Early Access
Ongoing coverage on Early Access.
Latest coverage
Popular Stardew Valley-like Starsand Island removed from Steam for using "visual elements from a classic title" without permission, devs say they've already sent a new build to Valve
Starsand Island has been temporarily removed from Steam due to the developer, Seed Sparkle Lab, using unauthorized visual elements from a classic title in its mini-game section. The studio has submitted a new build without the infringing content and will offer free DLC to all players. The game, which launched in February and received positive reviews, is expected to return to the platform after Steam's review process.
Release Dates/Windows
Several games have announced their release dates or early access windows. Blood Reaver will launch in Early Access on April 15th, followed by The Last Gas Station on April 28th. Lost Castle 2 will have its 1.0 release on June 11th, and Neverway is slated for an October release.
UnderMine 2 Duskfall Update Launching May 1
The UnderMine 2 Duskfall Update, version 0.7, is set to launch on May 1, introducing the Duskfall location, Thimble Ticket market, a new "The Grim Crucible" difficulty, and a boss fight against Bul & Gogi. Several other games are also featured with upcoming releases and playtests, including Obey the Insect God, Shift at Midnight, Philosophie du Soi, SpaceCraft, and Frostrail.
Crystalfall is an early access MMOARPG that promises a ‘loot-driven Exile-like’ experience
Crystalfall, a free-to-play MMOARPG from CRG Studio, has launched into early access on PC. The game features a loot-driven, classless progression system with a steampunk setting and promises an endless endgame. However, the launch has been marred by server disconnections and login issues, leading to negative Steam reviews.
Swashbuckling co-op survivor Windrose sets sail into early access next week, which means it's time to battle Blackbeard and a big flower
The co-op pirate survival game Windrose, developed by Windrose Crew and published by Pocketpair, will launch into early access on April 14th. The game features custom character creation, ship combat, base building, and 'soulslite' combat against various enemies, including a giant flower boss. The developers estimate an early access period of one and a half to two and a half years.
Star Citizen Goes Free to Play for a Limited Time as Crowdfunding Passes $960 Million
Star Citizen developer Cloud Imperium Games has released Alpha 4.7, introducing new content and features. The game is also currently free to play for a limited time as its crowdfunding total surpasses $960 million.
Can You Survive When Things Get Grim? UnderMine 2’s 0.7 Update Launches on May 1st!
The 0.7 Duskfall Update for UnderMine 2 is set to launch on May 1st, introducing a new area, boss, market, and a 'Grim Crucible' difficulty mode. This update continues the game's Early Access journey towards its 1.0 launch, with developer Thorium encouraging player feedback.
Free-to-Play Steampunk ARPG Crystalfall has now launched its Early Access
CRG Studio has launched its free-to-play steampunk action RPG, Crystalfall, into Early Access on Steam. The game features three playable classes, a five-act campaign, and early endgame content, with plans for ongoing development and community support through founder packs and cosmetic purchases. Crystalfall aims to blend deep customization and progression inspired by titles like Path of Exile and Diablo 2.
SpaceCraft Early Access release date set for May 20th
Shiro Games has announced that its online space exploration game, SpaceCraft, will launch its early access on Steam on May 20th. The game will feature players exploring the galaxy, gathering resources, and forming factions or corporations to build bases and gain economic or military power. Early access is expected to last around six months, with the price increasing as more content is added before the full release.
Final Sentence Surprise-Launches on Steam After Triple-i Showcase
The indie game Final Sentence has surprise-launched on Steam immediately following its trailer debut at The Triple-i Initiative showcase. Available now with a 10% discount, the game is launching in a pre-1.0 state, with developers planning regular updates based on player feedback. This surprise launch strategy aims to build momentum through immediate availability and community engagement.
Windrose Early Access Release Date And Launch Times Confirmed
Windrose is launching into Early Access on April 14 for PC, with specific times confirmed across various regions. Developed by Windrose Crew, the game will be available for $30 and features naval combat, crew management, and survival elements in an alternate Age of Piracy. A Supporter Bundle including sea shanties by Seán Dagher is also available. The developers estimate up to two more years of development before the 1.0 release.
Alabaster Dawn Enters Early Access on May 7
Radical Fish Games announced that their action RPG Alabaster Dawn will enter Early Access on May 7. The game features fast combat, puzzle-solving, and exploration in a post-apocalyptic world. Alabaster Dawn builds upon the foundations of the studio's previous title, CrossCode, with an expanded combat system and a larger world.
Lost Castle 2 Launches June 11 as It Exits Steam Early Access
Lost Castle 2 will exit Steam Early Access and launch its full 1.0 version on June 11, 2026. The beat 'em up roguelite has sold over 700,000 units since its Early Access debut in July 2024. The full release will include the final story chapter, new difficulty levels, and reworked progression systems.
Ubisoft's Insane Action Game Morbid Metal Hits Early Access, and We're Desperate to Play It on PS5
Ubisoft published action game Morbid Metal, developed by Screen Juice, has launched in Early Access on PC. The game features a ten-hour campaign with procedurally generated levels, three playable characters, and roguelike elements, and has received "very positive" user reviews. The developers plan to work with the community during early access and have a Year One roadmap.
Raise Anchor! Windrose, The Swashbuckling Survival-adventure Game, Sets Sail Into Pc Early Access On April 14 - GameHaunt
The co-op pirate survival-adventure game Windrose is launching into Early Access on PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and Stove on April 14. Developed by Windrose Crew, the game features solo or up to four-player co-op, naval combat, and exploration across three biomes with souls-lite combat and base building.
Dead as Disco Launches Into Early Access on May 5th, Groovy New Gameplay Released
Dead as Disco, a beat 'em up game that integrates music and combat, is launching into Early Access on May 5th. Players control Charlie Disco, who battles his former bandmates using martial arts and music. The game features a dive bar as a base of operations and allows players to use their own playlists.
Pompeii: The Legacy Released
Pompeii: The Legacy has officially launched out of Early Access for Windows PC on platforms including the Epic Games Store, GOG.com, and Steam. The city-builder is developed by solo developer Siscia Games.
Release Dates/Windows
Several games have announced their Early Access release dates via trailers. Alabaster Dawn is set for May 7th, Dead as Disco for May 5th, and Far Far West for April 28th, with Solarpunk also mentioned.
Brighter Shores delivers an Easter event, crafter-focused content, and milestone updates
The early access MMORPG Brighter Shores has received multiple updates, including a new Easter event featuring a rabbit rescue quest. The event, which offers unique rewards, will conclude on May 5, 2026. Recent updates also introduced new crafting content, QOL improvements, and expanded fishing bounties.
Survival shooter Road to Vostok 'secured the entire production budget for this game for years and years to come' within 24 hours of its Steam early access launch
The hardcore survival shooter Road to Vostok has achieved significant financial success within 24 hours of its Steam early access launch, securing its entire production budget for years to come. Developer Antti Leinonen reported that the game is performing exceptionally well on Steam's sales charts and has received a 'Very Positive' user rating. Future updates will include AI improvements, a quest system, and new maps, with the full game expected in two to four years.
