BitCraft Online leaves early access with 1.0 update on Steam

Clockwork Labs released BitCraft Online as version 1.0 on 14 November 2026, taking the sandbox MMORPG out of early access on Steam, according to Automaton Media. The update adds a new world while the existing Early Access 2 world remains playable.

The 1.0 build reworks the early tutorial and adds quests that explain crafting and settlement mechanics. Hexite Reservoirs replace Hexite Deposits, and any player present at a reservoir can now obtain hexite.

Concurrent players on Steam rose to more than 2000 after the update, up from roughly 500 to 800 before it. The studio also published a post-launch roadmap that plans 1.x updates about once a month, including new dungeons, balance changes and a combat system.

Free-to-play plan dropped

Clockwork Labs said it abandoned its earlier plan to make the game free-to-play, citing the moderation burden from real-money trading and nuisance accounts. BitCraft Online is on sale on Steam at 1575 yen including tax, 25% off, until 21 November.

After its early access launch, the game drew more than 4000 concurrent players on Steam; that figure settled to around 400 to 800 earlier this year. A January 2026 update, Link & Go, added trial localization for four languages including Japanese, and the game currently holds a Mostly Positive rating in Steam user reviews.