Most Anticipated Games Leaving Early Access In 2025
Early access it not what it used to be. Within the last decade, our perception of those two words has drastically changed, as more and more games releasing in early access have offered robust experiences that make purchasing the game early well worth players' time and money. That said, there's still something incredibly exciting about seeing an early access game officially release, complete with all the bells and whistles the studio has been chugging away at while we've been enjoying the experience they've already created.
While there are plenty of other fantastic games releasing in 2025 as well, here we've compiled a list of some of the games leaving early access in 2025 that we're excited for. Though we certainly can't guarantee they'll enter 1.0 this year--delays are inevitable in this industry--the developers behind these titles have indicated that they will be releasing sometime this year. From open-world crafting games like Valheim and Palworld, to charming sims like Fields of Mistria and Cozy Caravan, here are all the games we can't wait to play.
Palworld
Palworld is way more than "Pokemon-meets-guns," even if that description was enough to sell a lot of people on the game when it first released back in January 2024. In this open-world crafting game, players are forced to make difficult decisions--like if they want to work to the bone or even eat their cute and cuddly Pals--in order to survive. When not roaming around the game's several different biomes capturing Pals, exploring dungeons, and taking down bosses, players will get the chance to create their own bases, farms, and factories, all of which can be operated by Pals so long as you keep them healthy and fed. Palworld also features an online co-op mode, which allows up to four players to team up and play together, as well as the ability to create a dedicated server for your game that can hold 32 players.
Expected release date: 2025
Current price: $30
Expected price increase? "The price of the game may increase at or closer to the official release."
Temtem: Swarm
Speaking of Pokemon-esque games, Temtem: Swarm is perhaps best described as what you'd get if you combined Nintendo's prized IP with Vampire Survivors. In it, up to three players can join up to take down swarms of colorful creatures called Tems. A spin-off of the Temtem series, Temtem: Swarm encourages strategizing, sharing resources, and coordinating abilities and attacks for success, but also allows players to go at it solo as well. As a player progresses through the game, they'll get the chance to evolve their own Tems as well as capture those they encounter on the battlefield, making for a fun bit of collecting as well.
Expected release date: 2025
Current price: $8
Expected price increase? "We currently have no plans to increase the price of Temtem: Swarm after it exits Early Access. However, we reserve the right to adjust the price at a later date if significant updates or additional content are introduced beyond the original plans."
Dark and Darker
In the mood for something a bit more unforgiving? Dark and Darker combines first-person combat with a hardcore dark fantasy setting to create a unique multiplayer experience that is both brutal and fun. In this game, players will get the chance to pick a class and form a three-person party before they set off into the depths of an ancient citadel brimming with "hideous monsters" as well as powerful artifacts. After securing some precious loot, it's up to the party to find the exit and call it quits before the darkness eventually catches up to them.
Expected release date: 2025 to early 2026
Current price: Free
Expected price increase? "We may explore a change in pricing during and after the Early Access."
Nuclear Nightmare
Nuclear Nightmare is a co-op survival-horror game that wears its main inspiration, 1982's The Thing, quite proudly. In it, players are tasked with assembling an extraction team in order to recover classified materials hidden somewhere within a brutal Arctic base camp. However, this task is made a bit difficult thanks to the presence of a black goo virus that threatens to infect and mutilate the team, which is stranded with an extremely limited number of vaccines that will cure the infection. After gathering these supplies, they'll then have to wait for extraction as both the treacherous terrain and grotesque enemies try their hardest to cut their mission short.
Expected release date: 2025
Current price: $7
Expected price increase? "We plan to gradually raise the price as we ship new content and features."
Cozy Caravan
Cozy Caravan combines crafting, trading, exploration, and cute critters to form a delightfully cozy single-player experience. After creating an adorable animal-like persona, players will get the chance to set forth in their personal caravan to explore a small town and the idyllic countryside surrounding it. Through foraging, crafting items, setting up market, and forming bonds with their neighbors, players will help cultivate a lovely, thriving community.
Expected release date: 2025
Current price: $20
Expected price increase? "We haven't settled on a final pricing strategy yet, but it is likely that the price will increase on full launch as more content is added."
Mika and the Witch's Mountain
With its Ghibli-esque visuals and delightful premise, Mika and the Witch's Mountain is a great option for those seeking a nice relaxing game to settle in with. In this fantasy adventure, players take on the role of Mika, an adorable witch who operates as a small island's personal delivery service. However, it's not all errands and riding around on broomsticks. Described as a coming-of-age journey, Mika and the Witch's Mountain features an overarching story all about the importance of friendship and community.
Mika and the Witch's Mountain is available now, having left early access January 22, 2025.
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Hades II
The highly-anticipated follow-up to one 2020's best games, Hades II is already phenomenal and somehow even more robust than its predecessor--but that doesn't mean we're not eager for it to enter 1.0. In Hades II, players take on the role of Melinoe, the immortal Princess of the Underworld, as she embarks on a quest to stop the Titan Chronos and save her family. Though the action-packed roguelite shares many similarities with Hades, Melinoe's focus on witchcraft, a more fleshed out romance system, and the ability to leave the Underworld in an effort to reach Mount Olympus are just a few of the things that make Hades II such an exciting sequel.
Expected release date: 2025 or later
Current price: $30
Expected price increase? "Depending on the duration of Early Access and the scope of additional content we add to Hades II over time, we may raise the retail price at a later point."
Hyper Light Breaker
Despite having similar names, Hyper Light Breaker differs dramatically from studio Heart Machine's debut title, Hyper Light Drifter. Whereas Hyper Light Drifter featured an intense, isolating story and Link to the Past-style gameplay, Hyper Light Breaker is a fast-paced, 3D roguelite-meets-extraction game that aims to offer greater replayability. In it, players can either team up or head out solo to a lush, procedurally generated land called the Overgrowth. Once there, they'll be tasked with taking down enemies and collecting loot while the area's danger level steadily increases, forcing them to evacuate with their resources in a timely manner or suffer the consequences.
Expected release date: 2025 or later
Current price: $30
Expected price increase? "We do plan to raise the price once Early Access ends, and while nothing is definitive, it’s possible that the price will go up at some point during Early Access."
Fields of Mistria
This might be a wild take, but even in early access, I think Fields of Mistria is the Next Big Thing in the farming sim genre; the nearly 50 hours I've poured into it on my Steam Deck, despite it still being in early access, certainly feels like a testament to that. Though Fields of Mistria may share a lot in common with other big names title within its genre--most notably a core gameplay loop composed of fishing, farming, mining, crafting, raising animals, and wooing neighbors--it is the depth and personality the game adds to these that make it such a standout title. With a clear and focused story, plenty of personality, charming characters, a dynamic world, anime-inspired visuals, plenty of magic, and various quality-of-life improvements, Mistria is already a robust must-play.
Expected release date: 2025
Current price: $14
Expected price increase? "While we don't currently have plans for a price change at full release, a final decision on this point will be made at a later time."
Lethal Company
In Lethal Company, players take on the role of a contracted worker for the ominously named corporation, The Company. Their job at The Company is simple: travel to abandoned, industrialized moons and collect enough scrap to meet The Company's profit quota. However, it turns out that the moons, to quote a popular meme, are haunted--or at least swarming with all sorts of lethal creatures that make their job substantially more difficult. Communication is essential in this four-player online co-op game, as players will have to use technology to aid their crewmates as they explore trap-filled corridors and figure out safe paths to collect enough scrap to head back home.
Expected release date: 2025
Current price: $10
Expected price increase? "I don't plan on changing the price."
Valheim
Valheim combines Viking culture, brutal exploration, and survival-crafting to great success, making it among the most popular early access titles on this list. In it, players are able to join up with up to nine other players and set out into a world inspired by Norse mythology. When not adventuring, players can create impressive bases, complete with Viking longhouses, strongholds, and watch towers. Thanks to its procedurally-generated world, every adventure is fresh, making for a lot of replayability as you loot and craft your way to victory.
Expected release date: 2025
Current price: $20
Expected price increase? "No definitive plans here yet, but it is likely that the price will be increased over the course of the Early Access period."
Witchfire
In Witchfire, players get the chance to become a lethal undead assassin, explore immersive environments, and embark on perilous expeditions as they ready up for battle against the Witch of the Black Sea and her monstrous forces. It's a cool-as-hell premise, made even more interesting by the way its developer weaves elements from several beloved genres, such as first-person shooters, souls-likes, roguelites, and extraction games. For those in search of a brutal, dark fantasy adventure that many liken to Doom, Destiny, and Dark Souls, Witchfire could very well scratch that itch.
Expected release date: 2025
Current price: $40
Expected price increase? "We have no plans to change the price after leaving Early Access."
Manor Lords
Both strategy and simulation fans will want to keep an eye on Manor Lords. In it, players take on the role of a medieval lord intent on turning their small village into a gorgeous, bustling kingdom. In addition to in-depth city building, Manor Lords boasts large-scale tactical battles, resource management, and "complex economic and social simulations." Another great feature of the game is its option to abstain from combat, making it perfect for those who would rather focus on the game's city-building and social simulation elements.
Expected release date: 2025
Current price: $40
Expected price increase? "We might increase the price during the Early Access period as additional content and features are added."
Phasmophobia
Phasmophobia is not for the faint of heart. In this online psychological horror game, four players must come together to form a small team of ghost hunters who are ready and willing to exorcise whatever evil specter they've been hired to take down. After pulling up to the site of the haunting, players get the chance to outfit themselves for the job before entering the house and searching for evidence that will help them determine the best way to get rid of the ghost. However, increased paranormal activity in the house--as well as spirits that will listen in and grow increasingly agitated by player's voice chat--make this a dangerous, if not lethal, endeavor.
Expected release date: 2025
Current price: $20
Expected price increase? "The price will change during the early access period once we have added a significant amount new content. The price will likely change upon final release out of early access however we will always give players enough warning before we make any pricing changes."
Enshrouded
Set during the aftermath of a pestilence being unleashed upon the world, Enshrouded sees players navigate a "sprawling, voxel-based continent" in an attempt to ignite the Ancient Flame and piece together a long, lost story. It's a thrilling conceit, made even more high-stakes by the game's survival mechanics and action-RPG combat. Thankfully, players don't have to go it alone; Enshrouded allows up the 16 players to venture forth together, building forts, collecting loot, and cutting through hordes of enemies as they try to survive The Shroud.
Expected release date: 2025
Current price: $30
Expected price increase? "Yes, we strongly believe that a higher price once we leave Early Access is fair, and most importantly, it should allow us to develop the game further according to your feedback."
Jotunslayer: Hordes of Hel
Jotunslayer: Hordes of Hel combines the roguelike and bullet-hell genres to create a fast-paced action game in which players must slay demonic hordes to become the chosen Jotunslayer. Players will get the chance to travel across each of Norse mythology's nine worlds, taking on quests and overcoming enemies and obstacles as they try to appease the Norse pantheon. A roster of diverse characters and skill customization options make Jotunslayer adaptable to different playstyles, while the game's threat-escalation mechanic ensures tough times for all.
Expected release date: 2025
Current price: $10
Expected price increase? "Yes, we plan to offer Jotunnslayer: Hodes of Hel at a lower price during Early Access to reward our early supporters and to encourage player participation and feedback. As we add more content, features, and polish to the game, the price will increase to reflect the additional value and improved experience."
Norland
Set just after the fall of the Empire, Norland sees players take on the role of an influential family eager to gain strength, take down rival kingdoms, and claim control of the region themselves. Though this premise sounds a bit dark, its cartoon-y visuals grant it a bit of levity--even if there are still plenty of battles, blood, and beheadings. At its core, however, Norlander is a strategy-simulation game in which players guide their noble family through various scenarios and battles, as well as manage their day-to-day lives, skills, relationships, and living situations.
Expected release date: 2025
Current price: $30
Expected price increase? "We might increase the price during the Early Access period as additional content and features are added."
Wizard of Legend 2
The follow-up to 2018's indie hit Wizard of Legend, Wizard of Legend 2 still boasts the same core gameplay mechanics and roguelike elements albeit with new, vibrant 3D visuals and more action-packed gameplay. In this title, up to four players come together to undertake the perilous Trials of Legend. As they do so, they'll get the chance to attain Arcana, upgrade their wizards' powers, and master six elements: fire, water, earth, air, lightning, and chaos.
Expected release date: 2025
Current price: $30
Expected price increase? "There’s a possibility that the full version may be priced higher than the Early Access version, as the game will feature more content and expanded features upon full release. Early Access offers players a chance to join the adventure early at a lower price."
Slime Rancher 2
In Slime Rancher 2, players continue the adventures of Beatrix LeBeau as she journeys to new lands in search of new slimes to wrangle and ranch. In addition to plenty of new (and adorable) slimes, Slime Rancher 2 also introduces a variety of new tools, upgrades, and gadgets, all of which will help Beatrix create a beautiful conservatory. With its cute creatures, relaxed gameplay, and gorgeous, vibrant visuals, Slime Rancher 2 is already every bit as joyous and fun as its predecessor.
Expected release date: 2025
Current price: $30
Expected price increase? "Slime Rancher 2’s base price will not change upon entering full release."
Rooftops & Alleys: The Parkour Game
Rooftops & Alleys: The Parkour Game is unlike any game on this list. Of course a large part of this is because it centers around a sport not generally explored in sports simulation games: parkour. Similarly to Tony Hawk's Pro Skater, Rooftops & Alleys is all about giving players exciting, sprawling maps that allow them to go wild and challenge themselves. The game features several modes, such as free roam, time trials, and trick challenges, and intuitive controls that, once you learn them, make for smooth and satisfying gameplay.
Expected release date: 2025
Current price: $20
Expected price increase? "The aim was always to try and get people involved as early on as possible, at a lower price point compared to what the finished game would sell for. The price of the finished game would be higher, as that would feature multiple game modes, more maps, and features! Getting the game early will certainly be worth it."
Path of Exile 2
Set after the events of the original Path of Exile, Path of Exile 2 sees players return to Wraeclast in an attempt to stop the evil forces corrupting its lands and people. On top of a new campaign, Path of Exile 2 boasts an incredible number of features, including 100 distinct environments, 600 monster types, 100 bosses, and 12 classes, each with absolutely massive skill trees. Like, "1,500 skills to chose from" massive. For those who have longed for a Diablo-esque game that allows players to truly customize their experience and characters, Path of Exile 2 is the way to go.
Expected release date: 2025
Current price: $30
Expected price increase? "Once the game is out of Early Access, Path of Exile 2 will be free-to-play."
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