Upcoming Early Access Games You Should Have on Your Radar

31 July 2025

Let's face it—Early Access games are like a treasure hunt. Sometimes, you strike gold with a gem that feels almost too good to be true. Other times, you feel like you’ve just wasted hours on something that should’ve stayed in the developer’s basement. But hey, that's half the fun, right? If you're a gamer who thrives on being ahead of the curve, early access titles are your playground. So, buckle up, because I've got a list of some exciting upcoming Early Access games you absolutely need to keep your eyes peeled for this year and beyond.

Whether you're into survival crafting, story-driven RPGs, or high-octane rogue-likes, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s dive right in!

1. The Invincible

Let’s set the stage: a retro-futuristic sci-fi thriller based on a novel by Stanisław Lem. Sounds fancy, right? The Invincible, developed by Starward Industries, promises a mind-bending adventure in an alien world where your choices matter as much as your survival skills.

So, what’s the deal with Early Access? It’s your chance to explore their vision early and provide feedback for that final polish. The game mixes first-person exploration with narrative-driven gameplay, and the visuals? Oh man, they’re jaw-dropping. Think: outer space meets 1950s art deco. Plus, there’s a healthy dose of existential dread thrown in for good measure.

If you’re a fan of titles like Firewatch or Subnautica, you’re probably going to love the immersive storytelling here.

2. Manor Lords

City-builder enthusiasts, listen up! Manor Lords by Slavic Magic is shaping up to be a dream come true for fans of medieval city management. It combines deep strategy with ultra-detailed visuals and realistic historical elements. Think of it as Age of Empires but with loads more depth—and less frantic clicking.

Here’s why it’s worth your attention during Early Access: the devs are super transparent and love fan feedback. This means you’ll get to help shape mechanics like trade, diplomacy, and combat. Plus, it’s not just building pretty villages; there’s a tactical battlefield mode where you can lead troops into battle.

If you're ready to lose a few (okay, maybe a lot) of hours creating the perfect medieval utopia, this one’s for you.

3. Smalland: Survive the Wilds

What’s better than survival games? Survival games where you’re the size of an ant! Smalland: Survive the Wilds flips the genre on its head by shrinking you down and letting you explore a vast, oversized world filled with towering insects, gigantic plants, and challenging weather conditions.

Here’s what makes it stand out: the emphasis on vertical exploration. You’ll climb trees, glide with leaves, and even ride bugs. Yes, you read that right! You can tame and ride ladybugs, spiders, and other critters to traverse this massive world.

Imagine Minecraft meets Honey, I Shrunk the Kids! With frequent updates planned for Early Access, the devs are all ears when it comes to suggestions. It’s quirky, charming, and definitely worth your time.

4. Dark and Darker

Dungeon crawlers, gather round! Dark and Darker is an upcoming PvPvE game that takes the classic dungeon-delving formula and adds a seriously hardcore edge to it. Imagine Escape from Tarkov meets Dungeons & Dragons—yeah, it’s as crazy (and awesome) as it sounds.

Here’s how it works: you and your party enter a dark, trap-filled dungeon. Along the way, you’ll encounter deadly mobs, terrifying bosses, and—oh yeah—other players who are more than happy to stab you in the back and steal your loot.

Early Access is looking spicy for this one, with constant balancing, new character classes, and improved matchmaking on the horizon. Trust me, this is one dungeon you’re going to want to brave.

5. Sons of Valhalla

Ever dreamt of raiding and pillaging like a Viking? Well, Sons of Valhalla is here to make that dream a pixelated reality. This 2D action/strategy game puts you in charge of building settlements, leading armies, and conquering distant shores—all while weaving in Norse mythology.

The combat is fast-paced but strategic. Do you charge ahead like a berserker, or play it smart and manage your resources first? Early Access promises new features like expanded storylines, refined mechanics, and—fingers crossed—more brutal boss fights.

If you’re into games like Northgard or Dead Cells, you’re going to want to keep this one on your radar.

6. Enshrouded

Picture this: a mix of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Minecraft, with a heavy dose of dark fantasy. That’s Enshrouded in a nutshell. This open-world survival RPG invites you to explore a mysterious, cursed land while crafting, fighting, and building as you go.

What sets this apart from other survival games? Its focus on narrative and exploration. You’re not just farming materials for the sake of it—you’re uncovering secrets about an ancient civilization and trying to lift the curse. The Early Access phase will give players a chance to experience roughly half the game’s planned content, with updates gradually expanding the world and its lore.

For fans of deep crafting systems and epic exploration, this could be your next obsession.

7. Hades II

Let’s be real here: Hades was a masterpiece. Supergiant Games didn’t just make a roguelike; they reinvented it. So, when they announced Hades II, the gaming world collectively lost its mind.

This time, you’ll play as Melinoë, the sister of Zagreus, on a quest to take down Cronos, the god of time. Expect the same snappy combat, addictive progression, and ridiculously good writing that made the original a hit. Only this time, it’s bigger, badder, and (somehow) even more beautiful.

Early Access will focus on nailing the gameplay loop and introducing new boons, weapons, and gods over time. If you loved the first game, Hades II is a no-brainer.

8. The Last Plague: Blight

If hardcore survival is your thing, then The Last Plague: Blight deserves a spot on your wishlist. It’s not just about gathering resources and building shelters—you’re also fighting off a mysterious plague spreading through the land.

What makes it unique? Its realism. Think realistic crafting, injuries, and diseases. You’ll need to purify water, treat wounds, and use your wits to survive. It’s punishing but rewarding for players who love a true survival challenge.

Early Access will feature ongoing updates, expanded biomes, and deeper survival mechanics, making it a project worth supporting.

9. Frostpunk 2

Remember Frostpunk? The heart-wrenching city-builder that made you question your morality at every turn? Well, the sequel is gearing up for Early Access, and it’s already sending chills down my spine.

Set 30 years after the first game, the frost is still relentless, and humanity is clinging to survival. This time, the focus shifts to oil as the new means of progress, forcing you to make even tougher (and probably even darker) decisions.

Early Access will let players shape the direction of the game, adding more depth to mechanics like social unrest and resource management. If you enjoy games that test your strategy skills—and your ethics—this is one to watch.

10. Nightingale

Imagine a world where Victorian gaslamp fantasy meets interdimensional portals. That’s Nightingale for you. This shared-world survival crafting game transports you to a magical realm filled with horrifying creatures, ancient ruins, and endless possibilities.

The draw here is the Realm Card system, which allows you to generate unique worlds to explore and gather resources in. It’s like being handed the keys to infinite adventures. Early Access promises plenty of room for creativity, with frequent updates and player-driven improvements.

If you’ve been looking for something fresh and innovative in the survival genre, Nightingale is a must-watch.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—10 upcoming Early Access games that are shaping up to be absolute bangers. Whether you're into strategic city-building, rogue-like dungeon crawlers, or survival adventures with a twist, there’s a title here for you to sink your teeth into. Remember, Early Access isn’t just about playing a game before it’s finished—it’s about being part of the journey and helping shape the final product.

So, grab your wishlist, head over to Steam or your platform of choice, and get ready to dive into these exciting worlds. Who knows? You might just discover your next all-time favorite game.