[h2]🎮 Introduction to ☵ HIRAETH: Survival Sandbox Game — Demo Version[/h2][p]I invite you to download and try the Hiraeth demo! Although it has its own Steam page, most players access it through the game’s main page, which — due to Steam’s layout — makes it hard to find the demo description. So it’s worth taking a moment before playing to learn about its features and the game’s development roadmap.[/p][p]To read more about the demo and how it differs from the upcoming Early Access version, click “Learn more about this demo” in the “Download Hiraeth Demo” widget on the game’s Steam homepage.[/p][p]
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[/p][p]This demo isn’t just a chance to test mechanics — it’s an opportunity to shape the game’s direction. If you’d like to stay updated, share feedback, or get help from experienced players and testers, I warmly invite you to join the official Discord server. It’s the best place to support the developer and become part of Hiraeth’s growing community.[/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][h2]🧪 Why Play Now?[/h2]
- [p]It’s not just a test — it’s co-creation.[/p]
- [p]Players have a real impact on the game’s development.[/p]
- [p]Feedback from the demo directly shapes future updates.[/p]
- [p]It’s a chance to be there “from the beginning” — before Hiraeth becomes something bigger.[/p]
[p][/p][h2]🌌 The World of Hiraeth — Maybe It’s for You?[/h2][p]I don’t know who you are. But if Hiraeth stirred even one string inside you — maybe this game was made for you. Not for the masses. For you. And that’s enough.[/p][p]I’m not interested in flashy exposition. I care about experience. I want players to feel lost, yet intrigued. To discover rules, rhythm, and meaning on their own. Not everything will be handed to you — but everything will make sense.[/p][p][/p][h2]🛤️ What’s Next? Roadmap and Development[/h2][p]The current demo is just a taste of what’s coming. On
September 3, Early Access begins — bringing new mechanics, expanded world content, and many features not available in the demo, such as skill progression beyond level 2, difficulty selection, and much more.[/p][p]Early Access marks the beginning of the journey toward full release, which will be rolled out in two interconnected modes:[/p]
- [p]☵ ETERNAL — sandbox survival mode[/p]
- [p]☵ REVELATIONS — story-driven mode[/p]
[p]The game world — the wild planet
Ahra Prime — will gradually expand. The
Nesoi Island you explore in the demo is just a small fragment of a much larger universe.[/p][p][/p][h2]💻 Platforms and Support[/h2][p]After the Early Access launch, versions for
Linux, SteamOS, and macOS are planned — as promised from the start. Controller support is also coming, and may be available even before September 3.[/p][p][/p][h2]🌍 Languages and Community[/h2][p]Technical preparations are underway to introduce
additional language versions. At the same time, integration with
Steam Workshop is in progress, initially focused on enabling community translations — alongside official ones. This will make Hiraeth accessible to players around the world.[/p][p]
All these changes will gradually be reflected in the demo as well — with regular updates.[/p][p][/p][h2]📖 Is the Demo Part of a Larger Story?[/h2][p]Yes. In the demo, you’ll find notes and fragments that introduce you to the ☵ HIRAETH universe. They don’t yet affect gameplay — but that will change soon. Narrative elements will begin to weave into the experience, even within the demo.[/p][p][/p][h2]🎮 Hiraeth Is True Indie — In Its Purest Form[/h2][p]
Many games labeled “indie” today are backed by publishers, investors, large teams, and comfortable budgets. Hiraeth doesn’t belong to that category.[/p][p]This game is built from the ground up by one person — me. While the credits include a few names of people who helped at different stages (and I’m deeply grateful to them), their contributions are just a fraction of this three-year journey. I’m not saying this to stand out — I’m saying it so you understand the challenge I’m facing. And how much I care about making this game real.[/p][p]You’ll also find the names of people who supported the project financially. Though the funds were modest, they saved me from having to pause development more than once. Thanks to them, Hiraeth has reached this stage.[/p][p]Playtesters have also played a huge role. I’ve had a clear vision from the start, but their feedback is invaluable. Thanks to them, Hiraeth gets better with every version. Thank you.[/p][p][/p][h2]☵ HIRAETH — A Game Born from the Need to Tell Something True[/h2][p]I don’t have a team. I have an idea, stubbornness, and some coffee. And that has to be enough. But even modest success in Early Access could change that.[/p][p]With minimal resources — just enough for basic infrastructure and symbolic compensation for a few creators — Hiraeth could accelerate in ways currently beyond my reach. I’m not an expert in everything. And I don’t need to be. I need space to focus on what I truly do best: world design, environmental storytelling, and crafting engaging gameplay.[/p][p]Let musicians make music. Let 3D artists build spaces. I want to create Hiraeth — the way it’s meant to be. It’s not about a big team. It’s about a few good people who can help this game breathe fully.[/p][p][/p][h2]🤝 Join, Support, Share[/h2]
[p][/p][h2]🌟
Final Words — Thank You! [/h2][p]Thank you to everyone who played the demo, shared feedback, supported the project, or simply showed interest. Your presence, thoughts, and encouragement mean the world to me. It’s because of you that Hiraeth lives and has the chance to grow.[/p][p]
TL;DR Yes, this announcement might be a bit “Too Long; Didn’t Read” for some — but Hiraeth isn’t your typical arcade game.
It’s a unique experience that asks for focus, reflection, and emotional presence. This is your journey — and this game is being made for you.[/p][p]With warm regards,
Paweł Tomkowiak — creator of ☵ HIRAETH[/p]