Kiln Reviews
A genuinely different kind of team multiplayer game, with exactly the sort of thoughtful weirdness you’d expect from Double Fine.
Kiln is the latest example of one of gaming’s most creative studios executing well on a fresh idea. There may be a couple of aspects that could’ve used more time in the oven, but Double Fine’s Kiln is a cool and quirky addition to Xbox’s 2026 lineup.
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.
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.
Review in Russian | Read full review
Although the developers have promised new maps, stickers and other items, Kiln launches with only a single mode called Quench. It’s fun as far as it goes and the game’s mechanics and premise are clever, but it doesn’t take long for matches to grow familiar. It’s not always easy to fill in the ranks for a full team.
I appreciate that Double Fine tries something unique with Kiln. We need more of that. But one cannot simply reward originality. It must also execute. Kiln is a scarcely functional and excruciatingly amateurish multiplayer game. This is an anomaly for Double Fine and, as such, it should be left in a furnace until it's burned out of existence.
Kiln is rather special. When I hear that a game is online-only, I'm normally turned off, and, let's be honest, it's not really the sort...
Much like the pottery it's based on, Kiln is a game that has some creativity but is pretty empty on the inside.
As far as premises go, Kiln follows the standard Double Fine formula by being completely unlike anything else out there. It's just a shame that it doesn't lead to a compelling pseudo-MOBA, party brawler or anything else in between.
Double Fine has made a lot of money out of the absurd concept, and the pot fights can be more fun than you might think. The question remains, however, whether a small multiplayer game can keep enough players. It's a shame the game doesn't include a singleplayer.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
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.
Making your own pots in Kiln using the ever-growing range of options is delightful, truly allowing you to express yourself. And it's fun to take your pots into battle too, at least for a while. With just one match type currently available, Quench, things can soon get a little repetitive.
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.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
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. 🏺
Kiln turns clay into strategy, humor, and destruction, but it needs more content to keep its multiplayer concept from cracking too soon.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Kiln looks great and has a creative idea at its base, but it gets old fairly quickly and doesn’t seem, like it’ll have the longest shelf life. Making pottery is incredibly well-realized and satisfying, and the team-based matches have their moments, but the main gameplay loop gets tiresome, and the lack of stages and content beyond Quench mode makes the game feel more empty than you’d expect.
Kiln offers a highly entertaining experience that blends creativity and art with gameplay mechanics. The fast-paced, short matches played with friends make you lose track of time. The variety of pottery and different maps add depth to the game; however, having only a single game mode can quickly create a sense of repetition, especially for solo players. More variety is essential.
Review in Turkish | Read full review
Kiln is a creative title with unique foundations, but in its current form it still lacks the content and depth needed to keep a larger player base engaged in the long run.
Review in Unknown | Read full review
Kiln is a fun alternative to most multiplayer games out on the market. Just like making a vase, Kiln needed more shaping before the final product came out.
"A unique concept with limited execution" Kiln offers one of the most unusual and distinctive ideas in competitive online games. It succeeds in creating a unique visual identity and an experience based on creativity and customization. The beginning is enjoyable and intriguing, especially with the concept of transforming clay pots into combat characters. However, as time goes on, problems begin to surface, both in terms of repetition and the limited depth of the battles. The game has a strong foundation, but it doesn't fully utilize its potential.
Review in Arabic | Read full review