Sci-Fi City-Builder Beyond These Stars Skips Early Access With Full 1.0 Launch Planned for 2026

The sci-fi city-building strategy game Beyond These Stars will now officially launch directly as a full 1.0 release in 2026 for PC via Steam, developers Balancing Monkey Games and publisher Hooded Horse have announced.

According to the developers, the decision followed internal discussions during preparations for the previously planned Early Access release. As development progressed, the team found that many of the core gameplay systems had already matured to a level that met their expectations for a full release. Rather than launching with a partial version of the game, the studio decided to focus on finalizing content and expanding gameplay features in order to ship a complete version of the experience in 2026.

The upcoming 1.0 version will include several major elements that were originally intended for later updates during an Early Access period. Players will be able to explore the full galaxy while traveling aboard Kewa, encounter additional alien species, and engage with a wider selection of quests and lore. The developers are also expanding the late-game systems with more complex buildings, deeper interactions with the inhabitants, and a larger playable area for constructing and expanding their civilization.

In Beyond These Stars, players guide a small group of survivors known as the Peeps as they attempt to rebuild their civilization while traveling across the universe on the back of Kewa, a colossal spacefaring whale. Building a functioning settlement on the creature’s surface requires careful planning, as players must manage supply chains, construct housing and industry, and expand their city while maintaining a sustainable relationship with their living host.

Exploration also plays a key role in the experience, as Kewa travels between star systems filled with alien species, hidden lore, and new opportunities for expansion. Players can establish outposts on nearby planets, gather valuable resources, and uncover the shared history of the galaxy while balancing technological progress with the fragile ecosystem that sustains life atop the enormous creature.

Additional exploration opportunities will also be part of the complete release, including the ability to travel to other planets, establish new settlements, and discover new locations throughout the galaxy. The studio has also confirmed that the full storyline surrounding Kewa and the Peeps will be included in the 1.0 version, offering players a complete narrative experience rather than a limited slice of the game.