Early Access
Ongoing coverage on Early Access.
Latest coverage
Classic ARPG fans, rejoice - Titan Quest 2's fourth chapter is here, and it's the biggest yet
Grimlore Games has released Chapter 4, the largest update yet for their early access Action RPG, Titan Quest 2. This update introduces a new region, expanded quests, dungeons, and enemies, alongside a raised level cap and new passive abilities. The update also includes quality-of-life improvements such as multiplayer text chat and a loot filter, with the game currently available at a 30% discount on Steam.
"Launching on PS5 effectively makes this our second launch": Obsidian legend Chris Parker talks Grounded 2 and…
Grounded 2 is set to receive its largest content update, 'Into the Abyss,' on August 11, which will also mark its launch on PlayStation 5. Game director Chris Parker highlighted the significance of the PS5 release as a 'second launch' for the survival game, developed by Obsidian Entertainment and Eidos Montreal. The update will introduce new biomes, a new buggy, and swimming mechanics, alongside ongoing community feedback integration.
Halo: Campaign Evolved Won’t Have Theater or Photo Modes, Or Post-Launch Content Like Firefight
Halo Studios has confirmed that Halo: Campaign Evolved will not include Theater or Photo Modes, nor any post-launch content like Firefight, focusing instead on remaking the original campaign and adding three new prequel missions. The game will launch on July 28th for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, with an optional Premium Edition offering early access starting July 23rd.
Coming Out in gaming this week — June 22, 2026
Several new games are launching this week, including Dark Scrolls, NONEWORLD, and Sand: Raiders of Sophie on June 22nd. Pawsome Resort and Deer & Boy will follow on June 23rd and 24th respectively. Dead or Alive 6: Last Round and Star Fox, a remake of Lylat Wars, are set to release on June 25th for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch 2.
Former blockchain MMORPG Soulbound enters early access July 21 and offers a Steam Next Fest demo
The pixel art MMORPG Soulbound, formerly known as Worldwide Webb, will enter early access on July 21st and is offering a free demo during Steam Next Fest. The demo provides approximately seven hours of gameplay, with the studio promising a roadmap for the next 12 months detailing future content, balance changes, and new features.
Something for the Weekend – 20/06/26
This week's gaming news highlights a turbulent period for Xbox, with reports of layoffs at Zenimax and uncertainty surrounding game studios. Grand Theft Auto VI preorders are set to go live on June 25th, while Unreal Engine 6 is integrating generative AI tools. Several games received reviews, including The Adventures of Elliot and Constance, and previews for Control Resonant and Hot Wheels: Infinite Rush were also featured.
Betawatch: EverQuest Legends’ preorders, ArcheAge’s reboot
This week's Betawatch covers several MMORPGs, including EverQuest Legends opening preorders for its July 28th launch and ArcheAge receiving a reboot for Chinese players. The article also highlights ongoing beta tests and demos for games like Embers of the Uncrowned and RF Online Next, while noting delays for Outward 2 and providing updates on Guild Wars 3's business model.
Weekend PC Download Deals for June 19: GOG.com Summer Sale
This weekend's PC gaming deals include GOG.com's Summer Sale featuring discounts on titles like Hollow Knight Silksong and Cyberpunk 2077 Ultimate Edition. Steam and Epic Games Store also have various sales, with free games available on Epic Games Store and Amazon Luna. Humble Bundle offers several game bundles for different price tiers.
Path of Exile 2 director says players exploiting system to become in-game millionaires 'ruined Christmas for me' and joked that he's 'lost all sympathy' for everyone who took advantage of it
Path of Exile 2 co-director Mark Roberts expressed frustration over a game-breaking exploit involving the new 'temple' system that allowed players to become in-game millionaires, forcing the development team to interrupt their holiday break for emergency patches. Roberts stated that the exploit "ruined Christmas" and that he has "lost all sympathy" for those who exploited the system, highlighting the ongoing challenges of balancing an early access game economy.
OARPG Titan Quest 2’s Wild Lands update is its ‘largest chapter so far’ in early access
Grimlore Games has released the 'Wild Lands' update, the fourth chapter for Titan Quest II's early access period. This update is described as the game's largest so far, introducing new biomes, enemies, bosses, quests, dungeons, and raising the level cap to 55. The update also includes quality-of-life features like a loot filter and new passive skills.
Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions is a cosy planet explorer that I want to grow into something more
Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions is a co-op focused spin-off of Astroneer that introduces time-limited expeditions to planets. While it shares common ground with its predecessor, it features a more collaborative structure with a shared space station and cross-platform play. The game currently offers a charming art style and engaging creature designs, but the article suggests it needs more depth and clearer progression to retain player interest beyond the initial hours.
Crowned Sun — Afro-Brazilian Fantasy MMORPG Now on Steam, Wishlists Open
IndigoWare has announced that Crowned Sun, a free-to-play 3D isometric MMORPG inspired by Afro-Brazilian mythology, is now available for wishlisting on Steam. The game will launch in Early Access on PC, macOS, Linux, and SteamOS, with a full release targeted for 2027. Crowned Sun features four playable peoples, classic dual Base/Job leveling, and a cross-platform experience.
Release Dates/Windows
Cat Isle has announced its release date for July 20th. Additionally, Soulbound: Online has released an Early Access trailer on July 21st.
BUGATI Launches Early Access
BUGATI has launched its early access campaign on Base Mainnet for its social siege game, allowing up to 5,000 players to construct and battle with mobile fortresses. Participants must complete social missions and verify their wallets for a chance to earn $BUGA tokens, which are not yet tradable. Future phases will introduce a USDC fee and an affiliate commission system.
Hotel Galactic Digs Deep: Massive Content Update Brings Underground Exploration, More Customization, a thrilling VIP guest arrival and a 70% discount during Steam Summer Sale!
EndgameLoop Games has released a major content update for Hotel Galactic, introducing underground exploration, new customization options, and a VIP guest. The studio acquired the rights from Ancient Forge to continue development, significantly improving the game's content and Steam rating. The game is currently available on PC via Steam with a 70% discount during the Steam Summer Sale, and console releases are planned for the future.
Arc Games MODA Fellowship’s Rise of the Heskyr season gets a full-on trailer
Arc Games has released a full trailer for the upcoming 'Rise of the Heskyr' season in their early access game, Fellowship. The update, launching June 22nd, introduces a new hero named Gunde, new areas like Scryer's Peak and the Ruins of Regath, a new dungeon called Pinnacle Dungeon of Xul, and the Blood Monolith. Players can also expect new outfits, itemization changes, and new mounts.
Free Update Adds Riverside Sawmill And New Features To The Open World Of Farming
UMEO Studios and Toplitz Productions have released a free content update for Farmer's Dynasty 2, introducing a functional Riverside Sawmill. This update allows players to process logs into premium lumber for in-game projects or profit, and adds water-based log transportation. The next planned update, 'Beets & Potatoes,' will introduce new produce and machinery.
Randy & Manilla’s Fakepeace Update Adds Two New Worlds And A Ton Of Content
The latest Fakepeace Update for the indie game Randy & Manilla introduces two new worlds: the crime-ridden urban sprawl of Fakepeace and the mysterious memory archive of Quantum HND. The update significantly expands the game's content, which features a multiverse of genre-bending Net-Cube worlds that the titular characters explore to defend the cyber-universe from the Cracksom Virus.
Slay the Spire 2 update fixes RNG after one player's "eight-hour descent into madness" proved "we did, in fact, have some unusual RNG problems"
Mega Crit has released a major update for Slay the Spire 2, addressing significant issues with its Random Number Generation (RNG) system. The update, prompted by extensive player research, aims to ensure truly random outcomes after it was discovered that certain RNG elements were predictable. The patch also introduces Steam Workshop support for mods and new content like the Aeonglass boss.
Evening Reading - June 18, 2026
Shacknews' Evening Reading for June 18, 2026, highlights that Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-orders will begin on June 25th with the cover art revealed. The article also touches on reviews for The Adventures of Elliot and UFC 6, new Pokémon content, Apple's price increases, Epic Games' use of AI in Unreal Engine, and various other internet curiosities including custom game art and mods.
