Playable Worlds Studio’s large-scale sandbox “Stars Reach” has officially completed alpha testing and alpha weekend. After a final stress test (Server Slam) over the weekend, the test servers were shut down so that developers could prepare the infrastructure for the Early Access release on August 18, 2026.
Over several testing phases, the project underwent significant changes: the visual components were improved, the game mechanics were developed, and the physics simulation of the world (including the behavior of water, weather and the destructibility of the landscape) became a key element of the gameplay. For players who missed practice, the studio left a video on YouTube with home improvement instructions (“How to Homestead”).
Key details for the Early Access launch:
- The basic Firstlight Pack sells for $29.99. For players who want extra cosmetics and early tool upgrades, there are Voyager ($49.99) and Cosmonaut ($79.99) deluxe editions.
- With the launch, the Content Creator Support Program is reinstated through the Creators.gg platform (application deadline is September 4), allowing streamers to receive community keys, titles and merchandise, while all previously accumulated beta progress is saved.
- The developers have released a “live” roadmap, which is positioned as an open dialogue with the community – the feature list may change based on player feedback.
