Why Early Access?

“Desmarchon’s core combat is in place: drag a chain through drifting nodes, then release it to burst them. The part that needs more testing is how the game holds up over longer runs and at higher depths.

I can test my own builds, but I know the game too well to spot everything. I want to see what other players do with it: how far they get with a drone-heavy Carrier, which gear makes them change their build, and where the climb starts to feel frustrating or repetitive.

That’s why I’m choosing Early Access. I’ll use player feedback to work on the balance and progression while adding more to the game.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“I’m planning on roughly 6 to 12 months in Early Access, though that is an estimate rather than a fixed release window.

I expect balance and progression changes to need repeated testing, especially at higher Depths. The amount of work those tests uncover will affect the schedule. I may need more time if substantial problems emerge, and I’ll share changes to that estimate through the Steam Community Hub.”

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

“My main priority is endgame balance: how difficulty rises with Depth, how the three doctrines hold up, and whether skills, gear and talents give players reasons to try different builds.

I plan to revisit skills and items that prove too weak or overshadow other choices, and explore additional skills, items and encounters. Any additions would need to support different ways to play or give existing builds different problems to solve.

I also intend to improve performance during busy fights, make combat effects easier to read, and improve the interface where choosing upgrades or changing equipment feels awkward.

The scope and order of that work may change with testing and feedback. These are the priorities I’m taking into Early Access.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“The current version includes chain-weaving combat, 16 narrative Campaign operations with tactical captions and illustrated scenes, and 30 Deep Space destinations for farming and build experimentation.

You can choose Weaver, Carrier or Gunship, take temporary upgrades during runs, and develop persistent equipment and talents between attempts. Gear spans seven slots and four rarities, with salvage, mod additions and rerolls.

Deep Space destinations share unlocked Depths. Clearing a mission at your highest unlocked Depth unlocks the next Depth everywhere. Shardwake is endless: every 90 seconds of survival raises Depth within the same run, and any Depth unlocks are kept even if your ship is lost.

Reality Manifolds are selected before Deep Space missions to change enemies, difficulty and loot. The game supports offline singleplayer play.

Higher-Depth balance and progression need more player testing. I expect further work on balance, performance, combat readability and the interface during Early Access.”

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

“Yes. I plan to raise the price when Desmarchon reaches version 1.0, and I may also raise it alongside substantial updates during Early Access.

My intention is that players who buy during Early Access keep the game and receive its Early Access updates and the version 1.0 release without an additional purchase.”

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

“I plan to use the Steam Community Hub for feedback, bug reports and update notes. For balance reports, it helps to include the doctrine, gear, destination and Depth you were using, plus what felt too easy, frustrating or repetitive.

I’ll open discussions around specific questions and use update notes to explain significant changes. Feedback will inform my priorities alongside testing. Some suggestions may fall outside the game’s direction or the scope of Early Access.”