How To Play Early Access Games On Steam

How to Play Early Access Games on Steam

So, you’ve heard about Early Access games on Steam and you’re curious? That’s awesome! It’s like getting a sneak peek at a game while it’s still being made. Think of it like being a beta tester, but instead of just finding bugs, you get to play and influence the game’s final form. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to jump into the world of Early Access on Steam.

Understanding Early Access

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s talk a bit about the “what.” Early Access is a system on Steam where developers can release their games before they’re fully finished. They’re not complete, they might have some glitches, and features could be missing or changing. But the cool part is that you, the player, get to be involved in the process. You’re essentially helping them to improve their game and make it better with your feedback.

Why Do Developers Use Early Access?

Game development takes a lot of time and money. Early Access helps developers in many ways:

• Funding: Selling the game in Early Access gives them funds to keep working on it.
• Feedback: They get real-time feedback from players about what works and what doesn’t.
• Community: It helps them build a community of players who are invested in the game’s success.

What to Expect From an Early Access Game?

It’s super important to have the right expectations. Here’s what you might find:

• Bugs: Expect to encounter some glitches or errors. That’s normal!
• Missing Features: Some features might not be there yet, or they could be changed later on.
• Performance Issues: The game might not run as smoothly as a finished game.
• Content Changes: The game might get big updates that add new content or completely overhaul existing content.

Finding Early Access Games on Steam

Ready to start browsing? Here are some ways to locate Early Access titles on Steam.

The Steam Store

The main Steam Store page has several ways to find Early Access Games.

• Early Access Hub: You can find a dedicated “Early Access” section on the Steam store front page. This often shows the latest releases or popular Early Access titles.
• Search: Use the search bar and type “Early Access.” This will bring up all games with this label.
• Browse by Tags: When looking at games, you can often see tags. Search for or filter by the “Early Access” tag.
• Curators: Steam Curators often make lists of Early Access games they like. Check out curators you like to find some hidden gems.

Using Steam’s Filters

Steam’s filters are like your personal shopping assistant to find the best games for you.

1. Go to the Steam Store: Head over to the store page like you normally would.
2. Click “Browse”: On the Store page, click on the ‘Browse’ option, then select ‘New and Trending’.
3. Refine Results: In the left sidebar, find the section labeled “Narrow by” and scroll down to the “Early Access” checkbox and tick the box to only show Early Access games. You can also refine further by genres, price, or even user reviews.

Using these filters helps to find exactly what you are looking for.

Purchasing Early Access Games

So, you’ve found an Early Access game you like, now what? Let’s discuss purchasing.

How to Buy

Buying an Early Access game is almost the same as buying any other game on Steam.

1. Go to the Game’s Store Page: Click on the game you’re interested in.
2. Add to Cart: Click the “Add to Cart” button.
3. Checkout: Follow the checkout process, select your payment method, and confirm your purchase.

Once you buy it, the game will be added to your Steam Library and you can download it.

Understanding Pricing

Early Access games sometimes have different pricing structures. Here is what to expect:

• Lower Prices: Games in Early Access are sometimes sold at a lower price, as they are not complete yet.
• Price Increases: The game’s price might increase as development progresses and new content is added, especially when it gets close to its full release.
• “Buy Once, Play Forever”: Usually, when you buy an Early Access game, you get access to all future updates and to the full version when it’s released.

Playing Early Access Games

Alright! The game is downloaded and ready. Let’s get playing!

Downloading and Installation

Downloading and installing early access game is just same like normal games.

1. Go to your Steam Library: Launch your Steam client and go to the “Library” section.
2. Find the Game: Find the Early Access game that you bought in your list of games.
3. Click Install: Click the “Install” button.
4. Follow On-Screen Instructions: Follow the instructions, choose installation location and wait until installation completed.

Launching the Game

After installation the game is ready to play.

• Launch From Library: Find the game in your library and click “Play”.
• Check System Requirements: Make sure your computer meets the game’s system requirements to avoid performance issues.

Game Updates and Patches

Early Access games often get frequent updates and patches. Keep eye on this.

• Automatic Updates: By default, Steam will update your games automatically.
• Patch Notes: Developers often publish patch notes, which are like mini-blogs telling you what’s new or what changes have been made. Check for this on the game’s store page.
• Restart Steam: Sometimes you might need to restart your Steam client to get the latest updates to download.

Providing Feedback and Engaging with the Community

You’re not just playing these games; you’re helping shape them. It is important to give feedback.

Why Is Feedback Important?

Your feedback is incredibly valuable because:

• Helps Developers: It points out bugs and areas that need improvement.
• Shapes the Game: Your thoughts can influence new features and changes.
• Makes a Better Game: The end result is a game that’s better for everyone.

How to Give Feedback

There are multiple ways to give feedback and each way might be useful for different types of feedback.

• Steam Forums: Most Early Access games have their own forums on Steam. This is a great place to discuss the game, report bugs, or give suggestions.
• Developer Discord Servers: Many developers have Discord servers for their games. This is often a faster way to talk to them and the community.
• In-Game Feedback Tools: Some games have built-in tools to report bugs or give feedback directly from inside the game.
• Game Reviews: You can also leave a review on the game’s Steam page after you have played it. Be sure to mention your suggestions and feedback.

Being a Respectful Community Member

Always remember to be nice and respectful when giving feedback. Positive and constructive feedback is more useful and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Managing Your Expectations

Let’s talk about how to keep your expectations in check with Early Access Games.

Not Everything Will Be Perfect

Early Access games are works in progress, so, be prepared for some bumps in the road.

• Bugs are Normal: Don’t get frustrated with bugs; think of it as your job to help find them.
• Features Might Change: Features you like might get removed or changed. Try to be flexible with game changes.
• Progress Might Be Reset: Sometimes, big updates might require your game progress to be reset. This is not common but might happen so, be prepared for that.

Patience is Key

Game development takes time. Be patient and understanding. The team behind the game is probably working hard to make it better.

• Regular Updates: Don’t expect constant updates, but do expect regular updates as the game is being developed.
• It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint: Remember that the game will take time to fully develop, so be patient and enjoy the progress.

Deciding When to Buy

Considering to buy an Early Access game? Consider the following before making a purchase.

• Do Your Research: Read reviews, check out gameplay videos, and see what the developer has planned.
• Consider your Budget: Early Access games might not be complete. Always consider if you are okay spending money on something that might change or not be perfect.
• Be Okay with the Risks: Early Access games involve risks. Understand those risks before you buy a game.

Risks and Rewards of Early Access

Early Access games have pros and cons. It’s important to understand both before diving in.

The Rewards

What are the fun and cool benefits?

• Play Games Early: You get to play and enjoy games before the full release.
• Influence Development: Your feedback can actually change the game.
• Build a Community: You become a part of a community that’s passionate about the game.
• Often Cheaper Price: Early access games are often cheaper than the full version will be.

The Risks

What are some possible downsides?

• Game May Not Finish: There is always a small chance that the game might not get completed and will remain in the early access stage.
• Bugs and Glitches: Expect more bugs than you would in a fully released game.
• Frustration: If you are not prepared for the above-mentioned points, you might get frustrated with the incomplete nature of the game.
• Loss of Data: There is a risk of your in-game progress and data being lost during the updates.

Is Early Access Right For You?

Think about what you want from a game before playing Early Access titles.

• Are You Okay with Imperfection? If you expect a polished and perfect experience, Early Access might not be for you.
• Do You Like Being Involved? If you enjoy helping to shape a game and giving feedback, you will probably love it.
• Can You Be Patient? If you get easily frustrated waiting for new updates, you may be disappointed.

Playing Early Access games on Steam can be an exciting experience. You get to see a game evolve and be a part of its journey. Remember to manage your expectations, give constructive feedback, and have fun. Early Access isn’t just about playing a game, it’s also about being part of a community and helping build something great!