Battle through Hell in this co-op roguelike
By Paul Hunter
There’s no shortage of roguelikes out there, but 33 Immortals manages to stand out even in Early Access. Developed by Thunder Lotus, the team behind Spiritfarer, this Early Access release leans into large-scale co-op battles, fast runs, and a bold multiplayer-first approach. Instead of solo dungeon crawling, you jump into chaotic raids alongside up to 32 others. It’s roguelike action dialled up to 33.
The game takes inspiration from Dante Alighieri’s The Divine Comedy, casting you as a rebellious soul fighting to escape eternal damnation. With its stylized world, straightforward combat, and emphasis on teamwork, it delivers something rare in the genre—co-operative chaos that feels easy to join and enjoy. Whether you’re swinging a sword or firing arrows from afar, every weapon feels simple to use, making the action immediately accessible.
There’s a lot to take in between shrine buffs, Torture Chambers, and multi-stage boss fights—but you never feel lost. Even with its Early Access status, 33 Immortals offers a strong glimpse of what could become a staple in the online roguelike space. Are you ready to face divine judgement with 32 sinners at your side?
33 Immortals sets you in the afterlife, but not in the peaceful kind. You’ve been condemned, judged unworthy, and tossed into a version of Hell pulled straight from Dante’s Divine Comedy. But instead of accepting your fate, you fight back—alongside 32 other lost souls.
The premise is simple: resist divine judgement or be punished forever. You aren’t given lengthy cutscenes or deep character arcs, but the setting delivers all the context you need. Through its level design, enemy types, and ominous bosses, the game tells its story with atmosphere rather than exposition.
Each run starts in the Dark Woods, a hub that feels like limbo. From there, you dive into Inferno and Purgatorio, two areas filled with Torture Chambers and larger-than-life bosses. These aren't just names—they reflect the story’s themes of punishment, redemption, and rebellion. You’re constantly reminded that survival isn’t just about staying alive; it’s about proving your worth.
While the narrative isn’t front and centre, it doesn’t need to be. The setting creates a strong sense of purpose behind the action. Instead of giving you pages of lore, it asks a more immediate question: if you were damned, would you accept it—or fight back anyway?
33 Immortals thrives on large-scale chaos. For the beginner Inferno missions, each session drops you and 32 others into a massive map packed with Torture Chambers, mini-bosses, and a final showdown that feels more like a raid than a roguelike run. You’re not just hacking through enemies—you’re part of a living storm of co-op action. After beating the first boss you'll be given a Purgatorio Key that grants you access to the second map that has a reduced player limit of 22.
Every run is a loop. You clear enemy-filled chambers, collect relics to upgrade stats, and build toward the Ascension Battle that unlocks the final boss. Ascension Battles are chaotic and dangerous, taking place in a central location while the rest of the map is coated in a blanket of flame. Surviving long enough to reach that fight is satisfying, but doing it with a group that sticks together is where the fun really takes off. The more coordinated the team, the smoother the chaos feels—even when everything on screen is exploding at once.
Weapons make a big difference. I stuck with the bow for most of my time, mostly because keeping my distance felt like the only way to stay alive during the later fights. Its charged attack hits twice, once on the way out and again when recalled, which saved me more than once. Each of the four weapon types—daggers, sword, bow, and staff—offers a distinct feel with unique powers, plus a unique co-op ability that only activates when others stand on glowing tiles with you. It's an integral mechanic, creating fun moments of impromptu teamwork.
The combat can feel a bit repetitive during this Early Access period, but if you swap weapons every few runs it helps to mitigate the same-y feel. Plus there are specific achievements tied to using each weapon, so I think the developer intent is for players to periodically swap their loadout. Enemy variety is also a tad thin right now, and in a match with 33 people, things can get visually cluttered fast.
Still, even with the repetition, there’s something satisfying about scraping through a run, stacking buffs, and seeing your group pull off a victory against a massive boss like Lucifer. The balance of chaos and cooperation keeps things exciting—especially when half your team is down, and you manage to win anyway. That kind of comeback makes you want to queue up again, even if you’re just there for the chaos.
Thunder Lotus brings its signature hand-drawn style to 33 Immortals, and it fits the game’s themes perfectly. The dark, layered visuals give each zone a distinct look, with swirling skies and jagged landscapes that mirror the turmoil of the damned souls you control. Enemy designs lean into grotesque fantasy, mixing oversized limbs, gaping mouths, and hulking armour in a way that feels cohesive rather than over-the-top.
The visual style might be eye-catching, but it comes at a cost during crowded encounters. In the middle of a raid, with dozens of combat effects, attack animations, and movement trails flooding the screen, it’s easy to lose track of where you are. This doesn’t happen in every run, but in smaller arenas like those found in Ascension Battles, the clutter becomes a real distraction.
Animations are smooth, and character movement feels responsive across all weapon types. Frame rate stayed steady for me during most sessions on Xbox Series X, though a few hiccups cropped up when multiple ultimate abilities triggered at once. Load times between hub areas and match starts were short, typically under 10 seconds, which made retrying after a failed run feel quick and painless.
The UI is clean, with large fonts, colour-coded stat boosts, and a straightforward mission log that makes daily quests easy to follow. However, the game’s map could use more clarity. During my early sessions, I struggled to figure out the differences between some icons—something that feels like it could be fixed with a simple toggle or legend.
Audio holds up well, with atmospheric music that shifts between ambient tension in the hub and swelling orchestral bursts during raids. Sound cues help identify boss attacks and revive opportunities, which is helpful when your screen looks like a storm of particles and projectiles.
Overall, 33 Immortals looks and sounds like a game that belongs in a mythological underworld. While the chaos occasionally overwhelms the screen, the artistic direction and technical stability show that Thunder Lotus is building on a strong foundation—even in Early Access.
Developer: Thunder Lotus
Publisher: Thunder Lotus
Genre: Roguelite
Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
A key was provided by the publisher.
By Paul Hunter
There’s no shortage of roguelikes out there, but 33 Immortals manages to stand out even in Early Access. Developed by Thunder Lotus, the team behind Spiritfarer, this Early Access release leans into large-scale co-op battles, fast runs, and a bold multiplayer-first approach. Instead of solo dungeon crawling, you jump into chaotic raids alongside up to 32 others. It’s roguelike action dialled up to 33.
The game takes inspiration from Dante Alighieri’s The Divine Comedy, casting you as a rebellious soul fighting to escape eternal damnation. With its stylized world, straightforward combat, and emphasis on teamwork, it delivers something rare in the genre—co-operative chaos that feels easy to join and enjoy. Whether you’re swinging a sword or firing arrows from afar, every weapon feels simple to use, making the action immediately accessible.
There’s a lot to take in between shrine buffs, Torture Chambers, and multi-stage boss fights—but you never feel lost. Even with its Early Access status, 33 Immortals offers a strong glimpse of what could become a staple in the online roguelike space. Are you ready to face divine judgement with 32 sinners at your side?
33 Immortals sets you in the afterlife, but not in the peaceful kind. You’ve been condemned, judged unworthy, and tossed into a version of Hell pulled straight from Dante’s Divine Comedy. But instead of accepting your fate, you fight back—alongside 32 other lost souls.
The premise is simple: resist divine judgement or be punished forever. You aren’t given lengthy cutscenes or deep character arcs, but the setting delivers all the context you need. Through its level design, enemy types, and ominous bosses, the game tells its story with atmosphere rather than exposition.
Each run starts in the Dark Woods, a hub that feels like limbo. From there, you dive into Inferno and Purgatorio, two areas filled with Torture Chambers and larger-than-life bosses. These aren't just names—they reflect the story’s themes of punishment, redemption, and rebellion. You’re constantly reminded that survival isn’t just about staying alive; it’s about proving your worth.
While the narrative isn’t front and centre, it doesn’t need to be. The setting creates a strong sense of purpose behind the action. Instead of giving you pages of lore, it asks a more immediate question: if you were damned, would you accept it—or fight back anyway?
33 Immortals thrives on large-scale chaos. For the beginner Inferno missions, each session drops you and 32 others into a massive map packed with Torture Chambers, mini-bosses, and a final showdown that feels more like a raid than a roguelike run. You’re not just hacking through enemies—you’re part of a living storm of co-op action. After beating the first boss you'll be given a Purgatorio Key that grants you access to the second map that has a reduced player limit of 22.
Every run is a loop. You clear enemy-filled chambers, collect relics to upgrade stats, and build toward the Ascension Battle that unlocks the final boss. Ascension Battles are chaotic and dangerous, taking place in a central location while the rest of the map is coated in a blanket of flame. Surviving long enough to reach that fight is satisfying, but doing it with a group that sticks together is where the fun really takes off. The more coordinated the team, the smoother the chaos feels—even when everything on screen is exploding at once.
Weapons make a big difference. I stuck with the bow for most of my time, mostly because keeping my distance felt like the only way to stay alive during the later fights. Its charged attack hits twice, once on the way out and again when recalled, which saved me more than once. Each of the four weapon types—daggers, sword, bow, and staff—offers a distinct feel with unique powers, plus a unique co-op ability that only activates when others stand on glowing tiles with you. It's an integral mechanic, creating fun moments of impromptu teamwork.
The combat can feel a bit repetitive during this Early Access period, but if you swap weapons every few runs it helps to mitigate the same-y feel. Plus there are specific achievements tied to using each weapon, so I think the developer intent is for players to periodically swap their loadout. Enemy variety is also a tad thin right now, and in a match with 33 people, things can get visually cluttered fast.
Still, even with the repetition, there’s something satisfying about scraping through a run, stacking buffs, and seeing your group pull off a victory against a massive boss like Lucifer. The balance of chaos and cooperation keeps things exciting—especially when half your team is down, and you manage to win anyway. That kind of comeback makes you want to queue up again, even if you’re just there for the chaos.
Thunder Lotus brings its signature hand-drawn style to 33 Immortals, and it fits the game’s themes perfectly. The dark, layered visuals give each zone a distinct look, with swirling skies and jagged landscapes that mirror the turmoil of the damned souls you control. Enemy designs lean into grotesque fantasy, mixing oversized limbs, gaping mouths, and hulking armour in a way that feels cohesive rather than over-the-top.
The visual style might be eye-catching, but it comes at a cost during crowded encounters. In the middle of a raid, with dozens of combat effects, attack animations, and movement trails flooding the screen, it’s easy to lose track of where you are. This doesn’t happen in every run, but in smaller arenas like those found in Ascension Battles, the clutter becomes a real distraction.
Animations are smooth, and character movement feels responsive across all weapon types. Frame rate stayed steady for me during most sessions on Xbox Series X, though a few hiccups cropped up when multiple ultimate abilities triggered at once. Load times between hub areas and match starts were short, typically under 10 seconds, which made retrying after a failed run feel quick and painless.
The UI is clean, with large fonts, colour-coded stat boosts, and a straightforward mission log that makes daily quests easy to follow. However, the game’s map could use more clarity. During my early sessions, I struggled to figure out the differences between some icons—something that feels like it could be fixed with a simple toggle or legend.
Audio holds up well, with atmospheric music that shifts between ambient tension in the hub and swelling orchestral bursts during raids. Sound cues help identify boss attacks and revive opportunities, which is helpful when your screen looks like a storm of particles and projectiles.
Overall, 33 Immortals looks and sounds like a game that belongs in a mythological underworld. While the chaos occasionally overwhelms the screen, the artistic direction and technical stability show that Thunder Lotus is building on a strong foundation—even in Early Access.
The Verdict
33 Immortals offers an exciting co-op roguelike experience with large-scale raids and strategic gameplay, set in a visually striking underworld. While the core mechanics are enjoyable, the gameplay repetition and occasional visual clutter is something the developers need to work on as it moves to full release. However, with its roadmap promising future content, it’s worth exploring, especially through Game Pass.
33 Immortals details
Platform: Xbox Series X|S, PCDeveloper: Thunder Lotus
Publisher: Thunder Lotus
Genre: Roguelite
Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
A key was provided by the publisher.