- Akatori Chapter One Steam introduces players to Mako's epic journey across corrupted realms
- Staff combat is the core mechanic, blending melee strikes with traversal abilities
- Five distinct biomes are available, each featuring unique enemies and lore
- Metroidvania exploration means backtracking with new abilities unlocks secret areas
- Controller recommended by developers for optimal combat and platforming precision
Akatori Chapter One Steam: Getting Started
Akatori is an epic action-platformer with metroidvania elements developed by Contrast Games and published by Games Harbor alongside Esprit Games. Released on August 5, 2026, the game is now available on Steam. In Chapter One, players step into the shoes of Mako, a teenage girl raised in the Firebird Temple, as she embarks on a critical journey to stop the Amber Storms that are infecting and distorting all living things.
Accompanied by a mysterious red bird sealed within a magical staff, you must fight, jump, and explore diverse realms spanning different eras. The staff serves as both a devastating weapon against monsters and a vital tool for navigating the environment.
As of the August 2026 launch window, Akatori is available with a 15% introductory discount on Steam, bringing the price from $14.99 to $12.74. Bundle options with games like GRIME and GRIS are also available for additional savings.
PC System Requirements
Before diving into Chapter One, ensure your PC meets the necessary specifications to run the game smoothly.
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 (64bit) 21H1 or newer | Windows 10 (64bit) 21H1 or newer |
| Processor | Intel Core i3-6100 | Intel Core i5-3470 |
| Memory | 6 GB RAM | 8 GB RAM |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GT 740 DDR3 (2 GB) | GeForce GTX 1050 or Radeon R9 380 (2GB) |
| Storage | 10 GB available space | 10 GB available space |
The developers at Contrast Games strongly recommend playing Akatori with a controller. Both Xbox and PlayStation controllers are fully supported. While keyboard-only play is an option, the fast-paced platforming and combat are best experienced with a gamepad.
Core Combat and Staff Mechanics
Combat in Akatori revolves around mastering your multifunctional staff. As a battle monk, Mako can execute fluid melee combos, but the staff's utility extends far beyond simple strikes. Understanding how to switch between combat and traversal modes quickly is the key to surviving the Amber Storms.
Staff Ability Breakdown
| Ability Type | Function | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Melee Strike | Fast close-range attacks | Crowds of regular enemies |
| Glide | Slow descent from heights | Crossing large gaps safely |
| Slide | Rapid downhill movement | Evading traps and ambushes |
| Puzzle Solve | Interact with mechanisms | Unlocking secret areas |
| Heavy Attack | Charged damage burst | Boss encounters |
Aggressive Playstyle
- Fast-paced combos
- Focus on melee strikes
- High risk, high reward
- Best for experienced players
Exploration Playstyle
- Methodical progression
- Prioritize unlocking map areas
- Gather resources and lore
- Safer overall approach
Hybrid Playstyle
- Balanced combat and traversal
- Adapt to enemy types
- Utilize all staff functions
- Recommended for first playthrough
The in-game soundtrack dynamically adapts to your actions. Pay attention to audio cues — when the music intensifies, it signals that enemies are nearby or a boss encounter is approaching. Use this to prepare your staff for combat.
Chapter One Walkthrough: Step-by-Step
Chapter One sets the foundation for your adventure. Follow these steps to navigate the opening sections, acquire essential abilities, and confront the first major challenges of the game.
The Firebird Temple
Begin your journey in the Firebird Temple where Mako was raised. Take time to learn the basic staff movements, including jumping, striking, and sliding. The temple serves as the tutorial area, introducing you to the fundamental mechanics of platforming and combat without overwhelming danger.
Acquiring the Red Bird Staff
Early in Chapter One, you will bond with the mysterious red bird sealed within the staff. This unlocks your primary weapon and traversal tool. Experiment with gliding across small gaps and using charged attacks to break weakened walls blocking your path.
Entering the First Biome
Leave the temple and enter the first major biome. This area introduces the Amber Storms' effects on nature. You will encounter over 20 types of regular enemies here. Focus on learning their attack patterns and use the environment to your advantage by sliding under hazards.
First Boss Encounter
At the end of the first biome, you will face a unique boss. These encounters require patience and pattern recognition. Use your staff's heavy attack during the boss's recovery windows. Do not overcommit to combos — strike two or three times, then retreat to avoid counterattacks.
Unlocking New Traversal Abilities
After defeating the first boss, you will unlock a new staff ability that grants access to previously unreachable areas. This is where the metroidvania elements shine. Consider backtracking to earlier zones to discover hidden crystals and secret upgrades.
Amber crystals are the foundation of civilization's development in Akatori's lore. Collecting them not only reveals ancient secrets but also upgrades Mako's capabilities. Thoroughly explore each biome before moving forward.
Biomes and World Exploration
Akatori features five distinct locations, each with its own biome, story, and challenges. The world is filled with vivid landscapes, bizarre levitating buildings, cave catacombs, and twisted nature created by the Amber Storms.
Chapter One Biome Overview
| Biome | Environment | Key Hazards | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firebird Temple | Indoor ruins | Basic traps | Tutorial zone, lore introduction |
| Twisted Forest | Corrupted nature | Poisoned flora | First open exploration area |
| Floating Ruins | Levitating structures | Bottomless pits | Vertical platforming challenges |
| Cave Catacombs | Underground tunnels | Darkness, ambushes | Hidden amber crystal deposits |
| Storm's Edge | Amber Storm center | Distorted enemies | Boss arena, story climax |
The Amber Storms have fundamentally changed the world. People and nature have lost their former appearance, but the storms also brought priceless crystals. Amber is both the foundation of civilization and its curse. Understanding this duality is key to unraveling the game's deeper mysteries.
Accessibility Features
Akatori includes several accessibility options to accommodate different player needs:
| Category | Feature | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Gameplay | Adjustable Difficulty | Multiple difficulty tiers available |
| Visual | Camera Comfort | Settings to reduce motion sickness |
| Audio | Custom Volume Controls | Separate sliders for music, SFX, voice |
| Audio | Stereo Sound | Directional audio for enemy awareness |
| Input | No Quick Time Events | Button-mashing sequences eliminated |
| Input | Keyboard Only Option | Fully playable without mouse |
Steam Features and Achievements
Akatori on Steam comes with full platform integration, including 31 unlockable achievements, Steam Trading Cards, Steam Cloud saves, and Family Sharing support.
Notable Steam Achievements
| Achievement | Hint | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Mako Got Stronger | Upgrade Mako's abilities for the first time | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cheers! | Discover a hidden social area | ★★☆☆☆ |
| In Search of the Chancellor | Progress through the main story | ★★★☆☆ |
| On the Run | Complete a high-speed escape sequence | ★★★★☆ |
Chapter One Completion Checklist:
- Complete the Firebird Temple tutorial
- Bond with the red bird and obtain the staff
- Defeat the first major boss
- Collect 10 amber crystals
- Unlock at least one new traversal ability
- Find 3 secret areas in the first biome
- Earn the 'Mako Got Stronger' achievement
Some achievements are tied to exploration rather than combat progress. Check the achievement list periodically to ensure you are not missing hidden objectives. Steam Cloud support means your progress syncs across devices automatically.
Languages and Bundle Options
Akatori supports 10 languages on Steam, making it accessible to a global audience. Additionally, several bundle options provide savings for players interested in similar titles.
Supported Languages
| Language | Interface | Subtitles |
|---|---|---|
| English | ✔ | ✔ |
| Russian | ✔ | ✔ |
| French | ✔ | ✔ |
| German | ✔ | ✔ |
| Spanish (Spain) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Traditional Chinese | ✔ | ✔ |
| Simplified Chinese | ✔ | ✔ |
| Korean | ✔ | ✔ |
| Portuguese (Brazil) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Japanese | ✔ | ✔ |
Available Bundles
| Bundle Name | Included Games | Discount | Bundle Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akatori & GRIME | Akatori + GRIME | 10% off | $33.96 |
| GRIS x Akatori | GRIS + Akatori | 10% off | $24.96 |
| Paint & Magic | Akatori + Constance | 10% off | $23.52 |
As of August 2026, Steam Deck compatibility for Akatori is listed as Unknown. Players considering portable play should monitor official updates from Contrast Games for verification.
FAQ
Q: Is Akatori Chapter One available on Steam?
Yes, Akatori was released on Steam on August 5, 2026. The game is developed by Contrast Games and published by Games Harbor and Esprit Games. An introductory discount of 15% is available during the launch window.
Q: What genre is Akatori?
Akatori is an action-platformer with metroidvania elements. You play as Mako, wielding a magical staff to fight enemies, explore diverse biomes, and stop the Amber Storms. The game features over 20 enemy types, multiple bosses, and five distinct locations.
Q: Do I need a controller to play Akatori on Steam?
While not strictly required, the developers strongly recommend using a controller. Both Xbox and PlayStation controllers are fully supported. A keyboard-only option is available as an accessibility feature, but the platforming and combat are optimized for gamepad input.
Q: How long is Akatori Chapter One?
Chapter One introduces the core mechanics, first biome, and initial boss encounters. Completion time varies based on exploration depth, but players can expect several hours of content including optional secret areas, amber crystal collection, and achievement hunting.
Q: Does Akatori support Steam Cloud and Family Sharing?
Yes, Akatori includes full Steam Cloud support for cross-device save syncing, Steam Trading Cards, 31 achievements, and Steam Family Sharing. These features are available to all Steam purchasers at no additional cost.