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Long Drive North News

Long Drive North Early Access - Worldwide Launch Time

[p]We know many of you are excited to get your hands on Long Drive North as soon as possible, so here's exactly when you can jump in![/p][p]The game will launch globally on November 18 at 7am PST/10am EST/3pm GMT.[/p][p]We've put together a countdown to launch so you can all keep an eye on exactly how long you have left to wait:[/p][p]Countdown to Early Access Launch[/p][p][/p][h2]What to Expect From Early Access Launch[/h2][p]Those of you who played the NextFest Demo will have a good idea of what to expect. [/p][p]Like the demo, at Early Access launch Long Drive North features the core survival mechanics and repair mechanics - and supports co-op with separate RV's.[/p][p]However, the Early Access launch version also includes endless route generation - and, of course, the ability to save your progress.[/p][p]How far can you survive your Long Drive North?[/p][p]We're excited to share this core experience with you, and hear your thoughts and feedback! This is just the beginning.[/p][h2]Early Access Roadmap[/h2][p]We have lots of exciting content planned during Early Access, including our first major content update: shared RVs in co-op! Take a look at what's planned for early 2026 and beyond:[/p][p][/p][h2]Q1 2026[/h2][p]Features[/p]
  • [p]Co-op: Shared RV option[/p]
  • [p]Co-op: Usable passenger seat[/p]
  • [p]Co-op: Ability to drive other players' RVs[/p]
[p]RV[/p]
  • [p]Usable ladder[/p]
  • [p]Ability to place bed in RV overcab[/p]
  • [p]Radio: Further LDN Radio broadcasts and music[/p]
[p]World[/p]
  • [p]New routes, areas and POIs[/p]
  • [p]Unique lore items (notes, photos, posters etc)[/p]
[p]Loadouts[/p]
  • [p]New unlockable player character[/p]
  • [p]New unlockable dog companion[/p]
[p]Crafting[/p]
  • [p]Additions to Tier 3 crafting[/p]
  • [p]Tier 4 crafting[/p]
[p]General[/p]
  • [p]Bug fixes and quality of life improvements[/p]
  • [p]Photo mode[/p]
  • [p]Keybinds[/p]
[h2]Future Updates[/h2]
  • [p]Difficulty setting[/p]
  • [p]Additional routes, areas and POIs[/p]
  • [p]Further lore[/p]
  • [p]RV customisation[/p]
  • [p]RV functionalities (propane tanks, electricity system etc)[/p]
  • [p]RV appliances (fridge, microwave, oven etc)[/p]
  • [p]New RV types[/p]
  • [p]New unlockable playable characters[/p]
  • [p]New unlockable dogs[/p]
  • [p]New wildlife[/p]
  • [p]New forageables[/p]
  • [p]New tools[/p]
  • [p]Towing[/p]
  • [p]Cassette tapes (music, diary entries, recipes, tips etc)[/p]
  • [p]Usable instant camera[/p]
  • [p]Mod support[/p]
[p]Disclaimer: With larger updates which improve upon the game fundamentals, there is a possibility of save files being wiped. Roadmap subject to change.[/p]

Long Drive North (Early Access) now Launches on November 18

[p]In our final pre-launch checks we have encountered some save issues. We have therefore taken the tough decision to delay Early Access launch until November 18.[/p][h2]Why the Delay?[/h2][p]Those of you who played the NextFest demo will have a good idea of what to expect from the Early Access launch version.[/p][p]Like the demo, at Early Access launch Long Drive North features the core survival mechanics and repair mechanics - and supports co-op with separate RV's. However, the Early Access launch version also includes endless route generation - and, of course, the ability to save your progress.[/p][p]In our final pre-launch checks we have found some issues with saving and loading. As an Early Access game, there will always be some bugs and glitches. But the saving bugs we've encountered would have a negative impact on the experience of lots of players, so we have decided to delay launch by a couple of weeks to get these resolved.[/p][p]We appreciate that this news will be disappointing to many of you who are excited join our Early Access journey. Thank you all for your patience. We can’t wait to get the game into your hands on November 18![/p][p][/p]

Early Access Launches on November 6 + Roadmap Revealed!

[p]Long Drive North will launch in Early Access on November 6![/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink]Special thanks to Ullyria Rae-Leigh and Kiwadian, who feature in the trailer.[/p][p]Join us for Early Access launch to explore and survive the endless American wilderness as you drive and repair your trusty old RV. Scavenge for parts, hunt and cook, all alone or with up to 4 friends in separate RVs.[/p][p]We have lots of exciting content planned during Early Access, including our first major content update: shared RVs in co-op! Take a look at what's planned for early 2026 and beyond:[/p][p][/p][h2]Q1 2026[/h2][p]Features[/p]
  • [p]Co-op: Shared RV option[/p]
  • [p]Co-op: Usable passenger seat[/p]
  • [p]Co-op: Ability to drive other players' RVs[/p]
[p]RV[/p]
  • [p]Usable ladder[/p]
  • [p]Ability to place bed in RV overcab[/p]
  • [p]Radio: Further LDN Radio broadcasts and music[/p]
[p]World[/p]
  • [p]New routes, areas and POIs[/p]
  • [p]Unique lore items (notes, photos, posters etc)[/p]
[p]Loadouts[/p]
  • [p]New unlockable player character[/p]
  • [p]New unlockable dog companion[/p]
[p]Crafting[/p]
  • [p]Additions to Tier 3 crafting[/p]
  • [p]Tier 4 crafting[/p]
[p]General[/p]
  • [p]Bug fixes and quality of life improvements[/p]
  • [p]Photo mode[/p]
  • [p]Keybinds[/p]
[h2]Future Updates[/h2]
  • [p]Difficulty setting[/p]
  • [p]Additional routes, areas and POIs[/p]
  • [p]Further lore[/p]
  • [p]RV customisation[/p]
  • [p]RV functionalities (propane tanks, electricity system etc)[/p]
  • [p]RV appliances (fridge, microwave, oven etc)[/p]
  • [p]New RV types[/p]
  • [p]New unlockable playable characters[/p]
  • [p]New unlockable dogs[/p]
  • [p]New wildlife[/p]
  • [p]New forageables[/p]
  • [p]New tools[/p]
  • [p]Towing[/p]
  • [p]Cassette tapes (music, diary entries, recipes, tips etc)[/p]
  • [p]Usable instant camera[/p]
  • [p]Mod support[/p]
[p]Disclaimer: With larger updates which improve upon the game fundamentals, there is a possibility of save files being wiped. Roadmap subject to change.[/p][p]See you at Early Access launch![/p]

Long Drive North - Demo Now Available in Steam Next Fest!

[p]Long Drive North Early Access Demo is now live until 20th October![/p][p]Limited to just two routes, the Long Drive North Early Access Demo is your first look at this highly anticipated game. Explore and survive the harsh American wilderness as you drive and repair your trusty old RV, scavenge for parts, hunt and cook to survive. The demo (and the initial Early Access launch version) supports single player, and up to 4 player co-op in separate RVs. Shared RVs will be added in the first major content update following Early Access launch.[/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]
Demo Availability Dates
[p]The demo is available to play until 20th October at 10am PDT/6pm BST. From this point the demo will no longer be playable, so make sure to play it before then![/p]
What to Expect From the Demo and Early Access Launch
[p]At Early Access launch the game will feature endless route generation and new crafting recipes. Otherwise, the demo is representative of the game at Early Access launch, so this is a great opportunity to get a true taste of Long Drive North.[/p][p]Please note that the demo does not support save functionality, and progress in the demo will not transfer to the Early Access game. At Early Access launch, Long Drive North will support saving.[/p][p]We can’t wait to hear what you think, so make sure to leave a demo review on Steam![/p][p]We hope you enjoy your road trip![/p][p]The Long Drive North Team[/p]

Steam Playtest Application Now Open + Early Access Launching in November!

[p]Hello all,[/p][p]We have lots of exciting news for you today, so let's get to it![/p][h2]New Trailer and Early Access Release News[/h2][p]We've just released a brand new trailer along with a piece of news that we know you've all been waiting for: Long Drive North will launch in Early Access this November![/p][p]Head over to IGN to watch the new trailer, and take a look at just some of what you and your friends will get up to on your multiplayer road trip![/p][p][/p][h2]Steam Playtest Applications Now Live[/h2][p]Applications are now open for our Steam Playtest which will run next week, from 1st – 8th September! Head to the Steam store page, scroll to the 'Join the Long Drive North Playtest' widget and hit the green 'Request Access' button now to apply![/p][p]Steam Playtest players are selected at random, so applying does not guarantee participation. Players selected for the playtest will have the ability to invite up to three friends from their Steam friends list, to enable multiplayer testing. The successful applicants (selected at random by Steam) will receive an email from Steam once they have been accepted – so check your email inbox on Monday 1st September (including junk)![/p][p]If you have not received an email by 2nd September and your playtest status on the store page has not changed, you can assume you were unsuccessful this time.[/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink]Playtest Dates[/p][p]Applications open: NOW OPEN[/p][p]Applications close/playtest begins: Monday 1st September at 11am BST/3am PDT[/p][p]Playtest closes: Monday 8th September at 11am BST/3am PDT[/p][p]How to Submit Feedback[/p][p]Please press F11 to use the in-game feedback function.[/p][p]Can I post about the playtest online?[/p][p]Yes. The Steam playtest is not under NDA, so you are welcome to post about the playtest online or stream the game/post videos.[/p][p][/p][p]That's all for now![/p][p]Thanks,[/p][p]The Long Drive North Team[/p]