Under The Red Sky is a 3D parkour platformer that blends precise movement with creative level design in an action indie package available on PC. Players take on the role of a Runner for Z-corp, completing timed trials that emphasize momentum, route finding, and repeated attempts to shave seconds off personal bests. The game mixes single-player challenges with community-driven content and light multiplayer options, all wrapped in a satirical corporate setting that pokes fun at endless work loops and management hierarchies.
Gameplay
Core movement revolves around fluid parkour mechanics that reward chaining actions like wall running, climbing surfaces, jumping between walls, and using ramps or boosts to maintain speed. Levels function as playgrounds where multiple paths exist, encouraging experimentation to discover faster routes or hidden shortcuts. Immediate respawns keep the focus on flow and improvement rather than frustration from setbacks. The built-in level editor lets players craft their own trials with full customization of layouts, obstacles, and themes, then share them through Steam Workshop integration for others to run. This system turns the game into a platform for both consumption and creation, with community levels expanding the available content beyond the initial handcrafted set.
The corporate theme from Z-corp frames progression as repetitive work tasks, complete with humorous disclaimers about employee satisfaction and contract termination. Visual themes vary across worlds, from desert temples to winter environments, each offering distinct visual and mechanical twists while maintaining the emphasis on speed and precision. Secrets scattered throughout levels add layers of exploration for those who deviate from standard paths.
Game Modes
The primary experience centers on single-player time trials across dozens of levels grouped into themed worlds. Players repeat these trials indefinitely to optimize times, hunt collectibles, or unlock achievements. A beta 3v3 Capture the Flag mode introduces team-based competition where participants navigate specialized maps, steal flags, and coordinate with teammates in fast-paced matches. Multiplayer supports cross-platform play and private rooms for custom sessions with friends. The level editor operates as its own creative mode, allowing builders to design and publish packs that the broader community can access and rate.
Level Creation and Community
Steam Workshop serves as the hub for user-generated trials, with featured packs rotating in the main hub to highlight standout community work. Builders draw inspiration from existing levels while adding their own twists in difficulty, style, and resolution methods. This ecosystem supports endless replayability as new content appears regularly from players worldwide. The editor integrates directly into the game, making it accessible without external tools, and supports everything from simple obstacle courses to elaborate multi-path challenges.
Is It Worth Playing?
Under The Red Sky suits players who enjoy precision platformers, speedrunning, or building and sharing custom content. The core loop of mastering movement and optimizing runs delivers consistent engagement, while the level editor and Workshop provide ongoing variety. Reviews on the platform stand at 96 percent positive based on available feedback, reflecting appreciation for the movement feel and creative tools. The game remains in Early Access with a planned full release in October 2026, during which developers continue adding modes and refining features based on community input. Those drawn to momentum-based parkour and user-generated levels will find strong value in the current state, particularly at the accessible price point with no additional barriers to entry for the main content and editor.
