Kiln

Simple, solid fun from Double Fine’s multiplayer brawler, with a charming and easy to use creation suite to boot. Matchmaking can take some time, and playing with random players is far less enjoyable than with a group of buddies, but this is still an easy recommendation for those looking to add a new game to the game night rotation.

Kiln is bursting with smashtastic gameplay and so much charm that I want a Celadon poster just so I can remember how cool it is to be silly.

It wasn’t all a flowery trip to Pottery Barn though; at launch there was some issues with matchmaking, but it was corrected pretty quick. Kiln actually performs quite well, aside from some longer loading times; I had really no issues with the gameplay or anything. In fact, my only real gripe is the lone game mode that is currently available. Not that there is anything wrong with quench because it is a lot of fun, but there is no variety outside of it and we all know that gamers get bored of things quicker than a babysitter’s boyfriend when a car pulls up. And even though the Kiln is on Game Pass I worry about the longevity of the game, especially since it’s multiplayer only. But I guess that’s tomorrow’s problem, for today we smash pots.

I like Kiln’s cheeky humor and colorful style. I’m frankly amazed the game is more than just a wacky premise. The pottery-making sim aspect isn’t half bad. Unfortunately, Kiln feels constrained by a lack of alternative modes and maps, with systems and mechanics that could be deeper. In its present state Kiln is engaging for a while, but the fun doesn’t last long enough.

Overall, Kiln is a fun little party brawler offering all the tools to make your own unique, custom pots to do battle in. It also features surprisingly deep and well-thought-out battle mechanics, mixing pros and cons of pottery size and class with unique maps to do battle in. Players who stick with it and form their own squads will do well in future, but I do wonder if there is enough here to keep players hooked long term.

Kiln presents a concept that feels tailor-made for modern multiplayer, and at its best, it shows exactly why that idea works. Its pottery system is creative, the core premise is refreshing, and matches can be genuinely fun. However, its limited combat depth and a lack of content ultimately hold it back. It’s a game that’s easy to enjoy in short bursts, but unlikely to become a long-term staple in your rotation. With the right support, it could grow into something much bigger. For now, it’s a promising idea that still needs more time in the kiln.

The map design is particularly well-crafted and intriguing, contributing significantly to the gameplay. On this front, however, one criticism must be raised regarding the limited quantity: currently, only five maps are available—all of them rather small in size. Given that there is also only a single game mode, it is essential that Double Fine introduces new content soon to keep interest in *Kiln* alive. The first post-launch updates have already been announced and include at least three new maps and a new game mode; however, it remains unclear whether true long-term support is planned—something that will likely depend on the game's online performance during its first few months.

Kiln deserves a chance to go further. It’s got incredibly novel, cool ideas about character building in its menagerie of quirky pots, along with a customisation system that feels tactile and very creative. Even lacking variety, there’s explosive charm in its gameplay and a sense of moreishness that some competitors lack...The world of multiplayer gaming, particularly in 2026, can be brutal. Here’s to hoping Kiln can survive the fire and come out stronger on the other side.

Double Fine has given us another charming Xbox first-party title in the form of Kiln, which might be light on content, but nevertheless is a fun time both on and off the battlefield. The pot-creation system is a genius take on a character creation suite, matches are frantic but offer plenty of room for strategy, and the overall presentation is really high quality. Moving forward though, it's going to need regular new content to remain fresh and give players a reason to keeping coming back, otherwise I fear this online-only game might get doused a little too prematurely.

Double Fine has created a fun multiplayer experience. Creating your own pots is enjoyable and easy and the gameplay is simple yet effective. Unfortunately the game has very little content at launch with only 1 game mode and 5 maps. Without much reason to progress beyond new cosmetics, the team will need to quickly add content for Kiln to have any staying power. With how fun the game is, here’s hoping they can.

A genuinely different kind of team multiplayer game, with exactly the sort of thoughtful weirdness you’d expect from Double Fine.

At its best, Kiln’s robust pot creation and genuinely raucous multiplayer are a great base for a game that needs more content and polish in both performance and gameplay to truly live up to its potential. Despite this, every multiplayer match I played managed at least one moment that made me smile or laugh. The pot creation made me both proud of my pathetic creations and jealous of everyone else’s talent, and the general vibe just made me want to stick around. This is one work of art I hope gets finished and not merely abandoned, but it does need a little more time in the oven.

With a universe of design possibilities and an outstanding creative engine, Double Fine offers us the catharsis of destruction in a game that oozes originality and humor from every pore. Kiln invites us to build our own combat vessels and take them into battle in a game featuring great level design, frantic 90s-style gameplay, and a unique art style. While we wait for new maps and game modes, the current catalog falls a bit short—we’ll have to wait and see how it grows in the coming weeks.

Double Fine reinvented the multiplayer party brawler genre, giving players complete creative freedom. The ability to create your own character is both ingenious and functional. This customization affects not only the aesthetics of the characters but also their stats. Unfortunately, the content is lacking, resulting in a rather marked sense of repetitiveness.

Kiln has a clever core idea and some real Double Fine magic behind it, but right now it feels a bit too limited. The pottery mechanics are great, the multiplayer can be fun, but the game could really use more content and variety to keep things interesting long-term.

Kiln sparks curiosity with its creative concept, unique systems, and that unmistakable Double Fine charm, backed by solid gameplay and appealing visuals. Yet beyond the surface, it quickly loses its grip due to imbalance, a lack of meaningful content, and a focus on live-service over cooperative play. It’s a fine pick for a quick Game Pass try, but ultimately fails to leave a lasting impression.

Kiln is a concept of a decent game that was, for some reason, released in a raw state, sent to its certain death. Despite its interesting aesthetics, the gameplay core needs extensive polishing, but Double Fine simply doesn't have the time for that.