Indie multiplayer title OCTOPinbs is expanding its quirky mix of firefighting and social deduction gameplay with a new downloadable content update packed with cosmetic items, themed gear, and fresh emotes. The new COSTUME2 DLC launched today for PC players on Steam, bringing additional customization options to the colorful party game developed by Japanese studios tri-Ace and Lasengle Inc., alongside publisher Aniplex.
The update arrives as the game continues building momentum among fans of multiplayer deception games similar to Among Us and cooperative party titles popular on streaming platforms.
New DLC Introduces Skins, Emotes, and Themed Equipment
The latest DLC adds a variety of visual customization items designed to inject more personality into the game’s chaotic rescue missions.
Among the highlights are a Chef-themed outfit and hat, allowing players to tackle burning kitchens in style while trying to identify hidden saboteurs within the team. The update also introduces a Swimwear outfit and a Pooltime Hose Set, leaning into the game’s playful and cartoon-inspired aesthetic.
Players can additionally use new emotes to communicate during matches, helping teammates coordinate strategies, signal suspicious behavior, or react during tense encounters.
The COSTUME2 DLC is available as a free download for existing owners of OCTOPinbs on Steam.
Social Deduction Gameplay Blends Firefighting With PvP Chaos
At its core, OCTOPinbs combines cooperative firefighting mechanics with hidden-role deception gameplay.
Matches support between three and ten players, who take on the role of octopus firefighters responding to dangerous building fires. However, some players are secretly disguised squids working against the team by sabotaging rescue efforts and escalating the fires.
Players must watch for suspicious actions, investigate nearby rooms, and identify potential traitors before the situation spirals out of control.
Squid Saboteurs Can Turn Matches Into PvP Battles
The game’s central mechanic revolves around identifying and exposing the disguised squid infiltrators.
Suspected saboteurs can be sent to the “Octojar,” where their true identity is revealed. However, the accused players are capable of fighting back, turning investigations into unpredictable player-versus-player confrontations.
The blend of teamwork, deception, and fast-paced multiplayer chaos has helped the title carve out a niche within the growing social deduction genre on PC.
Community Play Sessions Scheduled This Week
To celebrate the DLC release, the developers are hosting special community play sessions known as “OCTOPinbs TIME.”
The scheduled multiplayer events will take place during the following Japan Standard Time (JST) windows:
OCTOPinbs TIME Schedule
- Friday, May 22 — 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. JST
- Saturday, May 23 — 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. JST
- Sunday, May 24 — 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. JST
For players in the United States, those sessions occur during the morning hours depending on the time zone, making them accessible to early-day weekend players on the East and West Coasts.
Steam Launch Discount Available Through May 25
OCTOPinbs is currently available on Steam for PC with a retail price of $9.99. A limited-time 20% launch discount runs through May 25, 2026.
The game includes support for multiple languages, including English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Portuguese, German, Korean, Spanish, and French.
Veteran Japanese Studios Back the Project
The game is backed by several notable Japanese developers and publishers with experience across RPGs, anime, and multiplayer gaming.
tri-Ace
Tokyo-based developer tri-Ace is best known for action RPG franchises and complex combat systems. Founded in 1995 by former Wolfteam developers, the studio has built a longstanding reputation among JRPG fans.
Lasengle
Lasengle, a subsidiary of Aniplex, previously worked on major Japanese gaming projects including Fate/Grand Order and MELTY BLOOD: TYPE LUMINA.
Aniplex
Aniplex operates across anime, gaming, film, music, merchandise, and live entertainment, making it one of Japan’s most recognizable multimedia entertainment companies.
Growing Interest in Multiplayer Social Deduction Games
The release of the COSTUME2 DLC reflects the continued popularity of online social deduction games, particularly among streamers and friend groups looking for lighthearted competitive experiences.
With its unusual firefighting theme, colorful art direction, and chaotic multiplayer mechanics, OCTOPinbs is positioning itself as another entry in the expanding library of party-focused indie games gaining traction on Steam in 2026.
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