Hidden Gems in Early Access You Need to Play Right Now

7 July 2025

Ever feel like you’re digging through a mountain of Early Access titles trying to find something truly special? Yeah, we’ve all been there—cautiously optimistic, slightly overwhelmed, and secretly hoping for that one game that’ll grab us by the eyeballs and never let go.

Here’s the good news: Hidden gems do exist in Early Access, and some of them are so good, you’ll wonder why they’re not making more waves in the gaming scene. Whether you’re into roguelikes, farming sims, survival horror, or quirky co-ops, there’s something bubbling beneath the surface just waiting for you to dive in.

Let’s break down the best under-the-radar Early Access games you absolutely need to play right now.

Why Early Access Isn’t the Wild West Anymore

Before we jump into the list, let's be real for a sec—Early Access used to be hit-or-miss. For every success like Hades, there were ten half-baked attempts that never got past version 0.2.

But things have changed.

Developers are way more transparent now, communities are growing tighter, and platforms like Steam give us tools to track updates and roadmaps. Also, let’s not forget—you get to be part of a game’s actual development journey. It’s like watching your favorite indie band find their groove before they go platinum.

So with that in mind, let’s pop the hood on some of the best-kept secrets in Early Access gaming.

1. Sunkenland – A Marine Apocalypse Worth Exploring

Ever wondered what Waterworld would look like as a survival-crafting game? Well, Sunkenland answers that question—and then some.

What Makes It Shine?

Set in a post-apocalyptic world where most of the land has vanished beneath the ocean, Sunkenland throws you into a beautifully bleak water-logged world. You’ll scavenge sunken skyscrapers, battle mutant sea creatures, and craft your own floating fortress.

And the building system? It’s crazy flexible. You can design everything from a humble raft to a floating palace with machine gun nests.

Why You Should Care

- Co-op mode packs serious replayability.
- Exploration feels genuinely rewarding (especially when you find submerged cities).
- Regular updates and a passionate dev team.

If you loved Raft or Subnautica but want something grittier and more combat-focused, this is your jam.

2. MythForce – Saturday Morning Cartoons Meet Roguelike Mayhem

This one's for the nostalgia junkies.

Wait, A Cartoony Roguelike?

Yup. MythForce looks like it leapt straight outta ‘80s Saturday morning cartoons. Think He-Man meets Risk of Rain 2, with magical castles, colorful baddies, and that unmistakable over-the-top energy.

You and up to three friends dive into procedurally-generated dungeons, take down waves of mythological monsters, and upgrade your hero with abilities that genuinely change how you play.

What’s So Addictive About It?

- Gorgeous cel-shaded visuals.
- A lighthearted tone that’s perfect for casual runs.
- Surprising depth in combat and progression.

It’s one of those games that starts out as a goofy fun run and then totally consumes your week.

3. Enshrouded – For Players Who Miss Skyrim, But Want Something Fresh

If you’re feeling that Skyrim-shaped hole in your gaming life, Enshrouded might be the remedy.

Fantasy Sandbox with a Dark Twist

At first glance, it looks like your average fantasy RPG—open world, swords, spells, you get the idea. But then it hits you with this thick, mysterious fog called “The Shroud” that mutates everything inside it. You want loot? You better gear up and dive headfirst into that creepy mist.

Why It’s a Standout

- Deep skill trees and class customization.
- Extremely satisfying combat (melee and magic feel weighty).
- Base building that rivals Valheim.

It combines exploration, resource management, and narrative elements in a way that’s super cohesive—even in Early Access.

4. Dinkum – Animal Crossing’s Aussie Cousin

If you’re itching for a cozy game but want a fresh twist, say hello to Dinkum.

What’s the Deal?

Imagine Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley had a baby, and then raised it in the Australian outback. That’s Dinkum. You build a town, make friends, go fishing, raise animals, and craft pretty much everything.

But here’s the twist—there’s permadeath for animals, crocodile attacks, and actual bushfires. It’s cute but keeps you on your toes.

Why It’s Surprisingly Deep

- Climate and seasons genuinely impact gameplay.
- Skill systems add layers of progression.
- Tons of content planned (and already in!).

This is one of those games where an hour turns into five, and suddenly it’s 3 AM and you’re Googling “how to get better fish traps.”

5. Voidtrain – Sci-Fi Railroading Across the Multiverse

Yes, this one’s weird—and that’s why it works.

Okay, So What Is It?

You’re on a train… floating through an alternate dimension. You gather resources by jumping off the moving train, fend off alien threats, and build out your locomotive while unraveling the secrets of the Void.

Sounds nuts, right? It is. But it’s also awesome.

Why Gamers Are Hooked

- Constant sense of progression.
- An eerie, fascinating world.
- Co-op mode makes for unforgettable sessions.

This is the perfect game if you love crafting, survival mechanics, and a big dose of “What the heck is going on here?”

6. Sons of Valhalla – Viking Combat Meets Base Building

Let’s swing the axe in a different direction now—straight into Viking territory.

Another Viking Game?

Yeah, but this one’s got a twist. Sons of Valhalla is a side-scrolling base-builder with fast-paced combat. You gather troops, raid enemy villages, and buff your character with gear and upgrades.

It’s like Banner Saga meets Kingdom: Two Crowns—but with more blood and fire.

Worth It?

Definitely. Combat is crunchy and satisfying, and the visuals mix pixel art with detailed animation in a really unique way. If you’ve got a soft spot for Norse mythology and strategic chaos, this one’s a winner.

7. Smalland: Survive the Wilds – Survival Shrunk Down to Bug Level

Ever wanted to play Honey, I Shrunk the Kids as a survival sim? Well, your wish has come true.

What’s the Hook?

You play as a tiny creature in a massive world filled with towering grass, enormous insects, and a whole lot of danger. Smalland flips the traditional survival formula by changing your scale instead of the setting.

Why It’s Worth Your Time

- Fresh perspective makes exploration thrilling.
- Insect mounts and dynamic weather.
- Tons of charm and personality.

There’s something strangely cathartic about building a house inside a tree and then riding a giant ladybug into battle. Trust me.

8. Fabledom – Fairy Tales Meet City Building

If you’re a city-building fan who’s grown tired of grim dystopias and financial micromanagement, Fabledom offers a sweet, storybook alternative.

What Makes It Special?

You build a fantasy kingdom full of fairies, heroes, and trolls. The vibe is whimsical, the visuals are charming as heck, and the gameplay is deep enough to be satisfying but chill enough to not stress you out.

Key Highlights

- Narrative elements based on choices (even romance!).
- Aesthetically beautiful with pastel colors and smooth animations.
- Regular updates with new content and features.

Great for when you just want to vibe and feel like a fantasy mayor for the afternoon.

So... Should You Jump In?

Absolutely, but with a caveat.

Early Access is a journey, not a finished product. These games are road-tripping their way to greatness, and by playing them now, you’re not just witnessing their growth—you’re influencing it. You’re part of their lore, early enough to say “I played it before it was cool.”

And let’s be honest: finding these diamonds in the rough? It’s way more fun than just waiting for polished AAA titles.

How to Spot Your Own Hidden Gems

Here are a few quick tips if you want to uncover more hidden treasures yourself:

1. Watch for Dev Activity – Frequent updates and positive dev-community interaction are good signs.
2. Check Recent Reviews – These can tell you way more than the overall rating.
3. Look at Roadmaps – Games with a clear, transparent plan usually stick around.
4. Join Discords – You’ll get insider info, patch notes, and community events.

The Early Access world is like a secret club. Now you’ve got the password.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably exciting about rooting for an underdog—especially when that underdog delivers an experience as good (or better) than the AAA giants. These Early Access hidden gems are proof that innovation and heart still thrive in the gaming world.

So next time you’re scrolling through the endless jungle of game releases, don’t overlook the little guys. The next big hit might just be sitting there quietly in Early Access, waiting for you to press “Play.”

Game on, adventurer.