DaRmaZat Outward 2, the upcoming open-world RPG officially set to launch in Early Access via Steam in summer 2026, will hold a playtest for PC from December 9 through December 15. Players can sign up on Nine Dots Studio’s official site to join this hands-on test of a portion of the game.
The Québec-based studio released an announcement video alongside the playtest dates, teasing brief glimpses of Haboob, the long-rumored underground city players have been eager to see. The trailer gives a first look at new locations and atmosphere while hinting at the kind of vertical, secret-filled spaces Aurai hides beneath the surface. Interested community members who missed the initial call can still register for this session and future playtests via the developer’s website.
This playtest offers an early opportunity to experience core systems ahead of the full Early Access launch, letting players test survival mechanics, ritual-driven magic, and tactical combat in Aurai’s shifting seasons. Expect to manage inventory and resources carefully as exploration and consequence-driven progression shape every journey, and to experiment with the new Exercise system where skills evolve through repeated use. Co-op options, including split-screen and online play, are part of the sequel’s design, so testers may also sample cooperative approaches to exploration and combat during the window.
