Why Early Access?

“We are releasing Fearwoods in Early Access because this project is built around atmosphere, tension and player driven chaos. These elements cannot be fully balanced without real player behavior. Internal testing is not enough for a horror experience that depends on unpredictability and cooperation.

Fearwoods is designed around psychological pressure, sound awareness and limited light. Small changes in balance can completely change how the game feels. We need to observe how players react to fear spikes, chase sequences and unexpected events. We want to understand when tension feels exciting and when it becomes frustrating.

Early Access gives us space to refine pacing. It allows us to test difficulty scaling in multiplayer. It helps us balance the fear system, the flashlight combat mechanics and demon behavior. We also want to carefully tune the new chaos systems such as random teleport events.

Optimization is another important reason. The game uses dynamic audio, lighting systems and environmental effects that directly affect gameplay. We want to ensure stable performance across different hardware setups before full release.

Most importantly, we want to build Fearwoods together with the community. Player feedback will shape the final version. Early Access is not just a testing phase for us. It is a core part of development. ”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“We plan to stay in Early Access for approximately 6 to 9 months.

This timeframe gives us enough room to expand the narrative across all planned maps. We want to properly implement Greyhaven and The Womb after stabilizing Peak Forest. Rushing this process would hurt the atmosphere and story cohesion.

During this period we will introduce new horror events, expand puzzle systems and refine the final PvE ending. We also need time to test and balance the deployable lamp mechanic and multiplayer modifiers.

Optimization will be an ongoing priority. We expect multiple performance patches and balance updates during Early Access.

We believe that 6 to 9 months is the right amount of time to grow the game without keeping players waiting too long for the full experience.
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How is the full version planned to differ from the Early Access version?

“The full version will expand both gameplay and story in a major way.

We are planning to add many new horror story events that build tension and deepen Aveline’s story. Some events will feel subtle. Some will be intense and unexpected. For example, players may see Aveline playing hopscotch. After a moment she notices them. The demon suddenly teleports to the player and begins a chase.

Another event will show her sitting in front of a television. She slowly moves across the floor in an unnatural way. She teleports back to the center of the room and repeats the movement faster each time. The scene escalates into a violent supernatural transformation that releases the demon.

We are also adding a random door teleport system. Opening a door may lead to a different location. This will increase chaos and unpredictability during matches.

The story will expand across three large narrative maps. Peak Forest, Greyhaven and The Womb. Players will collect diary fragments and story elements. Completing Aveline’s story will unlock a final PvE mission. In the ending players will decide whether to save her soul or banish it.

We plan to expand the Wolf Pit system to 11 different puzzles. Their visual style will be redesigned to resemble broken old children’s toys. This will strengthen the emotional horror tone.

Environmental design will become deeper. Each building and location will have its own dark identity and unique ambient atmosphere.

We will also expand the equipment system. A new deployable lamp will allow players to place it on the ground and create a temporary protective barrier. This mechanic requires heavy balancing and optimization testing. Community feedback will be very important here.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“Right now we are focusing on gameplay balance and optimization.

We redesigned the combat system. The game now uses one main flashlight instead of multiple light sources. This improved clarity and overall UX.

There are currently 5 Wolf Pit puzzles implemented. We are updating their visual style to better match Aveline’s story and the dark atmosphere.

All buildings on the first map are completed. Spawn points for GPS fragments are implemented. Horror traps are working.

We are implementing a narrative journal system on the first map, Peak Forest. Ambient sound design and music are in place.

The fear system is active. Fear affects both the player and the monster. Increased fear sharpens certain sounds and changes behavior.

After defeating the demon, players enter a hero phase. Once all fragments are collected, evacuation begins. The helicopter escape is intense. At that stage players must fight back and survive attacks instead of just hiding.

We are working on multiplayer difficulty modifiers. Players will be able to influence the challenge level.

The story of Aveline is being expanded for the next maps.

Online co op multiplayer lobby for up to 3 players is fully functional.”

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

“We're not planning on changing the price when we leave early access.”

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

“We will actively use the Steam forum to gather feedback and suggestions.

We have a Discord server where players can share ideas and report issues. We run polls on Discord to let the community vote on certain design decisions.

We organize playtests with fans directly through Discord. This allows us to observe gameplay and collect real reactions.

We also plan to share development updates, progress reports and behind the scenes insights. We want players to understand what we are building and why.

Community feedback will directly influence balance changes, horror pacing and multiplayer modifiers. We treat Early Access as a collaboration, not just a release phase.”