Why Early Access?

“Better Minesweeper is an ongoing project with a large list of features I plan to build over time. The name isn’t meant as an arrogant brag, but a goal. I want it to be the most polished, flexible, and accessible Minesweeper experience I can create. After seven months of solo development (and a lot of trial and error), the game is playable but still far from the scope I’m aiming for. Early Access allows players to use it now, contribute feedback, and help shape the systems and features that will define the final version.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“The approximate release is set for May 2026. I plan to continue refining and expanding the game until it reaches the standard I’m aiming for. Development will continue after full release for as long as meaningful improvements and additions can still be made.”

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

“The full version is planned to include additional stat systems, online functionality, performance and efficiency tools, more customization options, expanded game modes, and further interface polish. As development continues, new ideas and community suggestions may influence the exact direction, but the intention is to deliver a significantly more complete and feature-rich version over time.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“Better Minesweeper is stable and fully playable in Early Access, with the core Minesweeper experience implemented and expanded through configurable gameplay options and quality-of-life features.

The current version includes:
• Classic Minesweeper gameplay with standard difficulties and custom board sizes
• Configurable gameplay rules and first-click safety options
• Daily Runs with seeded boards, including optional No-Guess support (beta)
• Extensive per-game and all-time stat tracking (e.g. PBs, streaks, 3BV)
• Quality-of-life features such as multiple chording modes, fast reveal, cursor locking, and input shortcuts
• UI and display options including dark mode, scalable window sizes, and adjustable counters
• Performance-focused rendering with support for large displays

Some systems are still in active development or refinement, including No-Guess Mode behavior, probability tools, and UI polish. Additional features and improvements will be added during Early Access.
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Will the game be priced differently during and after Early Access?

“The core game is free and planned to remain free. Optional paid features may be added in the future as development progresses (to offset online server costs), but the primary experience will stay accessible to everyone.”

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

“Minesweeper has a wide range of players with very different goals. Some play casually, some focus on pure puzzle-solving, and others care about speed, efficiency, or advanced competitive stats. Because “Better” means something different to each group, community input is essential. As a solo developer and an intermediate Minesweeper player, I don’t fully understand every nuance of how different players approach the game. Early Access allows players with more experience to highlight what features, tools, and quality-of-life improvements matter most to them. Feedback, suggestions, and ideas from the community will directly influence which systems are refined, which new features are prioritized, and how the overall experience evolves.”