Why Early Access?

“I have learned from experience that much can be achieved with a community to provide the best possible gaming experience. Return: Unknown is a free-to-play indie game, crafted with the utmost dedication and based on high-quality assets from numerous developers, modelers, graphic designers and music producers – a true symphony of creativity.

It is a challenge that demands much and comes with highs and lows. Together, we are strong enough to achieve greatness – even if we fail, we have all pulled together.

The goal is to offer you an exciting post-apocalyptic and unique free-to-play survival-extraction-shooter experience.

Through Early Access, I want to actively involve you in the development and gather your feedback, as this is of great importance. I am open to your wishes, ideas, suggestions, and criticism.

Your participation is invaluable; everyone can gain access through a beta key (More information in the CommunityHUB). Upon the EA release, every user has the opportunity to download it for free on the Steam platform.

Please note that Return: Unknown is still in a very early Early Access phase and is being shaped by the community. It does not yet represent the final product. The use of high-quality assets from an impressive number of developers will accelerate development but also make it somewhat more challenging.

Therefore, do not expect the same level of production as with major titles, and always be aware that it is and will remain free-to-play!”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“The planned completion of the game and leaving Early Access is difficult to predict, but we can assume 2024 - 2025 for an official release. However, this depends on a variety of factors that may influence it. Access even before release is possible!”

How is the full version planned to differ from the Early Access version?

“Due to the way the game is being developed, it is also difficult to predict what differences there will be when it is released. No promises are being made, but together with the community it will be and become something unique. The plans for the completion of the free-to-play game include numerous changes:

- OpenWorld optimizations for a fun gameplay experience in single/co-op, PvP and PVE play on local and Dedicat.server enabled servers.

- Gameplay improvements to all mechanics and improved player balance.

- Improved loot balance of items.

- Game optimizations for friendlier usage to ensure that older systems can also use the game.

- Further improvements are also planned.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“The current build offers players a basic build in which the character suffers from thirst, hunger and exhaustion. A building system, a farm system and a power system. A single player and multiplayer mode with save and load game.
(This description will change and expand during development)”

Will the game be priced differently during and after Early Access?

“The game will be and is a free-to-play game.

However, it is planned to discuss in-game purchases with the community to find out if there will ever be such a thing (e.g. special skins for characters, but never to gain an advantage over other players).”

How are you planning on involving the Community in your development process?

“The community has the opportunity to follow the development via Twitch Live. Updates, news and changes can be viewed on Steam at any time. To get the community more involved in the development, I offer the possibility to start discussions on Steam, which are mainly used to collect wishes, ideas, suggestions and criticism and share them with other players.”