Here at PCGamesN, we love a redemption story. Whether it’s watching CDPR slowly but surely transform Cyberpunk 2077 into the gritty, hard-hitting RPG it was supposed to be, or watching No Man’s Sky finally become the gorgeous extra-terrestrial survival adventure that it was sold as: watching videogames evolve is one of our favorite pastimes. Section 13 – once Blackout Protocol – is one of those games, starting its life as a slow-paced co-op shooter before blossoming into a high-octane, action-packed roguelike with Hades-style power-ups and various new levels. Finally hitting 1.0 on Steam, Section 13 might look similar at a glance, but it’s a completely new game in practice.
Releasing into early access in July 2023, Section 13’s debut was good, but not exceptional. While positive reviews praised the actual gameplay, even if running anything less than a three-person squad felt somewhat like a death sentence, consistent complaints about bugs and balance issues pulled the co-op game’s ratings right down.
In August 2024 Ocean Drive Studios announced that the game would be changing its general direction, axing the slower, tactical gameplay for a more frenetic, chaotic experience. While the initial switch prompted some general grumbling, head of operations Jungsoo Lee promised a less restrictive experience and the inclusion of various roguelike elements akin to what you see in games like Hades. The stage was set, and now, 1.0 is finally here.
Fleshing out the game’s story and finally letting you face off against Section 13’s final boss, you and two friends (read ‘fellow S2P co-workers’) are challenged with working your way through the eponymous black-site to contain what’s described as an “Omega threat.” Using various weapons, strategies, and the game’s all-new, Hades-style power-ups, you’ll have to take down various monstrosities and get out alive – and maybe, just maybe, you’ll keep your jobs.
Every run is different, with different weapons and perks available on a randomized rotation. 1.0 brings two new pieces of tactical gear – the Deployable Shield and Drone – and there are brand new enemies, too. Of course, the priority is beating the final boss and cashing in your paycheck, but the path to doing so just got a lot harder.
“To everyone who has played, sent feedback, reported bugs, and sometimes laughed like crazy: thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” writes creative director Jeesun Park. “Because of you, Section 13 has become more than just a development project – it’s a world we’ve built together. With the mindset that the full release is not the end but a new beginning, we’ll continue expanding and deepening this world with care and passion. The real mission starts now.”
Section 13 is out in full right now, and its player count has spiked in the wake of the new update. If you’re looking to pick it up, you can get it for 15% off ($16.99 / £14.23) until Monday June 2, when it’ll go back up to its base price. Just go here.
If you’re looking for more co-op adventures, we have a list of the best multiplayer games. Alternatively, if you thrive in high-pressure situations like a good S2P employee should, we have a rundown of the best action games.
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