Kaiju No. 8 THE GAME, the free-to-play action RPG inspired by Naoya Matsumoto’s manga and anime series, has launched a new in-game update that introduces a high-rarity character and a limited-time story event. The update is now available across mobile platforms and Steam.

The centerpiece of the release is a new ★5 playable character, Soshiro Hoshina, featuring an “Ax Technique Proficiency” specialization. Hoshina, vice-captain of the Japan Defense Force’s Third Division, is traditionally portrayed as a sword specialist in the series. The new character variant expands his combat role, highlighting his experience with axes and positioning him as a mentor figure within the game’s narrative.

Alongside the character debut, players can participate in a new limited-time story event titled The Weapon Within, which focuses on Hoshina and fellow Third Division member Kikoru Shinomiya. The event offers story missions, gameplay challenges, and a selection of rewards, including premium currency and cosmetic items.

KAIJU NO. 8 THE GAME

According to the developers, The Weapon Within is set at Tachikawa Base and explores a quieter side of the characters’ lives through a training-focused storyline. The plot centers on the discovery of two prototype weapons — a greatsword originally designed for Kikoru and an experimental ax — which become the tools for a sparring match between the two characters. The event narrative aims to provide additional context and character development not shown in the main story.

The event began Jan. 9 and allows players to earn up to 1,500 Dimensional Crystals through mission completions and an in-game exchange shop. Additional rewards include a new home screen background and an event-limited ★4 ax weapon, Ax-Bison 91.

The update also adds a new ★5 weapon, Ax-0087, designed to pair with Hoshina’s new character variant. A character trailer highlighting Hoshina’s ax-based combat style has been released online. Kaiju No. 8 THE GAME is co-produced by Akatsuki Games, TOHO and Production I.G and is available now on iOS, Android and PC.