Identity V: How the 1-vs-4 Mobile Horror Game Works

Identity V is NetEase's asymmetrical horror game in which one Hunter faces a team of four Survivors. The two sides have different goals: Survivors cooperate to decode cipher machines and escape, while the Hunter tracks and stops them. That uneven structure makes communication, map awareness, and character abilities more important than direct combat alone.

What Survivors do

Survivors must spread out carefully, decode enough cipher machines to power the exit gates, and help teammates without giving the Hunter multiple targets in one place. Each character has a distinct ability and role, so an effective team balances decoding, rescue, support, and the ability to keep the Hunter occupied.

Rescuing a captured teammate can preserve the team's chance to escape, but an unplanned rescue may create another capture. Watch the Hunter's position, communicate which player will help, and avoid abandoning every cipher at once.

What the Hunter does

The Hunter patrols likely decoding routes, follows clues left by Survivors, and tries to remove the team from the match before the gates open. Different Hunters control space in different ways; some are strongest in pursuit, while others pressure objectives or restrict escape routes. Learning when to continue a chase and when to defend the remaining ciphers is a central part of the role.

Why each match feels different

Identity V combines a gothic, doll-like visual style with character-specific skills and an ongoing mystery narrative. Team composition and map layout change how both sides approach a match. A tactic that works against one Hunter may fail against another, and a Survivor's value depends on how well their ability supports the team's plan.

Beginner priorities

• Learn one role first: become comfortable with either Survivor objectives or Hunter tracking before switching constantly.
• Watch the environment: pallets, windows, obstacles, and routes between cipher machines determine safe movement.
• Use sound cues: audio can warn you about danger or nearby interactions, so headphones can make details easier to notice.
• Avoid isolated heroics: Survivor success depends on keeping decoding progress moving while rescues and chases happen.
• Review character descriptions: abilities and balance can change, and the current in-game text is more reliable than old tier lists.

For more match advice, read TipsMake's Identity V beginner tips. Players interested in narrative-focused games can also compare the titles in this list of games with notable stories.

Official download options

Identity V is available through the Apple App Store and Google Play. Store availability, age ratings, supported devices, and in-app purchase terms can vary by region, so check the listing shown on your device. Avoid unofficial installers when the official store version is available.