The Dark Pictures Anthology returns with a paranoia-fueled space odyssey starring Lashana Lynch, Directive 8020. Preorders are now open, with a free upgrade to the Deluxe Edition.
In space, no one can hear you scream—but your crewmates might just be the ones making you do it. Supermassive Games has officially confirmed the release date for their highly anticipated sci-fi survival horror, Directive 8020. The next installment in The Dark Pictures Anthology will land on May 12, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
To mark the announcement, the studio dropped a tension-filled “Comply” trailer, showcasing a new terrifying threat: mimics. Set on a reconnaissance ship crashing onto the alien world of Tau Ceti f, the game promises a return to the studio’s roots of cinematic decision-making, but with a psychological twist that recalls The Thing or Event Horizon.
The Enemy Is Us
The new trailer, set to the track “Comply” by Brighton band Blood Red Shoes, highlights the central mechanic of this entry: paranoia.
In Directive 8020, trust is a fatal liability. The game introduces an alien organism capable of mimicking human crew members. The trailer teases a harrowing sequence involving Cooper, the ship’s medic, who must decide whether to open a sealed door for her crewmate Mitchell. Is it really him, or is it a monster wearing his skin?
Supermassive describes this as the “Double Reveal.” In one scene, players are faced with two identical versions of Cernan, the ship’s engineer. You must choose who to let back into the crew and who to leave to the void. Make the wrong call, and the creature infiltrates the ship.
Starring Lashana Lynch (No Time to Die, The Woman King) as the groundbreaking astronaut pilot Brianna Young, the game looks to anchor its body horror with a strong emotional performance. Lynch is no stranger to high-stakes action, and her presence brings Hollywood pedigree to the cockpit.
New Feature: Rewind Your Mistakes
For years, The Dark Pictures games have been defined by their brutality—make a mistake, and a character dies permanently. While “Survivor Mode” will still offer this classic, safety-net-free experience, Directive 8020 is introducing a massive quality-of-life feature called Turning Points.
This new system allows players to rewind and revisit key decisions.
- “Save my favorite character!” Players can undo a fatal error immediately, preventing a beloved cast member from meeting a gruesome end without restarting the whole game.
- Completionists can explore alternative narrative branches in real time to see every possible outcome.
This addition tailors the experience to different playstyles, making the narrative more accessible to those who want a story, while keeping the stakes high for purists who want the permadeath thrill.
Multiplayer Details and Pre-Order Bonuses
Supermassive’s games are famous for their co-op “Movie Night” modes, and Directive 8020 is no exception—with a caveat. The game will launch with single-player and couch co-op for up to five players. However, online multiplayer will not be available day one; it is scheduled to arrive in a free post-launch update.
Pre-orders are live now on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S (with Steam digital pre-orders coming soon). Early adopters are receiving a generous bonus: a free upgrade to the Deluxe Edition while supplies last.
The Deluxe Edition includes:
- The Dark Pictures Outfit Pack
- The Dark Pictures Collectibles
- Cinematic Filter Pack
- Digital Soundtrack
- Digital Artbook
Watch the ‘Comply’ Trailer: YouTube Link
With its release just a few months away, Directive 8020 is shaping up to be a claustrophobic nightmare where your worst enemy might be the person sitting next to you.
Visit the Official Site: www.directive8020.com
