Most of the time, playing an unfinished game is cause for outrage. We expect the best PC games to be complete, stable, and fun above anything else. But there is a new tool for games, mostly indie games, to take advantage of that lets players try a game early knowing that the game isn’t complete. Early access allows smaller development teams to get funding for their games before launching them, accumulate useful player data and feedback, and learn to make changes on the fly. For players, they get to see some experimental new games that probably wouldn’t otherwise exist and be a part of the development in a small way. Early access games encompass almost every genre, from RPGs and roguelikes to co-op and open-world games, so we’ve gathered up some of the best games currently in early access that just might be, or already are, the next massive hit.
If you want to know when the most anticipated upcoming PC games will fully launch, check out this list as well.
Path of Exile 2
90%
Platforms
Xbox Series X|S, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Mac
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Adventure
Developer
Grinding Gear Games
Publisher
Grinding Gear Games, Kakao Games
Release
December 06, 2024
The first Path of Exile established that a team besides Blizzard could deliver an amazing ARPG in the style of Diablo 2. Even after Diablo 4 came out, many still felt Path of Exile was the true successor to the formula, which is now getting a full sequel in Path of Exile 2. The full game will feature a complete campaign, new classes, co-op, and a full loot grind for you to obsess over for hours upon hours. Currently, you can play through three acts of the campaign, 6 of the 12 classes, plus get a taste of some of the end game content. That might not sound like a lot, but there is already enough packed in to last dozens of hours with more being added up until launch. The full game will be free to play, but getting into the early access will cost you to see it early.
Hades II
80%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Adventure, Indie
Developer
Supergiant Games
Publisher
Supergiant Games
Release
May 06, 2024
Hades was a huge game in early access originally, but now that Hades 2 is available on Steam and not just the Epic Games Store it is even more popular. Even when it first hit early access, Hades 2 had almost more content than the first game. Now, with more weapons, zones, and boons added, it feels odd to not call it a full game. The only reason we would be hesitant to tell you to instantly jump into this game is that there is a chance that your progress will be reset when the game hits 1.0. The developers are attempting to avoid it, but it is a possibility. However, given that this is a roguelike and unlocking everything is part of the fun, that might not be a bad thing.
Dyson Sphere Program
83%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows)
Genre
Simulator, Strategy, Indie
Developer
Youthcat Studio
Publisher
Gamera Games
Release
January 21, 2021
Just like the theoretical concept the game is named after, Dyson SPhere Program is a wildly ambitious game. Any game that lists itself as a “sci-fi simulation game with space, adventure, exploration, and factory automation elements where you can build your own galactic industrial empire from scratch” certainly has a lot to live up to. Dyson Sphere Program, at least so far, has somehow managed to pull off just about everything it is setting out to do. Your objective in the game is to create the titular Dyson Spheres, theoretical structures that could be built around stars to gather their energy, in order to save humanity. Naturally, building something like that from scratch is going to take a lot of work. Each game will set you loose in a procedurally generated universe full of planets and stars. You will quickly set up operations on multiple planets for their unique resources, creating supply chains and production lines across solar systems. There is a bit of exploration here as you scout planets and stars, but the main thrust of this game is all about designing the perfect interstellar factory. From a tiny five-person development team, this is absolutely looking like one of the best space-management games of the year.
Hyper Light Breaker
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows)
Genre
Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Adventure, Indie
Developer
Heart Machine
Publisher
Arc Games
Release
January 14, 2025
Sequels tend to stick close to what worked with the first game, but Heart Machine is taking a big swing with Hyper Light Breaker. That kind of risk makes it great for early access, both for the team to work out the new mechanics and perspective and for players to see if such a different sequel is what they want. Hyper Light Drifter was a fantastic 2D adventure game, but Breaker is going fully 3D, open world, and even bringing in roguelike elements. The only holdover from the first game is the striking art style (though no longer pixel art) and the fast and precise combat. Now, though, you have far more weapon options, the ability to play in co-op, and an entire loot economy to think about.
Project Zomboid
82%
Platforms
Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Simulator, Indie
Developer
The Indie Stone
Publisher
The Indie Stone
Release
November 08, 2013
Some games seem to live in early access, with Project Zomboid currently going on for about 12 years in this early state. That doesn’t mean the game has been abandoned or isn’t getting regular support, because it is. For whatever reason, the team just hasn’t deemed it as enough yet despite already being one of the most ambitious zombie sim games out there. Honestly, you wouldn’t even be able to tell it was early access if no one told you. The game has online multiplayer on persistent servers, local and online co-op, dynamic maps loosely based on your real-world location, crafting, survival mechanics, challenge modes, and so much more. If you are seeking a deep immersive sim zombie game, don’t hesitate to try Project Zomboid.
The Isle
78%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows)
Genre
Fighting, Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Simulator, Strategy, Adventure, Indie
Developer
Afterthought Games
Publisher
Afterthought Games
Release
December 01, 2015
Most dinosaur games have you fighting or taming the prehistoric beasts, but The Isle finally lets you play as your favorite dino. You are thrown into this open world survival game as one of dozens of dinosaurs attempting to survive in a deadly ecosystem. Each breed has its own needs, strengths, and weaknesses in the world to consider, but each of them is fun in its own way. The world can support over 100 players all trying to survive and grow stronger to progress through the various life stages and unlock new abilities. It is a very ambitious title already that thrives on emergent gameplay with the community.
