Ashes of Creation: Steam Debut & Alpha Access Price Drop
The long-awaited and massively ambitious MMORPG, Ashes of Creation, is officially making its way to Steam. Developer Intrepid Studios has announced that access to the game's highly anticipated Alpha Two testing phase will soon be available for purchase directly on Valve's platform, representing a major milestone in its near-decade-long development cycle. The move is accompanied by a significant price reduction, making it easier than ever for dedicated fans to jump in and help shape the future of this dynamic world.
For years, Ashes of Creation has been a beacon for MMORPG enthusiasts searching for a truly next-generation experience. The project, which first began its journey following a hugely successful crowdfunding campaign, promises a world unlike any other—one that reacts and grows based on the collective actions of its players. Now, by establishing a presence on Steam, Intrepid Studios is preparing to welcome a new wave of testers to its ambitious undertaking.
Ashes of Creation Arrives on Steam
Intrepid Studios has confirmed that the Ashes of Creation store page is now live on Steam, allowing prospective players to add the game to their wishlists. This will be the new central hub for purchasing access to the ongoing Alpha Two test.
According to the studio's announcement, this transition will occur in the third quarter of 2024. At that time, the current pre-order packs sold on the official game website will be discontinued. Following this, Alpha Two access will be sold exclusively through Steam. This strategic shift not only streamlines the onboarding process for new players but also leverages the massive reach of the PC gaming platform to expand its testing pool as development continues to ramp up.
This is a significant step forward for the title, signaling the team's confidence in the current state of Alpha Two and their readiness to bring in a broader audience for feedback and large-scale testing.
A More Accessible Price for Alpha Testers
Perhaps the most impactful part of the announcement is the dramatic change in the cost of entry. Previously, the lowest-priced pre-order pack that granted access to Alpha Two, the "Voyager" pack, was priced at $250.
With the move to Steam, the standalone price for Ashes of Creation Alpha Two access will be set at $100.
This substantial price drop makes participation in the development process far more accessible for a wider range of players. It lowers the barrier for those who have been watching the project with keen interest but were hesitant about the higher-priced bundles. This move is expected to inject a massive new population into the Alpha Two servers, providing invaluable data and feedback for the developers as they build out the game's core systems.
What This Means for Current Backers
For the thousands of dedicated backers who have already purchased pre-order packs, Intrepid Studios has provided clear and reassuring information.
- No Repurchase Necessary: Existing owners of any pre-order pack that includes Alpha Two access will not need to buy the game again on Steam. Their access is secure.
- Account Linking: Players will be able to connect their existing Ashes of Creation account to their Steam account to integrate their access seamlessly.
- Continued Benefits: All cosmetic items and other rewards included in the original pre-order packs will be retained by the players who purchased them.
The studio has emphasized that this move is about expanding the community, not replacing the foundational support they have received from their early backers.
What is Ashes of Creation's Alpha Two?
It is critical for interested players to understand what they are buying into. The Steam release is for Alpha Two, which is a crucial but very much unfinished phase of the game's development. It is not an early access launch or a soft launch of the final product.
Alpha Two is a persistent testing environment where the developers are implementing and refining the game's core features. Players participating in this phase should expect:
- Bugs and Glitches: As a true alpha, the game will have performance issues, bugs, and incomplete features.
- Server Wipes: Progress may be wiped periodically as major updates and changes are deployed.
- Active Development: The purpose of the alpha is to test systems like the signature "Node" system, combat mechanics, crafting, and character progression. Player feedback directly influences this development.
Purchasing Alpha Two access is an investment in the game's journey, offering a unique opportunity to be a part of building one of the most ambitious MMORPGs ever conceived. It is designed for players who are passionate about the genre and want a hands-on role in the creation process.
The road to launch is still long, but bringing Ashes of Creation to Steam is a definitive and exciting leap forward. It opens the doors to a new chapter of development, powered by a larger and more diverse community of testers than ever before.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When can I buy Ashes of Creation Alpha Two on Steam?
Alpha Two access will be available for purchase on Steam starting in Q3 2024. The exact date has not yet been announced. The pre-order packs on the official website will be discontinued at the same time.
How much will Ashes of Creation cost on Steam?
Standalone access to Alpha Two will cost $100 on Steam.
If I already have Alpha Two access, do I need to buy it again?
No. If you have already purchased a pre-order pack that includes Alpha Two access, you will not need to repurchase the game. You will be able to link your game account to Steam.
Is this the full release of the game?
No, this is not the final release. This is for access to Alpha Two, a testing phase for the game while it is still in active development. The final game will have a separate launch at a much later date.