Kiln May Be a Multiplayer Brawler, But It Also Seems Like a Cozy Game

Kiln is a new multiplayer game from Xbox developer Double Fine Productions, and it’s unlike anything you’ve played before. It’s a party game where you team up with others, but instead of typical characters, you control adorable pottery creations. The game cleverly combines building and destroying, letting you explore creativity in a chaotic way. Double Fine is famous for its original ideas, and Kiln is another example of their playful approach to game design. While they’re calling it a “pottery party brawler,” Kiln also seems to have a relaxing and cozy side.

The game Kiln was unexpectedly revealed at the recent Xbox Developer Direct event. Though it appeared alongside highly anticipated titles like the new Fable and Forza Horizon 6, its unique, more intimate approach shouldn’t be overlooked. While it might not be as massive in scope as other games shown, Kiln looks like a great option for players who enjoy relaxing experiences and cooperative gameplay.

Beyond Kiln’s Charming Brawler Premise Lies a Potential Treasure Trove of Coziness

Kiln has a clever and creative concept: players control spirits who wear pottery as armor. You actually sculpt the pottery yourself, and its final shape directly impacts your character’s strengths and how you play. As the next game from Double Fine Productions, known for its originality, Kiln lives up to expectations with its imaginative design.

While a specific release date isn’t confirmed, Double Fine currently plans to launch Kiln in spring 2026.

Building Pottery Armor Already Looks Incredibly Satisfying and Fun

Pottery has become a popular, relaxing hobby, and video games have started to reflect that. Master of Pottery on Steam is a great example of a cozy game that lets players enjoy this craft, and Kiln seems to have learned a lot from it. While cozy games are already very popular on Steam, Kiln aims to reach an even wider audience, going beyond just PC gamers. The game lets you carefully shape clay to create custom armor tailored to your playstyle, which sounds both enjoyable and engaging without being overly difficult. That balance is key to the relaxing and meditative experience Kiln offers.

Double Fine Productions / Xbox

The soul of the artist meets the heart of the warrior.

Breaking Stuff is Still One of the Best Stress Relievers

Cozy games are generally known for being relaxing, but some are exploring the idea that destruction can actually be a great stress reliever. Games like Goat Simulator, Teardown, and ABRISS let you break things and feel surprisingly good doing it. Kiln is a unique example – it combines the calming process of pottery with the satisfying act of breaking your opponent’s defenses. The sound of pottery shattering in Kiln is almost like ASMR, and it might appeal to people who find comfort in destruction.

Kiln‘s matches support up to four players for each team.

Double Fine Has Already Proven That It’s Great at Building Unexpected Cozy Worlds

At its core, Kiln is all about creativity, and the game cleverly shows how destruction can actually be a form of creation. It’s a neat idea, and it’s great to see Double Fine tackle it with such a playful approach. Their previous game, while not focused on destruction, was wonderfully cozy and charming. Keeper was a hidden gem of 2025, and Kiln seems poised to deliver even more of that same cozy, charming experience from Double Fine.

Kiln is Good News for Xbox Game Pass Subscribers

Similar to other Xbox exclusives, Kiln will be available on Xbox Game Pass from day one. Xbox Game Pass often features charming, smaller games, making it a perfect fit for this unique pottery-based fighting game. Kiln will be released on Xbox Game Pass, Steam, and PlayStation 5, allowing it to reach a wide audience of players looking for a new cooperative game.

Kiln Has the Potential to Be One of 2026’s Best Ways to Wind Down With Friends

Xbox has several major game releases this year, including titles like Fable and Forza Horizon 6. But Kiln offers something different – a lighthearted cooperative game that’s great for playing with friends. While there are plenty of party co-op games available, Kiln manages to be unique, which is a real achievement. It avoids feeling like just another rehash of existing ideas. Kiln is a fresh experience, blending the relaxing activity of pottery-making with fast-paced, competitive challenges. It shows that a game can be both exciting and cozy at the same time.

While Kiln might not appeal to all gamers, its unique cooperative gameplay could attract a dedicated fanbase. Keeper was a great game, but it still hasn’t reached a large player base on Steam, despite being popular on Xbox Game Pass – highlighting how underappreciated it is. Hopefully, Kiln will gain more immediate traction. Only time will tell, but with its chaotic and creative pottery-based gameplay, Kiln has the potential to be one of the most enjoyable and relaxing games of 2026.

2026-01-28 20:07