Why Early Access? | NRG Dev Diaries

[p]After Steam Next Fest, where many of you already had the chance to play the demo, we’re now getting ready for the next big step - the start of Early Access for Way of the Hunter 2.[/p][p]If you want to hear more about why we decided to go with Early Access and what this phase means for the game, feel free to check out our latest Dev Diary below, where our team at Nine Rocks Games get into more detail about launching Way of the Hunter 2 in Early Access and the decision behind it.[/p][p][/p][p]Watch the new Dev Diary here:[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][h3]Why Early Access?[/h3][p]Launching in Early Access is a deliberate decision for us. In short, we want to continue developing and improving the game together with the community while the game is still growing and evolving. Player feedback at this stage can still directly influence systems, mechanics, balance, and future features.[/p][p]The game is already playable and includes the core gameplay systems, but it is not finished yet. Early Access allows us to expand the game, improve existing features, and iterate based on real player feedback and gameplay data.[/p][p]We talk about this in more detail in the Dev Diary, so if you are interested in the full reasoning behind this decision, we recommend watching the video above!

[/p][h3]Unreal Engine 5 and the Future[/h3][p]A big part of this project is also our transition to Unreal Engine 5. This move allows us to improve visuals, performance, and systems, and it gives us a stronger technical foundation for the future of Way of the Hunter 2. At the same time, new technology and expanded systems require testing, optimisation, and iteration — which is another reason why Early Access is the right approach for us.
[/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]Way of the Hunter 2 Early Access FAQ[/h2][p][/p][p]We’ve also prepared a dedicated Way of the Hunter 2 Early Access FAQ, where we answer the most common questions about content, updates, progress, and the road to full release.
[/p][h3]You can read the Early Access FAQ - HERE.[/h3][p][/p][p] [/p][p] Way of the Hunter 2 Early Access is the start of the next phase of development, where the game will continue to grow and improve together with the community. [/p][p]Because the best hunts are not rushed - and neither is making the best hunting game we can!
[/p][p]Way of the Hunter 2 arrives in Early Access on Steam (PC) on March 26, 2026 at 3:00 PM CET. Wishlist Way of the Hunter 2 on Steam to get notified once it’s available: [/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p]More info about Way of the Hunter 2: [/p][p]Website: https://wayofthehunter2.thqnordic.com[/p][p]Discord: https://discord.gg/wayofthehunter[/p][p][/p][p] [/p]