Early Access
Ongoing coverage on Early Access.
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I beat Slay the Spire 2 Ascension 10 with all classes, and I have one question for Mega Crit after the new patch
The author questions Mega Crit's recent balance changes to the Regent class in Slay the Spire 2's beta, specifically nerfs to block cards. Despite Regent's potential for strong synergies, the author argues it struggles with block economy compared to other classes, making the nerfs perplexing. The article suggests Regent could benefit from a more consistent block option to improve its viability in the early access title.
Here’s what bonus you get for pre-ordering Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight
Pre-ordering Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight offers different bonuses depending on the edition. The Standard Edition includes The Dark Knight Returns Batsuit, while the Deluxe Edition adds three days of early access and the Legacy Collection DLC, which features multiple themed packs.
All professions in Farever: Which one should you pick
Farever is currently in early access and offers six distinct professions, including Blacksmith, Alchemist, Outfitter, Jeweler, Cook, and Enchanter, with more planned for the future. While players can learn multiple professions, the guide suggests Alchemist for solo players due to potion crafting and Jeweler for min-maxing character builds with stat-boosting items.
Virtual Reality Check
The early access launch trailer for FlatOut 4: Total Insanity VR has been released on SteamVR. This title brings the vehicular combat experience to virtual reality platforms.
EG7 Q1 2026: Daybreak is acquiring Cold Iron Studios (again) as Palia and Far Far West soar
Enad Global 7 reported a 13.1% drop in Q1 2026 revenues compared to the previous year, though its subsidiary Daybreak Game Company saw a 16.8% increase driven by Palia, EverQuest, and DC Universe Online. Daybreak is once again in talks to acquire Cold Iron Studios, with the intention of bringing the development of Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 in-house. The company also noted strong sales for Far Far West, which recently launched into early access.
Dig In turns WW1 trench warfare into a tactical colony sim, which sounds cheerful
Dig In, a tactical colony sim from Vitar Games, transforms World War 1 trench warfare into a grim management experience. Players will build and manage trench networks, keeping soldiers alive amidst artillery, barbed wire, and dwindling supplies. The game is set to launch into Early Access later this year on PC, featuring multiple playable nations and mod support.
Grow a Criminal Empire in the ‘High Society’ Update, Available Now for The Boss Gangster: Criminal Empire on PC via Steam Early Access
The 'High Society' update for The Boss Gangster: Criminal Empire is now available on PC via Steam Early Access. Developed by BEF Games and published by Tripwire Presents, the free update adds a drug cultivation system, expands real estate and street crime options, and improves nightclub management. The game will also be discounted during the Steam Spring Sale.
The Boss Gangster: Criminal Empire Goes Full Sandbox in “From the Streets” Update — Out Now
BEF Games has released the "From the Streets" update for The Boss Gangster: Criminal Empire, transforming the Early Access title into a full sandbox experience. Players can now choose their starting path as a thief, dealer, or club owner and build their criminal empire through various hustles, management systems, and faction warfare, while navigating a reworked police and wanted system.
Night City Awakens in New ‘From the Streets’ Update, Available Now for The Boss Gangster: Criminal Empire on PC via Steam Early Access
Tripwire Presents and BEF Games have released the free 'From the Streets' update for their open-world action-simulation game, The Boss Gangster: Criminal Empire, on PC via Steam Early Access. This update overhauls the game's focus to a sandbox experience with new features including advanced policing, expanded drug production, new side hustles, and combat and vehicle improvements.
Alabaster Dawn from the developers of the excellent CrossCode is now in Early Access
Alabaster Dawn, a new top-down 2.5D action RPG from Radical Fish Games, has launched in Early Access on May 7, 2026, for PC and Linux. The game features a deep combat system, challenging puzzles, and an epic story, building upon the foundations of the developers' previous title, CrossCode. The developers plan for at least two more years of development, incorporating community feedback.
Even seven-year-old GPUs will be able to run Subnautica 2, according to its latest system requirements
Subnautica 2 will launch into early access on May 14, with its system requirements indicating that even older GPUs like the Nvidia GTX 1660 will be able to run the game at 1080p. The developers aim to make the game accessible on a wide range of hardware, including handheld PCs like the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally. The early access period is expected to last two to three years, with further optimizations planned.
Town to City Leaves Early Access on May 26 With Major Tourism Update
Town to City will leave Early Access and launch into version 1.0 on May 26, 2026, for PC, accompanied by a major Tourism Update. This update introduces new systems like hotels and tour routes, along with new quests, buildings, and quality-of-life improvements to the gridless city builder.
NAMAKORIUM launches May 19
The cooperative real-time strategy game NAMAKORIUM will officially launch for PC on May 19, exiting Early Access. Developed by Polyscape, the game tasks up to four players with cleaning polluted oceans using specialized sea cucumbers. NAMAKORIUM features strategic planning, resource management, and unique character abilities, with plans for future updates including more stages and creatures.
Alabaster Dawn Early Access
Alabaster Dawn, the debut title from Radical Fish Games, has launched on Steam for PC and Linux. This 2.5D action RPG is currently available in Early Access with a 15% launch discount for a limited time.
Action RPG 'Alabaster Dawn' Launches in Steam Early Access
Radical Fish Games has launched its action RPG Alabaster Dawn on Steam Early Access for PC, priced at $24.99 with a limited-time discount. The Early Access version includes the first one and a half chapters, offering 5-10 hours of gameplay, with plans for a full 30-60 hour experience featuring settlement rebuilding, trade routes, and a combat system with four elements and eight weapons.
After 3 years of work, GTA 4 dev's sandbox game hits Steam as he has to tell people it's "completely different" from Minecraft: "For starters, no Steve"
Former Rockstar Games technical director Obbe Vermeij has launched his new sandbox game, Plentiful, into Early Access on PC. Despite its blocky visuals, Vermeij emphasizes that Plentiful is a god game inspired by titles like Populous, focusing on environmental consequences rather than direct player avatars like Minecraft's Steve. The game allows players to shape the land and create ecosystems, with a demo available.
Path of Exile 2's massive Return of the Ancients expansion will be its last major update before it leaves early access later this year: 'I want to get this game finished, I really, really do'
Path of Exile 2's game director Jonathan Rogers announced that the 'Return of the Ancients' expansion, launching May 29, will be the final major update before the game leaves early access later this year. This update overhauls the post-campaign experience with quests and boss fights, aiming to provide a satisfying endpoint before the 1.0 launch, which is expected shortly after ExileCon in November.
Multiplayer pirate sandbox Windrose counts 1.5M box sales as it implements a better save system
The multiplayer pirate sandbox game Windrose has sold 1.5 million copies since its early access launch three weeks ago. Developer Kraken Express has also implemented a new save system that automatically backs up game data every 10 minutes and upon exiting, with notifications to help players recover corrupted saves. The studio also noted that the next major content update is expected to take at least six months.
Solo dev stunned as his "first ever video game" sells 100,000 copies in 5 days on Steam while 97% "overwhelmingly positive" reviews pour in
The indie game Sledding Game, developed by a solo creator, has achieved remarkable success, selling over 100,000 copies on Steam within five days of its launch. The game, currently in early access on Steam and Xbox (including Game Pass), has also garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews. The developer plans to continue adding content over the next year.
Solarpunk MMORPG Loftia concludes closed beta with a promise to bolster early access with player feedback
The closed beta for the solarpunk MMORPG Loftia has concluded, with developer Qloud Games promising to incorporate player feedback into the game's development ahead of its Early Access release. While an exact release date has not been announced, the team is actively collecting survey data from beta testers to improve the game's features and polish.