Why Early Access?

“Rise of the Settlement is a game about building, evolving, and managing a growing medieval community — and community feedback is a key part of that vision. I am releasing the game in Early Access to involve players directly in the ongoing development process.

By launching in Early Access, I can gather valuable input on balancing, game mechanics, progression pacing, and overall player experience. The core systems — such as resource production, trade, and technology progression — are in place, but I want to refine and expand them based on real player feedback.

Early Access will also help shape future content such as new buildings, technologies, UI improvements, and gameplay features that reflect what the community enjoys most. My goal is to collaborate with players to turn Rise of the Settlement into a deep, polished experience that rewards both creative builders and strategic thinkers.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“I expect Rise of the Settlement to remain in Early Access for approximately 18 to 24 months.

This timeframe allows development cycles where I can carefully expand core systems, add new content, improve balancing, and respond to player feedback. However, as I want to prioritize quality over rushing features, the timeline may be adjusted if needed to ensure the game reaches its full potential.”

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

“The full version of Rise of the Settlement is planned to be a more complete, deeper, and more polished experience compared to the Early Access version.

During Early Access, I will focus on refining the core mechanics — production, trade, research, population management — and on expanding the game with more content and features. The full version is planned to include:*

• A more extensive technology tree with new eras and unlockable content
  
• More buildings, resources, and production chains
  
• Expanded trading and economy systems (including currency and automated trade)
  
• More detailed population system with families, housing, social life, and skills
  
• More map options, seasons, and world events
  
• UI/UX improvements and quality-of-life features based on player feedback
  
• Polished visuals, sounds, and improved performance

In short: Early Access will focus on building the core of the game with the community. The full version will deliver the complete vision — a deep and rich medieval settlement simulation players can enjoy for many hours.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“Rise of the Settlement is currently a playable and stable Early Access game with many of its core systems already implemented.

In the current version, you can:*

• Manage a growing population with individual people who have skills, needs, and progression
  
• Construct buildings and manage production chains for key resources (food, materials, trade goods)
  
• Research technologies to unlock new features and production options
  
• Engage in manual trade and barter through a dedicated trade system that evolves over time
  
• Experience an evolving UI with panels for production, trade, technology, and settlement management

While many core features are in place, the game is still in active development — more content, balancing, and improvements will be added regularly. Some advanced systems (such as full map/world placement, expanded population dynamics, automated trade, and later-era technologies) are still in development and planned for future updates.

Players joining Early Access can expect a solid foundation and a fun management experience, with regular updates and opportunities to help shape the future of the game.”

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

“Yes — the price of Rise of the Settlement will likely increase when the game leaves Early Access, but we are far away from that, focus being to finalize the game.

The Early Access price reflects the current state of the game and rewards early supporters who are willing to participate in the development process. As the game grows with new features, more content, and improved polish, I plan to gradually increase the price to match the value of the full version.*

Players who purchase during Early Access will of course receive all future updates and the full version at no additional cost.”

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

“Community feedback is at the heart of why I chose to launch Rise of the Settlement in Early Access. I plan to involve players in several ways:

• Actively monitoring player feedback through the Steam forums and community hub
  
• Sharing development updates and roadmaps so players know what is coming next
  
• Listening to player suggestions for features, balancing, and quality-of-life improvements
  
• Conducting polls or discussions about design choices when possible
  
• Encouraging players to report bugs and issues so I can prioritize fixes quickly

My goal is to make this a collaborative project where players can help shape how the game evolves. I will maintain an open and transparent communication style so the community feels involved and valued throughout the development of Rise of the Settlement.”