Best Long-Term Early Access Games That Are Worth the Wait

19 July 2025

Have you ever gotten that feeling where you're super hyped for a game, only to realize it's still in Early Access? Yeah, we’ve all been there. You click “Add to Wishlist,” cross your fingers, and hope the developers don’t ghost you for the next three years. But hey, sometimes waiting is absolutely worth it—especially when a game goes from “meh” to “masterpiece.”

In this article, we’re diving into the best long-term Early Access games that have kept the hype alive—and delivered. These are the games that took their sweet time but ended up being totally worth it. So, if you’re the kind of gamer who doesn’t mind a bit of a wait for something truly special, you’re in for a treat.

Let’s get started, shall we?

What Is Early Access Anyway?

Before we jump into the list, let’s clear something up. Some folks still scratch their heads when they hear "Early Access." So what is it exactly?

Think of Early Access like a movie trailer, but instead of sitting in a theater watching a teaser, you actually get to play the preview. Developers give you access to a game while it’s still being built. You get to explore, test, and give feedback—all while watching the game evolve.

But not all Early Access games are created equal. Some stall out or disappear. Others… well, they become absolute legends.

Why Wait? The Beauty of Long-Term Development

Sure, the wait can be brutal, especially when you see a game with loads of potential. But here’s the thing: good games take time. Especially when devs are listening to feedback, squashing bugs, and adding polished content.

Plus, Early Access can feel like being part of a secret gamer’s club—you get to witness the transformation firsthand. It's messy, it's exciting, and sometimes, it's magical.

Alright, now let’s check out which long-term Early Access games are truly worth your patience.

1. Hades – From Chaos to Glory

Developer: Supergiant Games
Time in Early Access: 1.5 years
Genre: Action Roguelike

Let’s kick this off with one of the biggest Early Access success stories—Hades. When Supergiant Games launched it in Early Access back in 2018, it already had that signature polish. But over the next 18 months, it evolved into one of the best roguelikes ever. With tight combat, killer voice acting, and writing that’s actually funny (yes, really), Hades set the gold standard.

Why it was worth the wait? The devs pumped out consistent updates, responded to feedback like pros, and turned every dull stone into something shiny.

Pro Tip: Even if you’re not into roguelikes, give Hades a shot. It might just change your mind.

2. Baldur’s Gate 3 – A Tabletop Revival Done Right

Developer: Larian Studios
Time in Early Access: Nearly 3 years
Genre: CRPG

The minute Larian Studios dropped Baldur’s Gate 3 into Early Access, the RPG community exploded with excitement. And who can blame them? It was the spiritual successor to a classic Dungeons & Dragons series—done by the same folks behind Divinity: Original Sin 2.

But Larian took their time. And wow, it paid off. They didn’t just build a game; they built a world. One that’s dynamic, reactive, and overflowing with content.

Why the wait was worth it: The final release in 2023 wasn’t just a hit. It was Game of the Year material.

3. RimWorld – The Perfect Chaos Simulator

Developer: Ludeon Studios
Time in Early Access: 5+ years
Genre: Colony Simulation

Ah, RimWorld. The game where your colonists starve, go mad, fight off mechanoid invasions, and—somehow—it’s still fun. This indie gem spent over five years in Early Access and constantly evolved along the way.

From a bare bones survival concept, it grew into a full-scale, procedural storytelling masterpiece. The modding community exploded, and the game now supports literally thousands of different play styles.

Don’t let the basic graphics fool you. RimWorld is like a digital D&D session where every game tells a story—and most of them are absolutely bonkers.

4. Subnautica – Deep Sea Delight

Developer: Unknown Worlds Entertainment
Time in Early Access: 3 years
Genre: Survival / Exploration

When Subnautica hit Early Access, a lot of folks were skeptical. Underwater survival? Sounded a bit niche. But fast-forward three years, and it became one of the most immersive survival experiences ever created.

The ocean is gorgeous—but also terrifying. The story slowly unfolds as you dig deeper (literally), and managing oxygen has never been so nerve-wracking.

Why it was worth the wait: The final release came with a gripping narrative, full voice acting, and major quality-of-life improvements.

5. Factorio – Automation Heaven

Developer: Wube Software
Time in Early Access: 4 years
Genre: Resource Management / Simulation

Factorio is like the IKEA of games: it starts simple, but before you know it, you're knee-deep in conveyor belts, robotic arms, and nuclear power plants.

It started off small, with just a few blueprints and basic crafting, but over four years, the devs transformed it into a meaty, beautifully optimized experience that runs like a dream—even with massive manufacturing empires.

Obsessed with efficiency? This one’s for you.

6. Satisfactory – First-Person Factory Fun

Developer: Coffee Stain Studios
Time in Early Access: Ongoing (4+ years)
Genre: First-Person Automation / Sandbox

Imagine if Factorio went 3D and got a stunning visual makeover—boom, you’ve got Satisfactory. With massive alien worlds to explore and a deep (borderline addictive) factory-building system, it's become a fan favorite.

The best part? It's still in Early Access, and it's already incredible. Coffee Stain Studios regularly drops updates that add new biomes, power systems, and vehicles—while maintaining performance and stability.

Why it’s worth the wait: Even in Early Access, it feels like a finished game. And it just keeps getting better.

7. 7 Days to Die – The Zombie Game That Won’t Quit

Developer: The Fun Pimps
Time in Early Access: 10+ years
Genre: Survival Horror / Crafting

Yep, you read that right—10 years in Early Access. But before you roll your eyes, hear me out. 7 Days to Die has come so far. What started as a rough zombie survival game has evolved into a deep, systems-heavy experience with base building, crafting, farming, and horde survival.

The devs are still updating, still tweaking, and still passionate. That dedication? You can feel it every time you survive a blood moon.

Why it’s worth sticking around: It’s one of the most content-rich survival games out there, and it's living proof that slow and steady wins the race.

8. Project Zomboid – The Slow Burn Classic

Developer: The Indie Stone
Time in Early Access: Over a Decade
Genre: Isometric Survival

Another marathon runner in the Early Access space, Project Zomboid has been in development for ages—literally since 2011. But what a journey it’s been.

Each update brings meaningful changes, from new animations to full multiplayer support. The game nails the vibe of a true zombie apocalypse: brutal, unforgiving, but oddly serene.

Why it’s worth the wait: Few games simulate survival with this much detail. Plus, the devs are transparent and genuinely committed to their vision.

9. Dead Cells – Slashing Through Perfection

Developer: Motion Twin
Time in Early Access: 1 year
Genre: Action Roguelike / Metroidvania

Dead Cells had one of the shorter Early Access runs on this list, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t benefit from the process. Light on bugs and heavy on style, Dead Cells was a masterclass in how to use player feedback to perfect a gameplay loop.

By the time it fully launched, it was already bursting at the seams with weapons, skills, and secrets. Not to mention the silky-smooth combat and gorgeous pixel art.

Why you should care: It’s a perfect pick-up-and-play roguelike that never gets old.

10. The Forest / Sons of the Forest – From Cult Classic to Next-Gen Survival

Developer: Endnight Games
Time in Early Access: Both games – 1-2 years
Genre: Horror Survival

The original The Forest shocked everyone with its mix of base-building and terrifying cannibal mutants. Over its time in Early Access, it added story elements, co-op play, and a seriously creepy atmosphere.

Now, Sons of the Forest is taking things even further—with better graphics, more complexity, and expanded lore.

Why it's worth it: You get gripping survival gameplay and a compelling story. That’s not something most survival games can brag about.

What Makes a Great Early Access Game?

After looking at all these titles, you might be wondering—what sets these apart from the rest?

Here's the secret sauce:

- Active Development: Frequent updates, patch notes, and transparent communication.
- Community Involvement: Devs who actually listen to feedback and adapt.
- Playable Core Loop: Even if it's not finished, the base gameplay should be fun.
- A Clear Vision: You can tell when devs know where they’re headed—and when they don’t.

Sure, not every Early Access game makes it to the finish line. But when they do? It’s unforgettable.

Final Thoughts: Patience Is a Gamer’s Superpower

In the world of Early Access, patience really is a virtue. While some people grumble about delays, others know that game development is more of a marathon than a sprint.

The best long-term Early Access games aren’t just passion projects—they’re love letters from devs to their players. And if you give them time, they’ll give you worlds in return.

So, next time you see a game with that “Early Access” label, don’t roll your eyes. Consider it an invitation to be part of something special, right from the beginning.