NetEase Games’ free-to-play multiplayer title Identity V (known in Japan as Identity V 第五人格) received a major update on June 18, 2026, introducing a brand-new mode called Shuki no Kahitsu (手記の加筆). Unlike the game’s usual asymmetric PvP where Hunters chase Survivors, this mode is entirely PvE—a cooperative experience that lets players explore a mysterious mansion together.
But what exactly is this new mode like? Game*Spark had the chance to go hands-on with it, and we decided to gather four players with very different backgrounds: a complete newcomer, a returning streamer, an active player, and a fan who usually just watches. Here’s how it went.
What Is ‘Shuki no Kahitsu’?
The mode is set in a secret library deep within a mansion. The story begins when journalist Alice discovers a special book written by novelist Orpheus. Inside the book, familiar characters are reimagined with new settings, offering fresh interpretations of unsolved mysteries. Players can experience the world of Identity V from a different perspective.
While the description might suggest you must play as Alice, the mode actually lets you choose any Survivor you like (Hunter play is planned for a future update). The goal is to explore procedurally generated dungeons, collect “shishou” (verses/treasures), and return them to base before time runs out—all while avoiding traps and hostile creatures.
Gathering the Team
Our four testers were:
- You Meri (writer) – Had never played Identity V before due to the psychological hurdle of PvP, but loves the gothic aesthetic and was eager to try the PvE mode.
- Sakana_ – A streamer and game writer who has played Identity V before, but hadn’t touched it in a while. Impressed by the improved graphics.
- Sales A (Spakun) – An active female player of Identity V, excited to help newcomers and try the new mode.
- Sales B (Kabirunrun) – A female fan who often watches Identity V streams but had never played herself. Thrilled by the cute characters.
We played several rounds, switching characters along the way.
“I’ve never played Identity V before,” admitted You Meri. “Is that okay?”
“No problem at all!” Sakana_ reassured. “The new mode is cooperative, so it’s quite different from the usual tag game. I think it’ll be fine.”
“There’s a tutorial too,” added Sales A. “You’ll get the hang of it. Let’s just have fun!”
Into the Mansion
We started by purchasing items at the base camp. You can buy healing syringes, lanterns, and more. The dungeon was an old, eerie mansion with traps like falling debris and bear traps. Enemies appeared—some weak, some tough. We had to collect shishou (up to six per person) and deposit them at the “sealed shelf” back at base.
“The quota is 15,000 points,” noted Sakana_. “Is that per person or shared?” (It turned out to be shared.) “Whoa, something fell on me!”
“I stepped in a bear trap!” cried Sales B.
You Meri found an enemy and switched from lantern to weapon. “I can fight!”
The mansion had familiar elements like pallets to block enemies, but also new mechanics. We had to decide when to return to base to deposit shishou, as carrying too many risked losing them if we died.
“I’m lost,” admitted You Meri. “Where’s the map?”
“It’s in the top-left corner,” Sakana_ replied. “You can also use ‘Navigate to Exit’ to see the path.”
After several runs, we discovered hidden mechanisms and eventually found a massive pile of shishou—but the screen started darkening, and ominous sounds played. “We need to get out fast!”
Note: The mode has a safety box system, so death doesn’t mean total loss of items.
Player Impressions
After our session, each tester shared their thoughts.
Sakana_ (experienced player/streamer): “I was surprised by the graphics—they’re on par with PC games. The enemy designs are great. There are jump scares but not the oppressive horror of the main game. It feels similar to cooperative games like Lethal Company or R.E.P.O., which made it easy to pick up. The thrill of collecting shishou and the risk of losing items on death create fun tension. Even if you die, you can spectate. I think this mode has potential to be a hit for streamers. The hidden door gimmick was exciting! I want to try the Hunter mode when it’s added.”
Sales A (Spakun) (active player): “The visuals are stunning, especially the character details in the story segments. The mode has a lower psychological barrier than the main game—great for beginners. The new maps and enemies feel fresh. The hidden door mechanic was awesome! The sound design (BGM, trap sounds) really reinforces Identity V’s unique atmosphere. I appreciate that the mode retains the game’s dark charm while being more accessible.”
Sales B (Kabirunrun) (first-time player): “The creative quality is incredible—I was completely immersed. The controls are simple and consistent across characters, which made it easy. The mansion’s layout and shishou designs are intricate, so each run feels different. I loved that you can pass items to teammates and heal each other. The strategic decisions—when to retreat, which items to prioritize—made cooperation really engaging. Even as a beginner, I never felt lost.”
You Meri (complete newcomer): “I was always too scared to play Identity V because I didn’t want to drag my team down in PvP. But this PvE mode is perfect for me! The dark-cute doll characters look gorgeous in high quality. The more I played, the more I enjoyed discovering gimmicks and teaming up to defeat strong enemies. The moment we solved the hidden door puzzle was pure excitement. I think this mode is a great way to build confidence before trying PvP. I’m already curious about the story.”
The new mode Shuki no Kahitsu is now available in Identity V. Whether you’re a veteran or a complete newcomer, it offers a fresh way to experience the game’s gothic world with friends.
