Directive 8020 is just around the corner. If you want to jump in right away, you should especially keep an eye on the preload and download size. We’ll show you how much storage space you need to free up on PS5 and when the download starts.
With Directive 8020, Supermassive Games enters the next phase of The Dark Pictures Anthology. Instead of abandoned houses or dark forests, this time the horror moves into space. The setting strongly resembles movies like Alien, complete with an isolated crew, mistrust, and a threat that could be anyone at any moment. We’ll tell you when you can start playing.
When Does the Directive 8020 Preload Start?
Roughly four years after the release of “The Devil in Me”, Directive 8020 continues the anthology. The preload for Directive 8020 starts on PS5 on May 10, 2026. If you bought the digital version through the PlayStation Store, you’ll be able to download the horror game two days before release.
Right now, most information is focused on the PS5 version. Whether Xbox and PC will receive the exact same preload window remains to be seen closer to launch. Based on previous releases, Supermassive Games usually follows up on those platforms as well.
Directive 8020 Release Times Around the World
Directive 8020 launches globally on May 12, though the exact unlock time depends on your region. According to Supermassive Games’ official release map, players in Los Angeles can jump in at 7:00 AM PT, while New York unlocks at 10:00 AM ET. In the UK, the game goes live at 3:00 PM BST. If you’ve pre-ordered the digital version, pre-loads on Steam and PS5 are already available, so you can start playing as soon as the servers unlock.
How Big Is the Directive 8020 Download?
On PS5, Directive 8020 currently requires around 31.72 GB of free storage space. That keeps the game well below many other modern releases that now easily exceed 100 GB or more.
For a cinematic horror game with around nine hours for the main story, the file size feels very reasonable. The Dark Pictures Anthology traditionally focuses more on story, choices, and presentation instead of massive open worlds or endless side activities. You can clearly see that reflected in Directive 8020’s storage requirements as well.
A potential day-one patch is not included in the current download size yet. It’s worth keeping a few extra gigabytes free so you don’t have to clear storage space right at launch.
Directive 8020 Leans More Into Sci-Fi Horror
In Directive 8020, you’ll find yourselves aboard the colony ship Cassiopeia. Earth is on the verge of collapse, and the crew is tasked with securing a new future for humanity on the planet Tau Ceti f. Naturally, things don’t go according to plan. Josef already had the chance to play the game during the last Gamescom and summarized his first impressions in a preview.
One of the most exciting elements is the new shapeshifter concept in Directive 8020. The alien organism can imitate other humans, creating paranoia within the crew almost instantly. That kind of mistrust sounds like a perfect fit for the classic decision-making system of The Dark Pictures Anthology.
New Features in Directive 8020
With Directive 8020, Supermassive Games is expanding several gameplay systems. One of the new additions is the so-called Turning Points feature. It allows you to rewind certain decisions and test alternative outcomes without starting an entirely new playthrough. I personally think this feature makes a lot of sense, although it could also encourage players to approach choices with a bit too much carelessness. I’ll probably use it from time to time myself, but I’d still rather focus on making the right decision from the start.
Directive 8020 will also include a local co-op mode for up to five players once again. Online co-op is planned to arrive later through an update. When it comes to the decisions and possible character deaths, The Dark Pictures Anthology still works best with several people sitting together on the couch.
Directive 8020 Release Date
Directive 8020 launches on May 12, 2026 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. If you want to start playing immediately at release, you should take advantage of the preload beginning on May 10 and make sure you have at least 32 GB of free storage space available.
