BitCraft Online is launching soon on Steam in Early Access. The team at Clockwork Laboratories has not only revealed the date but also details about the monetization.
When does it start? Three and a half years ago, MeinMMO first talked about the newly presented Survival MMORPG that was reminiscent of Zelda: Breath of the Wild in the first trailer. Now it is clear that BitCraft Online is set to launch in Early Access on Steam on May 29, 2025.
At the final launch, the online role-playing game will use a free-to-play model. However, those who want to participate in Early Access will have to spend some money, similar to Path of Exile 2. Early access to BitCraft Online is expected to cost $30. Alpha supporters will receive one key for each acquired “Supporter Badge.”
Currently, you can request free access for the ongoing playtest via Steam.
The announcement trailer for BitCraft Online:
Monetization of BitCraft Online
What else does it cost? For BitCraft Online, the developers offer the premium currency “Hexite Shards,” which will be available through the in-game shop or the website. With these, players should only be able to acquire cosmetic in-game content – such as emotes, banners, titles, statues, or skins.
Players can trade purchased “Hexite Shards” with others, for example, for earned items or coins. The developers are pursuing a strategy of free trading.
Why the purchase price now? The developers explain that they would receive more support from Steam itself if they can benefit from the sales. Additionally, by having a price barrier, they can limit the number of characters rushing to the servers at the start of Early Access – which should help in the further development of the single-world MMORPG.
Moreover, the developers admit that the revenue from Early Access can be very beneficial for finishing and expanding the game. How long the Early Access phase will last is currently unclear. In the FAQ, it states that the developers do not know themselves at the moment.
What do I need to know about BitCraft Online? The Survival MMORPG from Clockwork Laboratories aims to throw all players into a single world where they cooperate to build settlements, establish an economy, and compete for territories.
In doing so, you can work as a craftsman, trader, monster hunter, politician, or something in between. The surface of the world is changeable. The struggle for survival in the world is also supposed to play a role. You can find more details about the game here: New MMORPG looks like Zelda, now allows players to build their own houses
