Why Early Access?

“As a small independent team, Early Access is the perfect way for us to build Stonewards alongside our players. A game like this relies heavily on fine-tuning, balancing, and discovering what makes the gameplay loop the most satisfying. By opening up the game early, we can gather direct feedback, experiment with mechanics, and ensure we are steering the development in the exact direction the community wants to experience.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“We currently plan for Stonewards to remain in Early Access for approximately 9 to 12 months. This timeline gives us enough room to steadily roll out new features, expand the game's scope, and properly implement community feedback without rushing the process.”

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

“We plan for the full version (1.0) of Stonewards to be a significantly richer and more expansive experience. We aim to introduce new maps and environments, expand on the ressources,treasures, secrets, and rewards found while digging, and add more diverse enemies, challenging boss fights, additional playable characters, and more intricate upgrade systems. We also plan to deepen the game's lore, expand the central hub, and add more cosmetics for character customization. Throughout the Early Access period, we plan to continuously refine the progression and balance based on player data.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“The Early Access version already features a rock-solid core gameplay loop that has been shaped by continuous playtesting and our participation in the June 2026 Steam Next Fest. Players can already explore multiple distinct caves, battle a varied roster of monsters, and engage with character evolution systems including medium-to-long-term unlocks. The game is stable, polished, and offers a robust foundation of what Stonewards is meant to be.”

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

“Yes. We plan to slightly increase the price when we transition to the full 1.0 release to reflect the large amount of new content, maps, and features being added. Buying during Early Access not only helps fund the ongoing development but also serves as a way for us to reward our early adopters who help us shape the final game.”

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

“Community feedback is the lifeblood of Stonewards. We already have an active Discord server where we closely track bug reports, suggestions, and general feedback, and we will actively monitor the Steam Discussion forums. We plan to run regular community polls and surveys to let players vote on future content priorities and balance adjustments. Having already gathered invaluable insights from our Steam Next Fest demo and regular playtests, we intend to keep this transparent, collaborative development style going all the way to launch. The best way to share your thoughts with us is via our Discord!”