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Rift Miner News

Next Fest Challenge - Demo Speedrun

[h2]Steam Next Fest Challenge - Rift Miner Demo Speedrun[/h2][p] Steam Next Fest is live - and the Rift Miner demo is running in the current Steam Next Fest build. So let’s turn it into a challenge. [/p][hr][/hr][p]
Time to beat
17:13.990

Player OFFLINE_I_MG cleared the demo in 17:13.990 and is currently #1 on the Demo Speedrun Leaderboard. [/p][p][/p][p]Video proof: [dynamiclink][/dynamiclink] Note: the recording has no audio.

[/p][hr][/hr][p]
Can you take #1?
[/p]
  • [p]Play the demo during Next Fest[/p]
  • [p]Finish the demo as fast as you can - no excuses[/p]
  • [p]Want a better time? Start a new save and run it back[/p]
  • [p]Check your position on the in-game leaderboard
    [/p]
[p]
Play the demo - Wishlist

Feedback - bugs - ideas
Join the Discord

OFFLINE_I_MG set the bar - now kick it over. ⛏️[/p]

Steam Next Fest - Demo Updated

[h2]Steam Next Fest is live - jump into the Rift Miner demo[/h2][p]
Steam Next Fest starts today at 18:00 and Rift Miner is in.
The demo was already out, but this is the current Next Fest build with fresh polish, fixes, and QoL.

Compete on the demo leaderboard
Your score is the time it takes to finish the demo.
You can improve your time anytime by starting a new save and doing a faster run.

[/p][hr][/hr][p]
Highlights since demo release
[/p]
  • [p]Performance - smoother long sessions, reduced map loading spikes[/p]
  • [p]Stability - memory leaks fixed[/p]
  • [p]QoL - pin upgrades to track required mining resources[/p]
  • [p]Options - new FOV setting, hub zoom for easier leaderboard readability[/p]
  • [p]UI - upgrade tree cleaned up[/p]
  • [p]Visuals - portals updated, brief invisibility bug fixed[/p]
[p]
Play the demo - Wishlist

Feedback - Bugs - Ideas
Join the Discord
Or post in the Steam Discussions.

Question
Which Echo Card or upgrade combo feels strongest right now - and what should I tackle next?

See you in the rift. ⛏️[/p]

Rift Miner Demo is live – play now & share your feedback!

Rift Miner Demo is out now!
[h3]Play today, share feedback & please wishlist[/h3][p][/p][p]The demo is live - the Rift is open. 🔥 If you’ve got a minute: jump in, run a few fast extractions, grab the loot, and let me know how it feels. [/p][p][/p][hr][/hr][h2]Feedback, ideas & bug reports[/h2][p]
Best place is Discord:
Join the Rift Miner Discord

Or post in the Steam Discussions:
Steam Discussions
[/p][hr][/hr][h2]Wishlist = huge support ❤️[/h2][p]
If you enjoy the demo, please wishlist Rift Miner - it helps a ton with visibility on Steam. [dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][hr][/hr][h2]Thank you![/h2][p]I read everything - feedback, bugs, balance thoughts, or your best extraction stories.
See you in the Rift. ⛏️ [/p]

Rift Miner Demo launches Feb 6 at 17:00 CET - Wishlist now!

Rift Miner Demo drops Friday, February 6, 2026!
[h3]Launch time: 17:00 CET (Berlin)[/h3][p]
The Rift is opening - and you’re invited.

In just 7 days, you can finally jump in and play the Rift Miner Demo on Steam. Mine fast, grab your loot, and escape before the Rift collapses - then cash in your haul for upgrades and go deeper next run.
[/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]Demo release time - major regions[/h2]
  • [p]CET (Berlin): Fri, Feb 6 - 17:00 [/p]
  • [p]UK (GMT): Fri, Feb 6 - 16:00 [/p]
  • [p]US East (ET): Fri, Feb 6 - 11:00 [/p]
  • [p]US West (PT): Fri, Feb 6 - 08:00 [/p]
  • [p]Brazil (BRT): Fri, Feb 6 - 13:00 [/p]
  • [p]Japan (JST): Sat, Feb 7 - 01:00 [/p]
  • [p]Australia (AEDT - Sydney): Sat, Feb 7 - 03:00
    [/p]
[hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]What to expect in the Demo[/h2]
  • [p]Fast, satisfying mining in 3D voxel rifts - every second counts. [/p]
  • [p]Roguelite progression: extract, upgrade, repeat - and push deeper each attempt. [/p]
  • [p]Build-defining runs with powerful synergies and playstyle shifts. [/p]
  • [p]Demo Speedrun Leaderboard: finish the demo as fast as possible and claim your spot.
    [/p]
[hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]Wishlist now - it helps a lot![/h2][p]If the demo looks like your kind of game, please wishlist Rift Miner.
Wishlists are the biggest way you can support the launch and help more miners discover the game.

[dynamiclink][/dynamiclink] [/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]Join the community[/h2][p]Want updates, patch notes, and a place to share times, builds, and feedback?

Join the Rift Miner Discord
[/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]See you in the Rift[/h2][p]Drop your feedback, bug reports, and best extraction stories in the comments - I’ll be reading everything.

Demo Date: Friday, February 6, 2026 - 17:00 CET
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Spotlight: Lost Beats - The Atmosphere of Rift Miner

Spotlight: Lost Beats - The Atmosphere of Rift Miner
[p]
Hey everyone!

As a solo developer, I juggle a lot of different roles - coder, game designer, artist. But there is one layer of the game that is so critical to the immersion that I am glad to have an expert handling it: the music.

Without the right sound, the Rift is just a dark hole. With the right sound, it becomes a place that feels like it is watching you. That is where Lost Beats comes in.

Before we dive in, a quick update for your calendars:
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  • [p]Demo: Coming for Steam Next Fest in February 2026.[/p]
  • [p]Release: We start drilling on April 16, 2026.[/p]
[p]>> Wishlist Rift Miner on Steam <<
[/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]Who is behind the sound?[/h2][p]
Lost Beats isn't new to rhythm. He started traditionally around age 10 with flute and guitar before moving on to rock the clubs as part of a DJ duo in the 2000s. Since 2023, he has shifted his focus back to full digital production and songwriting on PC.

He released his debut album "Dark Emotions" in July 2025. While that album is a standalone project unrelated to the game, Rift Miner marks his very first soundtrack for a video game. I am incredibly happy that I could get him on board for this, as he absolutely nailed the vibe I was looking for.
[/p][hr][/hr][p]
[/p][h2]Why the audio matters[/h2][p]
I wanted you to feel the difference, not just see it.
In the Hub, you are safe. You organize your inventory, plan your next round. [/p][p]The music gives you room to breathe. But the moment you descend into the Rift, everything shifts. The tracks become more driving, the pressure rises. It creates that subtle tension in your neck telling you: "Don't stand still for too long." Lost Beats manages to hit that perfect balance between focus and dread.
[/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]Genre DNA: More than just EDM[/h2][p]
While Lost Beats has his roots in EDM (inspired by legends like Tiësto or Mauro Picotto), he doesn't let genres box him in. He blends Rock and Metal influences into his tracks whenever the mood calls for it. That flexibility is exactly what I need for this game because the Rift is unpredictable.
[/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]Listen here[/h2][p]
If you want to dive deeper into his sound, check him out here:
>> Lost Beats on Spotify <<

If you want to reach out to him for your own projects, you can contact him at [email protected].
[/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][h2]What do you think?[/h2][p]
What kind of soundtrack pulls you into a game the most? A driving beat that pushes you forward, or an eerie silence that is only broken occasionally?

Let me know in the comments!

>> Wishlist Rift Miner on Steam <<

See you next time in the Rift!
Lars[/p]