What to know
- A Dark Pictures Anthology title from Supermassive Games, set on a crashed colony ship facing alien mimics.
- Launches today, May 12, 2026, on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
- Features eight episodes with choice-driven narratives and couch co-op for up to five players.
- Main story runs 7-8 hours; full completion needs multiple runs for secrets and endings.
Directive 8020 thrusts you into a desperate mission 12 light years from Earth. Humanity flees a dying planet toward Tau Ceti f, but the Cassiopeia crash-lands amid alien horrors. Your choices as crew members shape survival in this standalone Dark Pictures tale from Supermassive Games.
-
Image credit: Supermassive Games
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer | Supermassive Games |
| Platforms | PS5, Xbox Series X |
| Release Date | May 12, 2026 |
| Playtime (Main) | 7-8 hours |
| Playtime (Completionist) | 20-30 hours |
| Episodes | 8 total |
| Multiplayer | Couch co-op (up to 5), online post-launch |
| Engine | Unreal Engine 5 |
Core story and episode breakdown
-
Image credit: Supermassive Games
The game unfolds across eight episodes, each roughly 40-60 minutes, building tension through quick-time events, moral decisions, and collectibles. Early episodes focus on crash survival and crew dynamics, while later ones ramp up alien pursuits and betrayals. Choices at turning points can shorten runs if characters die early.
| Episode | Approx. Length | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 1: Crash Landing | 40 min | Ship impact, first mimics |
| 2: Crew Assessment | 45 min | Resource scan, tensions rise |
| 3: Signal Hunt | 50 min | Alien chase begins |
| 4: Isolation Protocol | 55 min | Betrayals emerge |
| 5: Directive Breach | 60 min | Major twists |
| 6: Mimic Infiltration | 60 min | Paranoia peaks |
| 7: Escape Vector | 55 min | Survival sprint |
| 8: Final Directive | 50 min | Multiple endings |
Release timeline
Originally slated for October 2025, delays pushed Directive 8020 to May 12, 2026, after development hurdles like redundancies hit Supermassive. Pre-orders offer digital at $49.99/£39.99, with physical editions and Deluxe upgrades for consoles.
Platforms, pricing, and editions
Play on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, or PC (Steam)—no last-gen support. Couch co-op for up to five launches day one; online multiplayer follows in a free update. Pre-loads hit before staggered global release times, like 10 AM ET or 4 PM CEST.
-
Image credit: Supermassive Games
Standard digital rings in at $49.99 or £39.99. Console pre-orders snag Deluxe upgrades while stocks last, bundling extras like art or soundtracks—check retailers for physical copies.
