Developer MoonPyre and publisher Grindstone have announced that Hellforged will launch in Steam Early Access on January 18, 2027. The extraction-style bullet-heaven action roguelike is coming to Windows PC with two new maps, two additional playable heroes, expanded loot mechanics and several gameplay improvements based on player feedback.
The release date was revealed alongside a new trailer during the Golden Joystick Awards. In an official Steam announcement, the developers outlined the content planned for the Early Access launch, including new difficulty options, equipment customization and changes to the game’s progression systems.
Hellforged combines large-scale enemy encounters with extraction mechanics, allowing players to explore demon-infested environments, collect equipment and decide whether to escape with their rewards or continue fighting for better loot. Players can also prepare their builds before each expedition using the Arsenal system, which lets them influence the abilities and upgrades available during a run.
The Early Access version introduces two additional environments. Forsaken Reach will feature three map variants, while Thornvale will offer between two and three variants, providing different layouts for subsequent expeditions.
Two more playable heroes are also joining the roster. The Orc Slayer specializes in close-range combat, while Yllarion the Hunter returns after appearing temporarily in the October Steam Next Fest demo. Yllarion previously offered ranged abilities including Broadhead Shot, Rapid Fire and Hunter’s Snare.
MoonPyre is also changing how heroes equip abilities. Each character will have a distinct combination of ability slot categories, making the choice of hero more important when planning builds and selecting combat upgrades.
Equipment progression is receiving several additions. Players will be able to unlock unique items by completing associated Omens, socket gems into equipment for additional bonuses and use orbs to reroll item affix values. Scrolls will also allow abilities to be upgraded within the Arsenal, expanding the available customization options.
For players seeking tougher encounters, a new Hellforged difficulty setting will introduce additional Torments beyond the existing Mythic difficulty.
The update also expands the achievement system. Completing achievements will award points that can be spent on cosmetic rewards, including titles, skins and additional showcase slots. Players will be able to select which achievements appear alongside their names on the game’s leaderboards.
Another addition is the Archive, which collects lore books previously encountered in the Steam Next Fest demo into complete stories. Reading these entries will also provide bonus experience points.
MoonPyre says the launch will incorporate numerous quality-of-life improvements developed in response to feedback from its earlier demos. According to the developer and publisher, Hellforged has surpassed 150,000 Steam wishlists. The teams also stated that the August demo ranked seventh among the most-played Steam demos for unreleased games, citing GameDiscoverCo data.
Following its Early Access debut, Hellforged will continue receiving gameplay adjustments and additional content informed by community feedback. The developers have not announced a date for the full 1.0 release.
Hellforged joins several upcoming PC games targeting Steam’s early development program in 2027, including the recently announced roguelike deckbuilder Everbrink.
A playable Hellforged demo is available on Steam ahead of the January 18 launch. The game’s Steam listing confirms Windows PC support, single-player gameplay and full controller compatibility. Pricing for the Early Access release has not yet been announced.
