20 Early Access Success Stories That Stuck The Landing

Early access isn’t always easy, but some games have successfully used it to improve gameplay, build a dedicated community, and ultimately launch a polished, complete version. The games listed below all started in early access, worked closely with players to refine them, and eventually released as stable, content-rich titles. We’ll cover who developed each game, how long it was in early access, and what key features contributed to its successful final release. This list highlights projects that successfully transitioned from initial playable builds to fully finished games.

‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ (2023)

‘Baldur’s Gate 3,’ created and released by Larian Studios, was first available in early access starting in October 2020, with the complete version 1.0 launching in August 2023. Larian Studios used this time to add more character classes, races, and story content, and to thoroughly test the game’s complex conversations and battles. The full game included complete controller support, many accessibility features, and the ability to save your progress across different platforms. Since launch, updates have improved performance and added more story after the main game ends, all based on feedback from players during the early access period.

‘Hades’ (2020)

Supergiant Games first released ‘Hades’ as an early access title in December 2018, and the full version launched in September 2020. Throughout development, they consistently added new content, including weapons, powers from the Olympian gods, gameplay adjustments, and complete story chapters. The final game featured full voice acting, a challenging ‘Heat’ system for replayability, and a deep progression system. Supergiant kept players informed about updates and future plans with regular roadmaps.

‘Slay the Spire’ (2019)

‘Slay the Spire,’ created by MegaCrit, first became available to players in November 2017 and officially launched in January 2019. Over time, the game was improved with new characters, items, and cards, as well as adjustments to enemy behavior and map layouts. The full release added features like Daily Climbs, pre-set challenges, and a custom mode. Since then, the developers have continued to support the game with updates to balance gameplay and tools that allow players to create their own modifications, leading to a thriving community of modders.

‘Dead Cells’ (2018)

Dead Cells was first released as an early access game in May 2017, with the full version launching in August 2018. The developers at Motion Twin focused on creating diverse levels, a variety of weapons, and fast-paced, well-balanced combat. The complete game featured a full progression system and was available on many platforms. After launch, Motion Twin, along with Evil Empire, continued to support Dead Cells with significant free updates and paid downloadable content that seamlessly blended with the original game.

‘Subnautica’ (2018)

Unknown Worlds Entertainment first released ‘Subnautica’ as an early access game in December 2014, and the full version launched in January 2018. Over time, they added more diverse environments, expanded the game’s story through logs, and improved the vehicles. The finished game featured a complete storyline, the ability to build bases, and various survival features. They continued to refine the game with updates that boosted performance and ensured it worked well on different systems.

‘Factorio’ (2020)

Wube Software first launched ‘Factorio’ as an early access game in February 2016, and officially released the full version 1.0 in August 2020. Throughout development, the team prioritized building large and complex factories, efficient logistics systems, and a consistent, predictable game experience, sharing weekly updates on their progress. The 1.0 release included a refined campaign mode, tools for creating and sharing blueprints, and strong support for player-made modifications. Subsequent updates focused on improving the user interface, game performance, and adding features to enhance the experience for players building massive factories.

‘Deep Rock Galactic’ (2020)

Deep Rock Galactic was first released as an early access game in February 2018 by Ghost Ship Games and published by Coffee Stain Publishing, before officially launching in May 2020. Over time, the developers added new mission types, environments, and ways to improve your character, such as weapon upgrades and assignments. The full launch included four different classes to play, cross-platform play on compatible systems, and voice chat. Regular seasonal updates and improvements to the game’s performance have kept the online matchmaking system running smoothly.

‘Risk of Rain 2’ (2020)

Hopoo Games, working with Gearbox Publishing, first released ‘Risk of Rain 2’ as an early access game in March 2019, and then launched the full version in August 2020. They carefully adjusted the game’s balance, level variety, and enemy difficulty based on how players were actually playing. The final release featured all items, a complete storyline, and better ways to find and join games with others. Since then, they’ve continued to update the game with new characters, levels, and powerful artifacts.

‘The Forest’ (2018)

Endnight Games first released ‘The Forest’ as an early access title in May 2014, and the full version launched in April 2018. Throughout development, the team focused on creating realistic AI, detailed base-building options, and complex cave systems, all while making the game more stable. The final version included a completed storyline, the ability to host dedicated servers, and compatibility with VR headsets. After the launch, Endnight continued to improve building features and overall game performance.

‘RimWorld’ (2018)

Ludeon Studios first launched ‘RimWorld’ as an early access game (alpha version on Steam) in July 2016, and officially released the full version 1.0 in October 2018. Throughout development, the team improved the game’s AI storytellers, colony management, and event systems using feedback from players. The 1.0 release focused on making mods work smoothly and included a complete tutorial and tools for creating custom scenarios. Since then, downloadable content and updates have added features like ideologies, biotechnology, and new world events, all while ensuring existing game saves remain compatible.

‘Oxygen Not Included’ (2019)

Klei Entertainment first released ‘Oxygen Not Included’ as an early access game in May 2017, and the full version launched in July 2019. During development, they focused on improving complex systems like heat, gases, and automation, while also making sure the game ran smoothly for many players. The final release featured new ways to start the game, a redesigned research system, and helpful tutorials. Since then, they’ve continued to add content with expansions, including new environments and challenges for late-game players.

‘The Long Dark’ (2017)

Hinterland Studio first made ‘The Long Dark’ available to players in September 2014 as an early access title, and officially released the full version in August 2017. During those years, they perfected the game’s survival features, created the world’s regions, and developed the initial parts of the story. The final release included both a free-roam ‘sandbox’ mode and the start of the story-driven episodes, along with improvements to how the game saves progress. Since then, they’ve continued to update the game, adding more areas to explore, redesigning the user interface, and including options to make the game more accessible to a wider range of players.

‘Vampire Survivors’ (2022)

I first got into ‘Vampire Survivors’ when it was still in early access back in December 2021, and I’ve been hooked ever since! The developers, poncle, were amazing – they kept updating the game constantly with new characters, weapons, and levels. They even worked hard to make it run better on older computers, which was awesome. When the full version finally came out in October 2022, it felt really complete, with everything unlocked and achievements to chase. And they haven’t stopped there! They’ve continued to improve the game and add even more content through DLC, which is fantastic.

‘Teardown’ (2022)

Tuxedo Labs first released ‘Teardown’ as an early access game in October 2020, and the full version 1.0 launched in April 2022. The game’s development focused on letting players destroy objects in a unique way, designing elaborate heists, and ensuring the game ran smoothly even with lots of action. The full release included a complete story campaign, tools for creating your own levels, and support for content created by the Steam Workshop community. Later updates improved the game’s graphics with ray tracing and added new missions designed to help mod creators.

‘Rogue Legacy 2’ (2022)

Man, I remember when ‘Rogue Legacy 2’ first hit early access back in August 2020! It’s been awesome watching it evolve. The developers at Cellar Door Games kept tweaking everything – the different classes, how you move through the levels, and all the upgrades – to make it feel really good. When version 1.0 finally dropped in April 2022, it was packed with all the bosses, a New Game Plus mode, and even options to customize the difficulty and make the game more accessible. They haven’t stopped since either, constantly balancing the classes and adding these cool ‘house rules’ to let you tailor the challenge exactly how you like it.

‘Gunfire Reborn’ (2021)

Duoyi Games first released ‘Gunfire Reborn’ as an early access game in May 2020, and then officially launched the full version in November 2021. Throughout development, they added more characters, weapons, and progression systems, while also improving the game’s online performance. The final release featured four-player cooperative play, controller compatibility, and a solid gameplay loop. Since launch, they’ve continued to add new characters and levels to all platforms.

‘Across the Obelisk’ (2022)

Dreamsite Games, working with Paradox Arc, released ‘Across the Obelisk’ as an early access game in April 2021, and officially launched the full version in August 2022. The game’s development centered around cooperative gameplay with customizable card decks, strong character combinations, and dynamic in-game events. The final launch included a complete campaign structure, systems for long-term player advancement, and the ability for players to create their own modifications. Updates after launch added deeper character customization options, powerful items, and improvements to game balance.

‘Sun Haven’ (2023)

Pixel Sprout Studios first released ‘Sun Haven’ as an early access game in June 2021, and officially launched the full version in March 2023. Over time, the developers added more content like expanded farming options, deeper skill trees, and diverse regions to explore, while also making the online multiplayer experience more reliable. The complete game included romantic storylines, fully developed quests, and the ability to play across different devices. After launch, updates continued with additions like festivals, pets, and better controller support.

‘Satisfactory’ (2024)

Coffee Stain Studios launched the early access version of ‘Satisfactory’ in March 2019, and the full game in September 2024. Throughout development, they improved aspects like trains, blueprints, and advanced production, while also making the game run more smoothly. The final release featured a complete set of goals, a more detailed map, and quality-of-life improvements like easier building and better ways to manage resources. Since then, updates have focused on balancing the game and adding pre-made plans to help players design their factories.

‘Dyson Sphere Program’ (2024)

Youthcat Studio’s ‘Dyson Sphere Program,’ published by Gamera Games, became available in early access in January 2021 and officially launched in December 2024. Over time, the developers expanded the game with more diverse star systems, improved transport ships, and added combat features, all while making the game run smoother across multiple planets. The full version included a complete technology tree, defined end-game goals, and controller compatibility where available. After launch, updates focused on fixing save issues and making the interface easier to use for managing large factories.

Tell us about any early access games you’ve really enjoyed and what features made them stand out in the comments below!

2025-11-17 07:17