The Forest is set to leave Early Access in April with big performance improvements
Horror-themed survival game (don’t say survival-horror) The Forest launched on Steam back in 2014, and nearly four years later it’s finally about to escape the dark, terrifying woods of Early Access. Developers Endnight Games don’t yet have a specific date for the release, but they’re planning to put out version 1.0 “towards the end of April.”
The game’s price will increase from $14.99 to $19.99 then, and there’s quite a stack of new features coming alongside that final release. Language and controller support are set for improvement, new reasons for taking on the bad guys will be introduced, and the temperature system is set to undergo a “rethinking” that includes a new warm suit.
“Big performance optimizations especially for late game saves” are on the way, as well as improvements to the workings of multiplayer saves and dedicated servers. Multiplayer clothing’s being expanded, including a system to let you switch outfits, and new buildables are on the way, too. Details on a VR mode are also set to be revealed closer to release. The developers also promise some “crazy and fun surprises,” especially as they regard the ending.
As they prep for 1.0, smaller timed patches will stop in the meantime. The studio will be keeping the community in the loop with by putting out release candidates leading up to the launch.
