom lobbies.
