Hyper Light Breaker Launches in Early Access: What You Need to Know
The highly anticipated release of the sequel to Hyper Light Drifter has finally arrived to Steam Early Access, giving players the opportunity to explore the universe for the first time in 3D. Developed by Heart Machine and published by Arc Games, Hyper Light Breaker seeks to innovate on the foundation created by the original.
Set in an open-world, players will be able to explore the game through roguelite elements either via online co-op or solo, as they venture out into the Overgrowth, die, and retry again to face all sorts of deadly enemies. The Early Access launch is just the beginning in a long string of updates coming, and the trailer gives players the opportunity to see the 3D world in action. Here's what you should know about it!
Why did Hyper Light Breaker release to Early Access?
Despite the staggering success of Hyper Light Drifter, the sequel is launching to an Early Access state, and Heart Machine was open about the why: it's simply too ambitious. As a genre-defining experience, Hyper Light Breaker is an open-world roguelite title that the team feels uncomfortable finalising without the assistance of a dedicated audience.
In light of hoping to incorporate the die-hard fans of the original, the Early Access is a way for players to help shape the game moving forward, while also allowing the team to speak more openly about the experience. In this regard, the team hopes to bring in those who are interested in sharing their opinions of the title and giving an outlook on how the game can slowly improve.
How Long will Hyper Light Breaker be in Early Access?
Yup, that's me. You're probably wondering how I got in this situation.
According to Heart Machine, Hyper Light Breaker will be in Early Access for about a year, but this is a very board and undefined number. While that's the expected development time to finalise the product, the team isn't shying away from the possibility of extending this depending on community feedback.
What will be different in Hyper Light Breaker's final version?
Currently, Hyper Light Breaker's narrative is incomplete, but that isn't the only thing that will be added throughout the development process. The final version of the game is going to have a large list of changes that differentiate it from its current state, ensuring a smoother and more polished experience for those who pick it up.
Planned updates for Hyper Light Breaker during Early Access include:
- Multiple player-character skins, each equipped with their own loadouts and weapons
- A full complement of upgrades and mods for runs
- NPCs with complete and smooth animations to make the world feel alive
- A fleshed-out original soundtrack (OST) for each of the levels
- Optimisation to lower minimum system requirements
- Game balance addressed by community feedback
- Full narrative and story
Currently, the Early Access edition has the core pillars and the gameplay loop established, ensuring that you'll feel the overall gameplay elements.This includes functional multiplayer for up to four players and procedural worlds for each run, with a variety of weapons and upgrades.
Will Hyper Light Breaker's price increase in full release?
Yes, Heart Machine has been open about increasing the price once Hyper Light Breaker's Early Access concludes, but more so, they are toying with the idea of raising the priceduring the Early Access period to reflect the content available. Nothing is set in stone for the latter point, but the former seems to be definitive.
How can I share my feedback for Hyper Light Breaker?
Heart Machine seeks to be highly active in both the Steam Forums for Hyper Light Breaker and the official Discord, bringing in monthly dev blog updates, content drops, reveals, live streams, and more. To share your views, it is best to do so through either of these two platforms, as that is where the team has mentioned they'll be keeping an eye on for feedback and to have players impact the shape of the game.
Hyper Light Breaker is out now on Early Access on Windows PC via Steam.
COMMENTS
charlotte.smith.igaming - 06:54pm, 19th January 2025
After reading your post i have loved it & i am goona try it also.
Artura Dawn - 06:59pm, 19th January 2025 Author
Thank you for checking out my piece! I hope you enjoy Hyper LIght Breaker!