Why Early Access?

“You Must Die is a dice-based roguelike built around experimentation, strategic combat, and discovering powerful combinations of dice, relics, and abilities.

Early Access will allow me to continue expanding the game while gathering feedback from players. Rather than rushing to release all three acts at once, I want to take the time to refine existing mechanics, introduce meaningful new content, and ensure that each addition improves the overall experience.

Player feedback will be especially valuable for balancing combat, identifying interesting strategies, and shaping the game's future development.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“I currently anticipate that You Must Die will remain in Early Access for approximately 6–12 months.

The game's core systems are already in place, and Early Access development will primarily focus on expanding content, refining gameplay, and completing the remaining acts.

This timeline is an estimate rather than a firm deadline. As a solo developer, I want to leave room for player feedback and unexpected challenges while working toward a complete release within a reasonable timeframe.”

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

“The full version of You Must Die is planned to feature three complete acts, expanding the adventure with new bounties, enemies, bosses, dice, relics, and gameplay mechanics.

Early Access will initially focus on Act 1, with subsequent updates planned to introduce Acts 2 and 3. I may also expand the number of bounties within each act to provide more variety and replayability.

Additional features under consideration include unlockable playable characters with unique traits and starting playstyles, giving players new ways to approach each run.

Throughout Early Access, I also plan to continue improving balance, expanding build variety, refining existing systems, and incorporating community feedback. The exact scope and order of these additions may evolve during development.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“The initial Early Access version of You Must Die will feature a playable first act consisting of three bounties, each culminating in a unique boss encounter.

Players can experience the core dice-based combat system, collect and customize dice, discover relics, purchase consumables, and develop different strategies as they progress through increasingly challenging encounters.

The game features roguelike progression, meaning that death ends the current run and players must begin again. Success depends on learning enemy behaviors, making strategic decisions, and adapting to the resources available during each attempt.

While the core gameplay systems and Act 1 content are being developed toward a polished, replayable experience, additional acts and other planned features will not be available at the initial Early Access launch.”

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

“I plan to evaluate the game's price as development progresses. The price may increase as significant new content and features are introduced, particularly as the game approaches its full release.

Any planned price changes will be communicated to players in advance.”

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

“Community feedback will play an important role in the development of You Must Die.

I plan to gather feedback through Steam Discussions, reviews, and player reports, with particular attention to combat balance, difficulty, build variety, bugs, and overall gameplay experience.

As a solo developer, I'll be directly involved in reviewing feedback, communicating development progress, and identifying opportunities to improve the game.

While not every suggestion will necessarily be implemented, I want players to feel that their experiences and ideas are being heard and considered as You Must Die grows throughout Early Access.”