8 Best Early Access Games You Should Try Now

Summary

Releasing games into Early Access helps indie developers fund projects and gather player feedback.
Some Early Access games, like Palworld and Ultrakill, offer unique and exciting gameplay experiences.
Project Zomboid is a prime example of a long-term Early Access game that continues to receive updates and provide enjoyment.

As an ardent cinephile, I often find myself in situations where a film, though mostly complete, still needs that final polish before it hits the big screen. Much like these filmmakers, indie game developers sometimes opt for early release on platforms like Steam Early Access. This approach offers them the chance to gather additional funds for their projects, while also inviting players to engage, share feedback, and report any technical issues they encounter.

Although they’re not fully polished, some of these games offer exceptional gaming experiences that only need minor tweaks to achieve version 1.0. The upcoming titles below are a testament to the caliber of games produced through Early Access, even before their official launch.

8. Palworld

Semi-Automatic Pokemon

Early Access Release Date: January 19, 2024

In a surprising twist, the world of Pokemon remains remarkably suitable for families despite its underlying theme of magical animals engaging in combat. Given that it’s part of the Nintendo family, it’s unlikely we’ll see it delve into adult themes. This is what made Palworld so noteworthy when it launched into Early Access in 2024. Players can capture unique creatures akin to Pokemon, known as “Pals”, while wielding firearms, adding an unexpected twist to the familiar concept.

Despite the intriguing concept of “Pokemon with guns” in Palworld, the game primarily revolves around base-building and survival. Captured Pals can participate in battles reminiscent of traditional Pokemon, but their primary role is to perform tasks like farming, resource gathering, operating machinery, and more. The fact that players can compel cute creatures to work doesn’t exactly seem ethical, and it becomes even more questionable when they can be used as a food source. It’s an entertaining game, but it definitely sparks some thought-provoking dilemmas.

7. Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor

Rock And Stone!

Early Access Release Date: February 14, 2024

In contrast to the original game, this spin-off titled “Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor” presents a significantly distinct experience. While they share a common theme of battling alien bugs and collecting valuable resources, the original game is a four-player cooperative first-person shooter (FPS), whereas this new version operates more like an auto-shooter, reminiscent of “Vampire Survivors“.

Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor delivers an exceptional spin on the auto-shooter genre, boasting a wealth of content even during its developmental stages. Players can already enjoy a variety of weapons, upgrades, challenges, and levels, with additional features promised through future updates. Essentially, it’s a treasure trove of rock and minerals to collect and transport back home.

6. Ultrakill

Puts The Boom In Boomer Shooter

Early Access Release Date: September 3, 2020

The “boomer shooter” genre encompasses a collection of games that appeal to players longing for the golden age of First-Person Shooter (FPS) games, such as the original DOOM and Wolfenstein. Yet, as demonstrated by Ultrakill, these classic titles can be updated while preserving their intense, action-packed challenges that test both endurance and skill.

In this First-Person Shooter (FPS), players assume the role of a blood-powered robot in a post-humanity world. To make matters more intense, the scarcity of blood necessitates plunging into the very depths of Hell to acquire more. Despite being incomplete, Ultrakill‘s exhilarating gameplay comes incredibly close to perfection. Once officially released, it’s expected to be highly regarded as one of the top classic shooters.

5. Abiotic Factor

It’s Not Half-Life 3, But It’ll Do

Early Access Release Date: May 2, 2024

The anticipation for the release of Half-Life 3 has been unbearable. Although whispers suggest its development, verifying these stories can be challenging. It’s unfortunate because enthusiasts yearn to explore once more the universe Valve created and find resolution in Gordon Freeman’s tale. If gamers seek an experience reminiscent of Half-Life, Abiotic Factor could potentially satisfy that craving.

This game, still in Early Access, is essentially a follow-up to the Half-Life series, spiritually speaking. Players assume the character of a new scientist working at a clandestine research facility reminiscent of Black Mesa. As expected, things take a turn for the worse. The player, along with up to 5 other companions, must gather resources to create essential items, weapons, and tools to endure against the monstrous creatures that roam about. While it won’t provide answers to questions Half-Life fans are eagerly waiting for, it offers the closest experience for now.

4. R.E.P.O.

Lethally Funny Company

Early Access Release Date: February 26, 2025

Games such as Lethal Company and Phasmophobia have shown that horror games can transform into the most amusing experiences when multiplayer is introduced. REPO, on the other hand, increases the laughter factor by allowing players to assume the role of quirky, googly-eyed robots.

In essence, this game shares similarities with titles such as Lethal Company, where participants navigate structures in search of valuable loot to amass a substantial fortune. However, it’s not a walk in the park; every location is swarming with creatures intent on causing trouble for the robots, either by attacking or simply being a nuisance. The concept might be straightforward, but what sets REPO apart is the comical design of its robots, complete with moving mouths, making it one of the funniest cooperative gaming experiences currently offered.

3. Schedule 1

An Addictive Substance

Early Access Release Date: March 24, 2025

As a discerning movie critic, I must say that simulation games on Steam have gained quite a following recently. From managing a supermarket to running a trading card shop, these seemingly ordinary jobs offer an unexpectedly engaging play experience. However, Schedule 1 stands out from the crowd with a unique twist: instead of simulating everyday jobs, players find themselves in the shoes of a drug dealer, striving to grow their narcotics empire. It’s a captivating departure from the norm that I believe will resonate with many gamers seeking something fresh and immersive.

What sets apart Schedule 1 from numerous other simulation games is its distinctive scope. Initially, players assume the role of low-level drug dealers, but as time progresses, they expand their operations by acquiring various properties, manufacturing different types of drugs, and discovering new territories to explore. Notably, it includes a skateboard! Remarkably, despite being in Early Access, it has become one of the most successful indie games of 2025, demonstrating that such a status does not limit the success a game can achieve.

2. Hades 2

A Supergiant Sequel

Early Access Release Date: May 6, 2024

In the second installment, titled “Hades 2”, we delve into the narrative of Melinoe, the Underworld’s royalty and the sibling of our hero from the initial “Hades” game, Zagreus. Similar to many sequels, the tranquility achieved in the first “Hades” has been shattered by a new adversary, the Titan of Time, Chronos. It falls upon Melinoe to confront this new threat and restore some semblance of calmness to the underworld once more.

In simple terms, Hades has been hailed as one of the most successful games to launch early, and it appears that Hades 2 will follow suit with equally impressive quality. This upcoming game from Supergiant Games seems set to provide another exceptional action roguelike experience, featuring fresh bosses, bonuses, and locations, along with numerous enhancements to gameplay. The final version is expected to be a strong contender for Game of the Year, but even in its current Early Access state, Hades 2 promises to be one of the top picks for roguelike enthusiasts.

1. Project Zomboid

Some Games Will Never Die

Early Access Release Date: November 8, 2013

As someone who follows game releases closely, it’s often understood that titles launched under Early Access are expected to reach completion within a relatively short timeframe. Yet, there are instances where certain games appear to perpetually stay in Early Access, continuously evolving over multiple years.

Project Zomboid, a game that’s been in development since November 2013, stands out among other long-term Early Access games due to its active development. Unlike some of its counterparts, it hasn’t been abandoned and received an update as recently as April 2025, introducing new content and addressing various bugs. For fans of the zombie apocalypse genre, Project Zomboid offers an immersive experience in a world overrun by the undead, providing countless hours of entertainment despite still being in development.

2025-05-12 06:02