Hiraeth News

• [p]I added and enabled Steam achievements;[/p]
• [p]Now, when starting a new game, your Steam name is automatically added - you can change this;[/p]
• [p]The previous test achievements are outdated;[/p]
• [p]You can now also see the weather on the terminals - in the full version it will be expanded with many other functions, including a weather forecast, although a rather simplified one will be available in a demo in the next improvements.[/p]

[p]There will be another patch with fixes coming soon, but at the request of a few people, for now I've focused only on adding Steam achievements.[/p]

• [p]There will be many more and different ones in the full version;[/p]
• [p]Trading cards will be added to the full version – Steam prevents them from being added in the demo;[/p]
• [p]Statistics and leaderboards will be added to the demo soon;[/p]

[p][/p][p]Best regards, author[/p]

[h2]Hello – New Demo update v 0.91 is live on Steam: [/h2]

[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][/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]💬 Join the community on Discord[/p]
• [p]⭐ Add Hiraeth to your Steam Wishlist[/p]
• [p]📝 Share your thoughts — every message matters[/p]

[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]

[p]We’re thrilled to announce that the official release dates for the Early Access version and Demo of ☵ HIRAETH have been set![/p][h2]🧪 Demo – August 7, 2025

[dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/h2][p]The demo launches first — on August 7, 2025! While it comes with some limitations compared to the full game (and the Playtest), it offers a full taste of ☵ HIRAETH’s atmosphere and core mechanics. There are no time restrictions, and a simplified save/load system will be available.[/p][p]The demo includes:[/p]

• [p]An enhanced, refined and expanded version of what players know from the Playtest[/p]
• [p]Brand-new features never seen before, such as lockpicking, hacking, hint system, and more[/p]

[p]This is just the beginning — expect updates before the Early Access release!
[/p][h2]🚀 Early Access – Coming Early September 2025

[dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/h2][p]Early Access is planned for early September — less than two months away! This is a developmental version of the game, crafted by a passionate indie studio.[/p][p]Your support during Early Access will help us quickly introduce major content, such as:[/p]

• [p]Story Mode elements[/p]
• [p]Expansion of the Ahra Prime universe[/p]
• [p]New mechanics and locations[/p]

[p]If ☵ HIRAETH isn’t yet on your Steam wishlist, now’s the time! By doing so:[/p]

• [p]You’ll get notified about the release[/p]
• [p]Enjoy an exclusive launch discount[/p]
• [p]Support a true indie project that doesn’t have a big ad budget, but is fully committed to delivering the ultimate sci-fi survival experience — for you![/p]

[p]The more of us there are, the greater the chance to fully realize the world of Ahra Prime — so share ☵ HIRAETH with your friends![/p][h3]🛠️ What’s Inside Early Access?[/h3][p]Phase one focuses on survival sandbox gameplay, enriched with tasks and a limited story mode (in the form of logs, notes, etc.). It's ideal for those who have already spent dozens of hours in Playtest — and packed with fresh content for newcomers too![/p][h3]🔍 Technical Info[/h3]

• [p]Refined custom key mapping[/p]
• [p]Controller support[/p]
• [p]Difficulty settings[/p]
• [p]Native Linux version – likely available at launch[/p]
• [p]macOS version – arriving shortly after[/p]
• [p]Language localizations – starting with regions most active in Playtest, with full support before the final release[/p]
• [p]Steam Achievements[/p]
• [p]Steam Trading Cards[/p]

[p]And this is just the beginning — more details coming soon![/p]

[p]Here, on the game's website, updates and announcements are sporadic. However, playtest participants have a separate Steamcommunity where they appear with each update ☵ HIRAETH game Steam Playtest. I encourage everyone to join Playtest, these are the last days. Recently, the playtest has been completely free, it does not require my approval. As usual, I strongly encourage you and your friends to add ☵ HIRAETH to your Steam wishlist.[/p][p]This is of great importance for promoting the game and not wasting its potential! The game will be released in Early Access after reaching a minimum of 10,000 wishlists, which is necessary for its proper visibility at the time of premiere. Proper promotion, recognition and success will provide me with the opportunity to develop and refine it as planned. [/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][h2]Some statistics[/h2][p]Work on the game has been ongoing since August 2023. The project is currently in the pre-Early Access stage, which is not a bad result for a game this extensive and created by practically one person.[/p][p]A modest but playable closed playtest was launched on December 7, 2023, and since June last year it has been available to the public, after acceptance - for a few days now, as I mentioned, it has been completely free.[/p][h3]Playtest Participants and Wishlists[/h3][p]Up until May of this year, around 1400 players participated in the playtest from the beginning and the game had around 1500 wishlists. Currently, over 3000 players participate in the playtest and the game has over 4300 wishlists.[/p][p]This is a great acceleration and motivates me to work even more![/p][p]
[/p][h3]Changes in the Playtest version only in the last half year[/h3][p]Work on the game is most often visible in the playtest, although I do not include everything because not everything requires testing. Significant changes in the last half a year:[/p]

• [p]dynamic weather system, also with an impact on gameplay;[/p]
• [p]mature save load system;[/p]
• [p]creatures - the ability to defend and hunt;[/p]
• [p]chargers: oxygen tanks, batteries and a water filler;[/p]
• [p]new weapons with degradation and repair functions;[/p]
• [p]complete change of inventory management, now using drag and drop;[/p]
• [p]player armor;[/p]
• [p]different types of stoves;[/p]
• [p]the ability to swim and dive![/p]

[p]This is only a short and incomplete list of what's new.[/p][p]The open Steam Playtest of the game will soon come to an end in its current form. Recently, there has been a lot of (for a single-player game) participation, which is great and very helpful for the development of the game.[/p][p]The Playtest will soon turn into a beta test, which will be accessible only to active and regularly reporting testers ☵ HIRAETH and supporters of the project on Patreon, Buymeacoffee and PayPal. The playtest itself in its current form will disappear when the game demo is released.

The playtest as it stands now will likely be closed at the beginning of July, with the release of the Demo.[/p][p]The game's Demo should appear in July. It will be a development demo, showing more or less the state of the game in the Early Access version and will be updated on an ongoing basis. A separate demo will appear for the later version of the full game.[/p][p][/p][h2]Demo limitations and differences from the game[/h2]

• [p]language versions will appear in the demo gradually, the first version will definitely come out with an English interface, other languages ​​will be added gradually;[/p]
• [p]the demo should have its own key settings, and controller support next;[/p]
• [p]the demo will come out in a Windows version, then a Linux version, for macOS probably later, after the Early Access version is released;[/p]
• [p]limitations and the ability to save load is an open question, especially since in the game it will be related to the choice of the difficulty level, which will not be in the early demo;[/p]
• [p]one universal difficulty level, maybe others will be added later;[/p]
• [p]in the demo there will be only one default character to choose from, as currently in playtest;[/p]

[p]A separate Steam page for the demo should appear in the next few days, but it will be available for download at the end of this month or next month.[/p][h2]What's in the Early Access version?[/h2][p]Currently, the expectations of players, Steam and popularizers have changed significantly in the last few years. A few years ago, ☵ HIRAETH could have been released at the level it was at half a year ago and no one would be surprised. I know many games that were released at such a level and are now polished and popular titles (or have faded into oblivion...).
[/p][p]Today, many titles are released, also as indie games, which have little in common with indie games like ☵ HIRAETH, are polished, but on the other hand, they don't change much later. I approach Early Access as just the beginning of an adventure, and if you know the game's publishing plans - a lot will change during it![/p][h3]Current assumptions:[/h3]

• [p]In the first version, the survival sandbox mode is similar to the one currently in playtest. Then there will be tasks, quests and a story mode will gradually appear;[/p]
• [p]Training Center and The Nesoi Island with a gradual expansion of the area. There will be no separate locations, simply new areas with different specifics and landscape will appear in the game. I'm already preparing other areas, but vehicles need to be added, which will happen soon;[/p]
• [p]There will definitely be the option to set your own keys and controller support, as well as other settings that currently only work partially in playtest;[/p]
• [p]The language versions listed on the game's website will appear successively, as Early Access develops;[/p]
• [p]In Early Access there will be a full or partial option to choose the difficulty level;[/p]
• [p]Full underwater exploration. In playtest this is a new option, only some underwater parts have a design as such;[/p]
• [p]Much more crafting, repairs and scrapping;[/p]
• [p]Refined weather direction;[/p]
• [p]Much more environmental hazards (radiation, fire, etc.), and damage will be more realistic, adjusted to the selected difficulty level;[/p]
• [p]Steam Achievements, which are disabled by Steam in playtest. There are currently a few test ones in playtest, not connected to your account;[/p]
• [p]Challenge mode. Directed challenges separate from the main gameplay;[/p]
• [p]Perks - connected to challenges, will make the game easier at the next start. This is just a rough but somewhat realistic plan for Early Access. [/p]

[p]The full list will be revealed at release.[/p][p]NOTE: Early Access release time is dependent on meeting the requirements to reach at least 10,000 wishlists on Steam.[/p][p][/p][h2]This is a real Indie game, or rather solodev[/h2][p]Although many people warned me against presenting the game as an indie game and solo dev for marketing reasons, I believe that there is no point in hiding it and that things should be presented as they are. As you can see in the playtest, there are a few people in the game's credits. At the beginning of the work on the project, they did a lot of great work, but for 2 years I have been working on the project exclusively by myself and in all aspects.[/p][h3]What will your support be used for?[/h3][p]First of all, to continue working on the project, releasing the Early Access version. Mainly for basic needs and internet and energy bills. Working on the project takes 100% of my time, apart from the lack of private life, I also cannot take on additional paid work, which would have a disastrous effect on workflow;
If the support is greater - to join the team of other people. Many are willing, the problem is, for example, the lack of possibility to maintain the project server necessary for teamwork, which is expensive for such an extensive project.[/p][h3]How to support?[/h3][p]The game's website lists various methods:
Patreon, buymeacoffee and PayPal/HiraethGame.

Regardless of where you support, the rewards are equal - what counts is the amount of the payment (also cumulative), and in return you will receive different rewards. Keep your payment confirmation, it will be the basis for the reward - placing you in the game and the universe ☵ HIRAETH.[/p][h3]
Preferred payment methods[/h3][p]It depends on your preferences, but please take into account:[/p]

• [p]PayPal is currently the fastest and least expensive way to receive support - for you and for me;[/p]
• [p]When paying with Apple Pay, the smallest part of your money is allocated to the project. There is also a 70-day grace period, so your support may not arrive on time...[/p]

[p]For any questions - contact me directly, preferably on Discord or via the form at hiraethgame.com
[/p][h3]When will you receive the rewards for your support?[/h3][p]Previous and current supporters receive rewards on an ongoing basis, with each game update. They are added to the game credits and placed in the game universe. They also appear on the game's website hiraethgame.com/support-production-and-be-part-of-hiraeth-game-universe/[/p][h3]
Example rewards for different support levels:[/h3]

• [p]Placement in in-game credits[/p]
• [p]Placement in the colonist list in the in-game databases[/p]
• [p]Memory Lane Polaroid - your photo on the memory walls[/p]
• [p]Name of the location or shelter, region[/p]
• [p]Mention in notes, item names[/p]
• [p]Separate mini stories or mini quests with a mention[/p]

[p]And many more. I try to distinguish supporters without disturbing the immersion of the players, which is working well for now (supporters are already listed in playtest).[/p][h3]Until when?[/h3][p]Support in this form will be possible until the release of the Early Access version. The rewards will be counted up to that point, and then the places where you can support will be closed.
Perhaps some other possibility will appear, for example the DLC Supporter Pack, but this is an unknown future for now. Such potential DLC will be completely unnecessary to play and will only contain some vanity items, with no impact on gameplay. It will also not be tied to the “become a legend in the ☵ Hiraeth game universe forever” rewards, so now is your last chance![/p][p][/p][p]Greetings to all survivors and see you in Early Access![/p][p]Paweł, author[/p][p][/p]