Is Identity V Worth Playing In 2023?

Developed by NetEase Games, Identity V is a 4v1 asymmetrical survival horror game that pits players against each other in a chilling game of cat and mouse. The game boasts a diverse cast of characters - from survivors like the Thief and the Doctor to hunters such as the Nightmare - each with their own unique abilities and backstories. Couple that with a rich and immersive world that draws players in from the get-go, and you've got a formula for a great game.

With its engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, and gripping story, it's no wonder why Identity V has become a fan favorite to rival the likes of Dead by Daylight. So without further ado, let's take a closer look at what makes this game such a standout in the crowded world of multiplayer gaming, and whether Identity V is actually still worth playing in 2023.

Is Identity V Worth Playing In 2023?

Art Style And Graphics

Perhaps the biggest draw to Identity V is its unique, vaguely creepy art style. The game's gothic aesthetic is haunting and beautiful, with intricate details and stunning environments that immerse players in the world. Much like Dead by Daylight's cast of original characters like The Artist, Identity V's character designs are equally impressive, with each character featuring its own unique style, personality, gameplay, and lore. Take The Bloody Queen, for example, who takes on the appearance of an almost doll-like individual and whose story explains that she had been beheaded despite being the queen.

Immersive Story And Strong Gameplay

The tale of Identity V unfolds across several centuries, in a world where the lines between reality and fantasy have become blurred. Players assume the role of either a survivor, striving to flee from a mysterious manor by completing Ciphers and then opening the exit gates, or a hunter, entrusted with ensnaring the survivors in Rocket Chairs. The game's story is revealed through a series of cinematics, in-game dialogue, and hidden lore dispersed throughout the maps and gameplay.

What elevates Identity V's story from others in the multiplayer genre is its meticulousness and overall narrative, first introduced in the tutorial and then expanded upon in the game itself. The game's lore is rich and masterfully constructed, with each character having their own unique backstory and motivations; the recent v2.0 Main Story update even introduced a new protagonist, Alice. The story is communicated through a series of interrelated events, with each character playing an essential role in the game's narrative.

Despite the multiplayer and non-linear format, the developers have also managed to deftly integrate the story into the gameplay itself. As players progress through the game, they will uncover new clues and fragments of the game's lore, heightening the overall sense of mystery and intrigue. As you play as any character, you'll get to know more about who they are as you familiarize yourself with their abilities and playstyle.

In-Game Purchases

There is one key difference between Identity V and popular 4v1 alternatives like Dead by Daylight: Identity V is totally free to play, while players will need to buy Dead by Daylight - unless they have Xbox Game Pass. This means that you can download Identity V on PC or mobile without paying a dime.

While some may argue that the game's microtransactions are a bit pricey, they are entirely optional and do not hinder the player's ability to progress in any way. Overall, few will feel that Identity V is a "pay-to-win" game, with all gameplay advantages achievable through gameplay and earning in-game currency.

How Hard Is It To Get Started In Identity V In 2023?

One thing many players consider when picking up a new game is how hard it is to get started; will it take a lot of time for you to earn up all the currency, perks, and characters you'll need to really have fun, or will it be easy to get going from the moment you pick up the game?

Thankfully, it's not too hard to get started in Identity V as a beginner. Matchmaking will ensure that you won't be paired with players out of your skill range, so you won't need to worry about picking up the game and immediately facing off against some of the strongest Identity V players. Playing with friends can be a good way to familiarize yourself with the game.

When you're starting out, it's a good idea to play the tutorial instead of skipping it. After you make your way through the tutorial, you'll already have five characters to play and choose from, giving you the opportunity to try out your hand at various survivor playstyles. That said, on the hunter side of things, you'll only have access to Hell Ember, who isn't a great killer. New players who enjoy playing Killer in Dead by Daylight will thus want to quickly branch out to purchasing new hunters, such as The Reaper, who is a great beginner hunter.

You'll be able to get more characters in Identity V by earning currency that you can get just by playing, so even if you are just starting out in 2023, you'll be able to catch up to your friends who have unlocked all of the characters in no time - especially if you make it a point to get Clues as fast as possible.

Overall, if you're a fan of survival horror or other 4v1 asymmetrical games like Behaviour Interactive's Dead by Daylight, it's definitely worth giving Identity V a try. The game's unique graphics and story will appeal to those who are looking for something a little different than the traditional horror game experience, while those who are fans of 4v1 gameplay will find many of Identity V's features and mechanics highly familiar.

Is Identity V Better Than Dead By Daylight?

If you're considering Identity V, you've probably either heard of Dead by Daylight, already played it, or considered playing it. After all, the two games are very similar, and both titles' developers have collaborated with one another multiple times. So, which game is better?

Both Dead by Daylight and Identity V are great games, but you might prefer one over the other depending on your personal preferences. If you want to play licensed characters like Michael Myers from Halloween or Sadako Yamamura from The Ring, you might consider Dead by Daylight more worthwhile. It's also been out for a few more years than Identity V, giving Behaviour Interactive a little more time to iron out the bugs than NetEase.

If you're intrigued by Identity V's beautiful, creepy art style, though, or you prefer the game's cast of original characters, you might want to give it a try first instead. Both games boast very similar gameplay, but vastly different stories, styles, and abilities.

It's also worth noting that Identity V is free, while Dead by Daylight isn't; if you don't yet have either game, you can always download IDV to get a feel for the 4v1 asymmetrical horror genre and decide whether Dead by Daylight is worth buying later on.

For more Identity V news, be sure to check out our dedicated section or take a look at some of our Guides & Tutorials just below:

MAJOR NEWS & UPDATES -

Next Season Leaks | When Does The Current Season End | Identity V Codes | Is Identity V Worth Playing In 2023

TIER LISTS -

Best Hunters Tier List | Best Survivors Tier List | Best Persona Builds Tier List

GAME GUIDES -

The Best Tips For Beginners | How To Skip The Tutorial | How To Get Clues Fast | How To Get Fragments Fast | How To Get Echoes Fast | How To Decode A Cipher | How To Get New Characters | How To Play Identity V With Friends

TECHNICAL GUIDES -

Is Identity V On Steam | How To Play Identity V On PC & Specs