Early access has become a standard practice in game development, offering players a sneak peek and developers valuable feedback. While it sometimes carries a stigma, early access has proven its worth, allowing gamers to experience titles in development and contribute to their evolution. 2025 is shaping up to be a banner year for early access games, with a diverse range of titles already available and more on the horizon. This list highlights some of the most promising early access games to keep on your radar in 2025.
Path of Exile 2 Witch
Path of Exile 2: A Continuously Evolving ARPG
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Path of Exile 2, one of the most anticipated titles of 2024, launched into early access with remarkable success. Grinding Gear Games has been actively incorporating player feedback, consistently releasing updates to refine and enhance the gameplay experience. 2025 promises a steady stream of balancing adjustments, bug fixes, and exciting new content. Existing players can anticipate a wealth of new features, while newcomers can dive into a rich and immersive ARPG experience regardless of when they join. While a detailed 2025 roadmap hasn’t been released, Grinding Gear Games has indicated that new classes, zones, and challenging boss encounters are in the works.
Palworld Cattiva Assembly Line
Palworld: Monster Taming Meets Factory Automation
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Released in early 2024, Palworld, the quirky monster-taming survival game from Pocket Pair, continues to evolve with regular updates. From the Feybreak update to numerous additions of Pals, areas, tools, and mechanics, the game is constantly expanding. Despite a recent lawsuit from Nintendo, Pocket Pair remains undeterred, even announcing a 2025 crossover event with Terraria, featuring iconic items like the Meowmere Sword. A potential mobile release with cross-save functionality is also on the horizon, allowing players to enjoy Palworld on the go.
Hades II: Continuing the Legacy of Excellence
Platforms: PC
Melinoë, the protagonist of Hades II, navigating the underworld.
Following in the footsteps of its critically acclaimed predecessor, Hades II is rapidly proving itself a worthy successor. This highly anticipated sequel from Supergiant Games follows Melinoë’s journey against the Titan of Time. Players will immediately recognize the signature art style and captivating storytelling that define Supergiant’s work. Featuring returning characters with updated designs alongside new faces, enemies, and environments, Hades II expands upon the original’s foundation. With one major update already released since its May 2024 early access launch, and another slated for early 2025, Supergiant Games is committed to refining the experience. While a 1.0 release date remains unconfirmed, fans can expect the same level of polish and attention to detail that made the original Hades a masterpiece.
Enshrouded Base Building
Enshrouded: Building a Name in Early Access
Platforms: PC
Enshrouded, an open-world base-building survival game from Keen Games, enters the competitive early access landscape with high hopes. After a 2024 roadmap driven by community feedback, Keen Games has confirmed plans for a 2025 roadmap, expected to be revealed in late January. This commitment to community engagement suggests a promising future for Enshrouded.
Lethal Company Partners
Lethal Company: Co-op Horror that Continues to Deliver
Platforms: PC
A veteran of the early access scene, Lethal Company has been steadily evolving since its 2023 launch. This surprise hit blends co-op gameplay with horror elements, creating a uniquely thrilling experience best enjoyed with friends. While developer Zeekerss originally envisioned a shorter development cycle, the game’s success has extended its time in early access. Though updates aren’t frequently announced, they consistently receive positive community reception.
Hyper Light Breaker Co-op Team
Hyper Light Breaker: A New Take on a Familiar World
Platforms: PC
Set to launch into early access on January 14, 2025, Hyper Light Breaker from Heart Machine acts as a prequel to Hyper Light Drifter. This new installment emphasizes co-op and roguelike action, tasking players with rebuilding a shattered world. Whether solo or in teams of three, players explore the Overgrowth, battling Crowns and piecing together lost memories. While a departure from Heart Machine’s previous single-player focus, Hyper Light Breaker promises the same meticulous craftsmanship. Frequent updates are planned, beginning with additions to content, variety, and depth, all shaped by player feedback.
The title screen of Slay the Spire II.
Slay the Spire 2: The Highly Anticipated Sequel
Platforms: PC
Slay the Spire revolutionized the roguelike card battler genre, and its sequel is one of the most eagerly awaited titles in gaming. Mega Crit, the developer, has revealed glimpses of returning and new characters, enemies, and cards, promising the same addictive gameplay that defined the original. With the first game’s success rooted in its early access development and strong community involvement, Slay the Spire 2 is expected to follow a similar path, evolving throughout 2025 and beyond.
Subnautica 2 Underwater Fauna
Subnautica 2: Deeper into the Abyss
Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S
Building upon the terrifying beauty of the original, Subnautica 2 expands the underwater survival experience with new biomes, creatures, vehicles, tools, and more. Whether playing solo or with up to two friends, players can construct elaborate underwater bases to provide refuge from the dangers lurking in the depths. Developed by the same team behind the original Subnautica, the sequel promises frequent updates following its 2025 release.
Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era Necropolis
Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era: A Return to Form
Platforms: PC
Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era aims to recapture the magic of the series’ golden age, particularly the beloved Heroes of Might & Magic III. Developer Unfrozen is blending classic gameplay with updated visuals, including stunning 3D environments. With single-player and multiplayer modes, returning and new factions, various gameplay options, and a scenario creator, Olden Era promises a robust strategy experience. Regular updates are planned, both leading up to and following the Q2 early access release.
Aloft Gathering Wood
Aloft: Survival Among the Clouds
Platforms: PC
Aloft distinguishes itself from the crowded open-world crafting survival genre with its vibrant world of floating islands. Players build bases and skyships to navigate the skies, harnessing wind and resources. Farming and crafting are central to survival, but over-gathering can deplete the ecosystem, and a fungal corruption threatens the world. Aloft offers both solo and cooperative play for up to eight players, launching into early access on January 15, 2025.
With 2025 just beginning, many more early access games are likely to be announced and released, promising an exciting year for gamers.
