Why Early Access?

“Virus 26 is being developed as a fun project, and Early Access gives me the opportunity to improve the game alongside the people actually playing it. The things I've added are already taking shape, but there is still a lot I want to expand on. Early Access will allow me to gather feedback on progression, combat, survival mechanics, world generation, balance, and overall pacing while continuing to build out the game.”

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

“While there isn't a set date or time window in mind, the game will leave early access when I feel like Virus 26 is worthy enough to be called a "complete game". I'm guessing that will be around the end of 2027.”

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

“The full version is planned to have a much more complete world, progression system, enemy roster, crafting economy, survival systems, bosses, skills, professions, locations, and overall gameplay variety. Early Access will continue to receive new content and major system improvements over time.”

What is the current state of the Early Access version?

“The current version already includes the foundation of the core survival experience, including procedural world generation, exploration, combat, crafting, building, hunger and thirst, equipment, armor bonuses, ranged and melee weapons, dynamic lighting, and character progression systems that are actively being expanded.
Some systems are still incomplete or undergoing major changes, and content variety is still growing. The game is playable, but Early Access should be expected to include unfinished features, balance changes, reworks, bugs, and systems that may change significantly during development.”

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

“Yes. I currently plan to release Build 1.0 as a free demo so players can try the game and its core gameplay loop before purchasing it.
Once I feel the game has reached a complete enough state to leave Early Access, I do plan to raise the price based off of how much the game has grown, and you will be given ample notice before it is changed.
Leaving Early Access will not mean development has ended. I still intend to continue updating and expanding Virus 26 after the full release.”

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

“Community feedback will be an important part of development. I plan to share regular progress updates, gameplay videos, new systems, artwork, and experimental ideas through the game’s community spaces and Discord.
Player feedback will help shape balance, quality-of-life changes, progression, combat, item economy, survival systems, and other areas of the game. I also want to pay close attention to how people actually play the game so that different roles and playstyles remain fun and worthwhile as development continues.”