Why Early Access?

Extinct Forest is an ambitious project heavily relying on complex physics-based interactions and AI behavior. Since we are a small indie team, we need player feedback to fine-tune the mechanics, balance the survival elements, and squash bugs. Early Access allows us to involve the community in the development process while we build the rest of the Forest.

Approximately how long will this game be in Early Access?

We estimate the game will be in Early Access for approximately 6 to 12 months. However, this timeline may change depending on player feedback and the scope of new features we decide to implement.

How is the full version planned to differ from the Early Access version?

ROADMAP – Path to Full Release
UPDATE 1: Atmosphere & Infrastructure

Narrative Systems: Implementation of the interaction framework for PC terminals, notes, and radio broadcasts.
Map Expansion: Opening of Trainstations A & B.
World Polish: Visual improvements, lighting adjustments, and detail passes on existing maps.

UPDATE 2: Fight & Survive

Melee Combat: Introduction of pipes, bats, and hammers with physical feedback and new animations.
Dino AI Upgrade: Movement optimization (smoother navigation over obstacles) and new attacks (e.g., jump attacks).
Roster Complete: Finishing and implementing the remaining dinosaur types.
New Biome: The Lake Area.

UPDATE 3: The Depths (Indoor Focus)

New Locations: Unlocking the Hospital and the Underground Industry Bunker.
Cinematic Combat: Added "Kill-Cams" for encounters with large dinosaurs.
Lore Integration: Distribution of story elements (notes, audio logs) throughout the world to unravel the mystery.

UPDATE 4: The Final Horizon

Massive Expansion: The International Airport and the Secret Area.
Final Polish: Global optimization, bug fixing, and navmesh refinement for the complete open world.
Version 1.0 Release.