We have seen speedruns. We have seen time-attack modes. But we have rarely seen a game where the entire core mechanic revolves around a death clock that ticks down every single moment you aren’t killing something. Enter 4DEAD, a newly announced roguelike from developer Kishiro that has just hit the r/Games subreddit with a trailer so frantic, I needed a nap after watching it.
If the name makes you think of a certain Valve zombie shooter, think again. 4DEAD isn’t about four survivors fighting off the undead. It is about four seconds. That is all you get. Play as “No. 42,” a cybernetic savior who runs on a battery that drains faster than your phone in cold weather. The only way to refill it? Devour your enemies.
The Four-Second Loop
The premise is delightfully simple but terrifying in practice. You have a timer. It counts down from four. If it hits zero, you die. To keep the clock running, you must kill and “devour” enemies in rapid succession. This creates a gameplay loop that is pure adrenaline. There is no hiding behind cover to regenerate health. There is no planning your next move. There is only forward.
According to the official release window trailer, the game is a “high-speed roguelike action” title. You dash, slash, and consume robotic foes in what looks like a neon-soaked ballet of violence. The Reddit thread discussing the trailer highlights the sheer intensity of the visual style—it is fast, flashy, and clearly designed for players who love entering a flow state.
Clearing Up the Name Confusion
Let’s address the elephant in the room. When you see “4DEAD,” your brain probably goes straight to Left 4 Dead. It is an easy mistake to make, but this game couldn’t be more different. It is a single-player, character-action experience, not a co-op shooter.
The name is a clever (and risky) play on its central mechanic. You are constantly four seconds away from being dead. It is a title that promises anxiety, and based on the gameplay footage, it plans to deliver. The developer, Kishiro, seems to be leaning into the “blink and you’ll miss it” nature of the combat, which separates it from the slower, tactical pacing of typical zombie survival games.
Release Window and Platforms
So, when can we get our hands on this stress simulator? The new trailer confirmed a release window of Spring 2026. It is currently announced for PC via Steam. While 2026 feels like a long way off, the level of polish in the trailer suggests the team is taking the time to get the “game feel” just right—which is crucial for a title that relies on split-second timing.
Key Features Breakdown
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Core Mechanic | 4-Second Death Timer (Refill on Kill) |
| Genre | High-Speed Roguelike Action |
| Developer | Kishiro |
| Release Date | Spring 2026 |
Why You Should Watch This One
Roguelikes are a dime a dozen these days, but 4DEAD stands out because it forces aggression. In games like Hades or Dead Cells, you can often play cautiously if you are low on health. Here, caution is a death sentence. It reminds me of the “glory kill” mechanic in DOOM Eternal, but dialled up to eleven. If you stop killing, you stop playing.
We are definitely keeping an eye on this one. If my heart rate can handle it, yours probably can too.
Conclusion
4DEAD is shaping up to be the caffeine shot the roguelike genre didn’t know it needed. It is fast, it is punishing, and it has a hook that is impossible to ignore. Spring 2026 can’t come soon enough. Just remember: don’t stop moving.
FAQs
1. Is 4DEAD related to Left 4 Dead?
No. Despite the similar name, 4DEAD is a completely unrelated sci-fi action roguelike developed by Kishiro. It is not a zombie co-op shooter.
2. What platforms will 4DEAD be on?
The game has been announced for PC via Steam. Console releases have not been confirmed yet.
3. When is the release date?
The official trailer set the release window for Spring 2026.
4. How does the timer work?
You have a 4-second timer that constantly counts down. Killing enemies refills the timer/energy bar, forcing you to constantly engage in combat to survive.
5. Is it multiplayer?
Currently, it appears to be a single-player experience focused on high-score runs and fast-paced action.