Half a year in Early Access

Time flies

It's been 6 months since Beyond the Map entered Early Access on August 25, 2025.

First of all, ❤️ thank you to everyone who has supported the game! I've received more feedback than I could possibly address, and I'm still working through your suggestions. My backlog is currently three screens long - but we'll get there!

Development Progress

Here are the most notable features and changes implemented during that time:

Patch 0.2.11

• Improved world generation

• Solo Self-Found mode

• QoL features

Patch 0.2.10

• Improved map & mini-map

• Iron tools & other tool improvements

• Supporter Pack & Bundle

Patch 0.2.9

• Smart Loot

• Larger inventory

• Mastery levels (post-cap progression)

• Sockets & Gems

Patch 0.2.8

• Partial controller support (Xbox, Steam Deck)

• Stone building

Patch 0.2.7

• World tiers

• Difficulty options

Patch 0.2.6

• Better rendering of CJK fonts

Patch 0.2.5

• Steam achievements

• Stats, skills, and glyph improvements

Patch 0.2.4

• Item comparison

• Stash sorting

Patch 0.2.3

• New movement system

• Performance improvements

Has everything that was planned for this period been implemented? Not quite; indie development rarely goes exactly as planned. Still, the game is in a much stronger state now and will continue to improve.

2026 Q2 Roadmap

The main focus of the upcoming updates in Q2 will be Dungeons, starting with the Abandoned Mines, hidden deep in the iron quarries. Long ago, the Boneweavers tunneled through these caves to reach ancient graveyards and crypts, slipping unseen past the spirit beasts that patrolled the surface. For you - these tunnels will soon become an endless source of loot, challenges, and experience!

Another notable update planned for this period is a revamped character creation system. Instead of the 3 pre-defined options, you'll be able to choose your character traits yourself, customizing your hero to fit your playstyle and intended role.

As always, there will be many other things, like QoL features, new items, skills, and glyphs, as well as other systems that don't have a specific priority yet and will be released when ready. Stay tuned!

Public test builds

Want to play the new content early? Check out the public-test branch: https://steamcommunity.com/app/2896380/discussions/0/707749927473924596/ - it will receive updates days or weeks ahead of the live branch. Be sure to share your feedback on the forums or Discord!

The world of Beyond the Map is yours to explore. Keep discovering, experimenting, and sharing your ideas - together, we'll make it even better.