Why Early Access?

“Dreadmark is developed WITH its players, loudly: Discord threads for suggestions and reports, votes steering priority, and the game updating within days to match. Early Access is that loop running in public — play it, shape it, watch your thread become a patch note.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“We're planning for roughly 12 months in Early Access, though this could shift based on community feedback and the pace of development.”

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

“We plan to grow the class roster from two toward five by 1.0, each with skill trees of real synergy weight, runes that mutate skills into new ones, and loot affixes that bend whole builds. We plan to add more zones and acts, deeper endgame tiers, expanded rune coverage, and additional achievements and cloud-save polish. Core combat, loot, and the seasonal ladder are playable from day one. We're also investigating co-op and PvP modes as a post-1.0 possibility with the community — not a promise, just something we're exploring.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“Two playable classes — a shield-and-blade Penitent and a Witch built around status and ranged pressure — each with a full skill tree and rune-mutation system. Three connected areas: a hub camp, a moonlit outdoor road/graveyard stretch, and the Cathedral, ending in a real boss fight. Loot with on-hit and when-struck affixes, an optional hardcore permadeath mode, and 33 Steam achievements already live. The online layer is fully connected from day one: server-verified seasonal leaderboards, global chat, a herald announcing the ladder's deeds, and the fallen lingering as ghosts whose gear you can inspect.”

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

“Dreadmark launches Early Access at $9.99. We plan to raise the price when the game leaves Early Access at 1.0, so joining early is also the best price you'll see.”

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

“The Dreadmark Discord is where the community drives development directly: players suggest changes and report issues, the community votes on what gets prioritized, and updates land within days rather than quarters, so a suggestion thread can become a patch note. In-game, a built-in report tool lets players flag bugs and feedback without leaving the game. Every patch's changelog reflects what the community asked for, so players can see their own influence on the game as it grows toward 1.0.”