Weekly Devlog - Early Access scope freeze (pt.2)

Overview This week’s focus was on finalizing the Early Access scope freeze — defining exactly what will be included in the first playable release.

Details The process is still underway, and as expected, the scale of an open-world RPG becomes staggering once every system and asset is laid out in full. Roughly 85% of the freeze is now complete, with the remainder planned for finalization and refinement next week.

High-level metrics of what to expect (still can change, but much less than previous update):

• 10 NPC's (of which there will be 1 specialist NPC)

• 1 Dungeon

• 13 Enemies

• 1 Boss

• 6 Quests

• 12 Zones

• 2 Shops

• 2 Secrets

Beyond the core content, the world will also feature hidden treasures, repairable structures, leymarkers for map discovery, ambient critters (bees, frogs, lizards, etc.), environmental hazards, status effects, and narrative encounters — all built to make exploration feel alive. In total, at least 23 distinct world resources are planned for Early Access.

Next Steps Next week’s work will focus on completing documentation and fully polishing the scope list to ensure everything is well-defined and achievable.

Thanks for following the development of Plague Alchemist! If you’d like to stay up to date, follow the page and check back every Thursday for the next devlog.