Early Access Games That Bring Fresh Twists to Genres You Love

8 September 2025

There’s something magical about early access games. It’s like being let into a secret club where you get to see a game grow and evolve before your eyes. But let’s be real—early access can be a mixed bag. For every hidden gem, there’s a dud that feels more like a rough draft than a playable experience. But when an early access game nails it? Oh boy, it can breathe new life into genres we thought we knew inside out.

Today, we’re diving into some of the coolest early access games that are taking familiar genres and flipping the script. Whether you’re into survival, RPGs, roguelikes, or strategy, there’s something here for you. Let’s get into it.

What Are Early Access Games?

Before we get into the list, let’s address the elephant in the room—what even are early access games? Simply put, these are games that launch while still in development. Developers release a playable version to gather feedback, fund future updates, and refine their vision. Think of it like eating cookie dough instead of waiting for the cookies to bake. (And let’s be honest, cookie dough is pretty great.)

Now, the downside? Early access can be a gamble. Sometimes the games never leave development, or updates are slow to roll out. But the upside? You get to play some of the most innovative and quirky games before they hit the mainstream.

So, why stick to the same old genres when you can try something fresh and experimental? Let’s talk about some early access titles that are putting a new spin on well-loved formulas.

1. "V Rising" – Vampires Meet Survival Crafting

Tired of typical survival games where you chop wood, craft tools, and fight hunger? Well, V Rising takes that formula, slaps some fangs on it, and adds a Gothic twist. In this game, you step into the shoes (or maybe coffins?) of a vampire trying to rebuild their empire. Think of it as Minecraft meets Dracula.

Instead of scavenging for food, you’re hunting for blood. Instead of hiding from the rain, you’re dodging sunlight like it’s your mortal enemy (because it is). On top of the survival mechanics, there’s base-building, crafting, and plenty of epic battles against monstrous foes.

The blend of familiar survival gameplay with deep vampire lore makes V Rising stand out. Plus, the multiplayer component adds a competitive edge as you vie for territory with other bloodsucking players.

2. "Slay the Spire" – The Card Game That Redefined Roguelikes

Roguelikes are known for being punishing, random, and addictive, but Slay the Spire gives the genre a fresh twist by combining it with deck-building mechanics. It’s almost like the developers asked, “What if Hearthstone and Darkest Dungeon had a baby?” The result? A fantastic hybrid game that keeps you coming back for “just one more run.”

You build a deck of cards as you climb a multi-level spire, battling enemies and adjusting your strategy on the fly. The beauty here is in the synergy—different combinations of cards can unlock wildly different playstyles. It’s a roguelike, sure, but it’s also a puzzle, a strategy game, and a test of your creativity.

The game’s success even inspired a wave of imitators, but trust me, Slay the Spire is still king of the hill when it comes to card-based roguelikes.

3. "Brotato" – A Bullet Hell Survival Mashup

Here’s one for the adrenaline junkies: Brotato. It takes the twin-stick shooter mechanics you know and love and mixes them with survival elements. Imagine Vampire Survivors if it had a quirky sense of humor and a little more chaos.

The twist? You’re not just running around blasting enemies; you’re also upgrading your weapons, managing resources, and making strategic decisions between waves. Oh, and did I mention you’re a potato? Because yeah, you’re literally a potato armed to the teeth. It’s absurd, but it works.

Fans of fast-paced action games will adore Brotato’s frantic gameplay loop. It’s bite-sized, replayable, and doesn’t take itself too seriously—which is perfect when you just want to jump in, blow stuff up, and have a laugh.

4. "Terra Nil" – A Reverse City-Builder

City-builders are all about expansion—more roads, more buildings, more people. But what if you flipped the script? What if instead of building, you restored? That’s the core idea behind Terra Nil, a “reverse city-builder” that challenges you to heal the planet rather than exploit it.

In the game, you’re tasked with transforming barren wastelands into thriving ecosystems. Instead of laying highways, you’re planting forests. Instead of building power plants, you’re cleaning rivers. It’s a chill, deeply satisfying experience that offers a refreshing take on a well-worn genre.

Plus, the game’s environmental message couldn’t be timelier. While most city-builders focus on growth at any cost, Terra Nil asks an important question: What does it mean to truly nurture the world around you?

5. "Dark and Darker" – D&D Meets Tarkov

Ever wondered what would happen if you took the hardcore, loot-driven gameplay of Escape from Tarkov and slapped it into a medieval fantasy setting? Enter Dark and Darker. It’s a dungeon crawler that feels like a love letter to Dungeons & Dragons, but with a brutal, high-stakes twist.

You and your buddies delve into a dark, trap-filled dungeon, where danger lurks around every corner. You’ll encounter monsters, treasure, and—of course—other players who would gladly bash your skull in for a shiny piece of loot.

The game’s blend of PvE and PvP elements keeps every run tense and unpredictable. Are you going to make it out alive with your hard-earned treasure? Or will you end up as someone else’s loot pinata? Either way, it’s a thrill ride.

6. "Dinkum" – A Cozy Outback Adventure

Do you adore the relaxing vibes of games like Animal Crossing but wish they had a bit more pizzazz? Say hello to Dinkum. This early access gem is like Stardew Valley took a vacation to the Australian outback.

You’ll build a town, farm, fish, and befriend quirky NPCs, but the game isn’t afraid to add its own flair. You’ll encounter wild animals (crocodiles, anyone?), explore vibrant biomes, and even customize your terrain. The pacing feels fresh, the activities are addictive, and the overall vibe is a perfect blend of cozy and adventurous.

It’s the kind of game that makes you want to curl up with a cup of tea and lose yourself for hours—just don’t forget to watch out for kangaroos.

Why Early Access Games Are Worth Your Time

So, what’s the big deal with early access games, anyway? Sure, they’re not always polished to perfection, but that’s part of the charm. You get to experience the creative risks developers are willing to take when they’re not boxed in by publisher demands. Plus, by supporting these games early, you’re directly contributing to their development. It's like being part of something bigger—kind of like a Kickstarter, but with instant gratification.

And hey, if a game doesn’t pan out or isn’t your cup of tea, you’ve still had the chance to try something new. Isn’t that what gaming is all about?

Final Thoughts

Early access games are like the wild west of the gaming world. You never know what you’re going to get, but that’s half the fun. From vampire survival to eco-conscious city-building, these titles are taking tried-and-true genres and flipping them on their heads. So, the next time you’re scrolling through your Steam library, give one of these gems a shot. Who knows? You might just find your next obsession.