Dark and Darkerdeveloper Ironmace has announced its plans for the fantasyEscape from Tarkov-like’s next, and final, free playtest. The dramatic rise in popularity ofDark and Darkersince the game first started playtesting, going from an unknown indiePCproject to a viral success over a span of months, has been a sight to behold. Now Ironmace is preparing forDark and Darker’s next chapter, but not before it provides fans one more opportunity to try before they buy.
The latest news from Ironmace has been delivered following the wrapup of its most successful playtest yet, theDark and DarkerAlpha Playtest #4. The playtest ran from February 6 through February 16 and, according to Ironmace, was tried by over two million players on Steam. Like with previous playtests, Ironmace added a substantial amount of new content to the game for testing. New features included the solo Goblin Caves experience, in-game voice chat, additional weapon, armor, and spell options, and much more.
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Fans can expectDark and Darkerto receive a similarly-sized update for its next test when it arrives in April. Ironmace confirmed on its official Discord thatDark and Darkerwill return for Alpha Playtest 5 between April 14 and 19, likely with additional days added toward the end like with prior tests. While manyDark and Darkerplayerswere likely hoping for a quicker turnaround, Ironmace says it wants to take the time to add some “pretty substantial additions” to the game.
When is the Next Dark and Darker Playtest?
The AprilDark and Darkerplaytest will once again be free to access, but fans should be aware that this may be the final playtest. Ironmace says that the April playtest is a result of the studio’s decision to schedule one last event prior to the game’sSteam Early Accesslaunch. The bad news is that likely means no more free access toDark and Darker, but the good news is that the game may soon be available to play without interruption.
Ironmace made no comment regarding its Early Access plans, other than that it will follow the upcoming April playtest. It’s possible that Ironmace chooses to disappear for a lengthy amount of time, withDark and DarkerEarly Access arriving in late 2023 or beyond. But given thecurrent popularity ofDark and Darker, as well as the stability of the game’s servers, Ironmace may choose a quick turnaround instead.
Regardless of whenDark and Darkerofficially launches in early access, players will have one last free playtest to try out. Alpha Playtest 5 will run from April 14 through 19 and should be free to download from the game’s Steam profile. Expect further updates regarding new features and changes in the weeks to come.
Dark and Darkeris currently in development for PC.
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