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Steam News23 January 20265mo ago

Playtest is Live!

Public Playtest Now Live The Barely Alive public playtest is officially live on Steam. This is an early hands-on opportunity to jump into the game, experience the core mechanics, and help shape its future.

In this update5

Full notes

Full Barely Alive update

Read the full published notes in a cleaner layout. The original post stays linked below.

What changed

0 fixes0 additions4 changes0 removals
  • Gameplay
  • Balance
changedPublic Playtest Now LiveThis is an early hands-on opportunity to jump into the game, experience the core mechanics, and help shape its future. Expect tense moments, rough edges, and systems that are still being tuned — that’s exactly what this playtest is for.
changedWhat’s in the playtestCore gameplay loop and match flow
changedWhat’s in the playtestCurrent mechanics, balance, and progression
changedFeedback & bug reporting (important)Ideas and suggestions for improvements are also always welcome and appreciated!

Barely Alive changes

changedThis is an early hands-on opportunity to jump into the game, experience the core mechanics, and help shape its future. Expect tense moments, rough edges, and systems that are still being tuned — that’s exactly what this playtest is for.
changedCore gameplay loop and match flow
changedCurrent mechanics, balance, and progression
changedIdeas and suggestions for improvements are also always welcome and appreciated!

Public Playtest Now Live

The Barely Alive public playtest is officially live on Steam.

This is an early hands-on opportunity to jump into the game, experience the core mechanics, and help shape its future. Expect tense moments, rough edges, and systems that are still being tuned — that’s exactly what this playtest is for.

What’s in the playtest

  • Core gameplay loop and match flow

  • Multiplayer sessions with real players

  • Current mechanics, balance, and progression

What to expect

  • Bugs and unfinished elements

  • Active iteration during the playtest

  • Changes based directly on player feedback

How to join

  1. Request access on the Steam page

  2. Download the playtest build

  3. Jump in and play

Feedback & bug reporting (important)

Barely Alive is being developed by a solo dev, and player feedback has a direct impact.

  • 🐞 Bug reports, feedback & community: Join the Discord → https://discord.gg/MHxrCVq

  • 💬 You can also post in the Steam Discussion forums

If something breaks, feels confusing, or just isn’t fun - say so. Even small notes help.

Ideas and suggestions for improvements are also always welcome and appreciated!

Thanks to everyone taking the time to play and share feedback. This playtest is a major milestone, and your input genuinely helps shape the game as I prepare for release.

  • mayo (Barely Alive Dev)

Source

Steam News / 23 January 2026

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