5 Popular Games That Are Still in Early Access (And Why We Can’t Stop Playing Them)

Alright, folks, let’s talk about a weird phenomenon in the gaming world. You know, that space where there are all these popular games and yet still slap that “Early Access” banner across their menus like an excuse for all their bugs and missing features? Yeah, if you’ve spent any time gaming on Steam or scrolling gaming subreddits, you already know some of these titles. The ones that make you wonder, “Wait, people are pouring thousands of hours into this, and it’s STILL not finished?” Yeah, those games.

Don’t get me wrong. Early Access is a clever concept. It lets devs gather feedback, iterate from the fans, and secure funding when big publishers give them the cold shoulder. But some games are starting to treat “Early Access” like that drawer of old food in your fridge you keep saying you’ll deal with next weekend. Here’s the catch, though. These games are legit great, even if they aren’t exactly “done.” Let’s talk about some of the most ridiculously good popular games that are still, incredibly, in Early Access.

1. Valheim – Viking Life Isn’t Rushed

Oh, Valheim. The cultural phenomenon that had every gamer and their grandmother setting up Viking homesteads and braving swamps they had no business exploring back in 2021. This game exploded out of nowhere, and for good reason. It’s relaxing, full of charm, and wildly addictive.

But two years later? STILL early access. Maybe the devs are too busy enjoying the mead they brewed in-game to finalize anything. To be fair, they’ve been dropping juicy updates here and there, but we’re out here wondering when we’ll leave Odin’s playground and see what the “full” game even looks like. It’s not shocking that it’s hit the popular games market.

2. Hades II – Sneak Peak of Perfection

Given that Hades II isn’t even technically out yet, this one’s low-key a cheat to add here. But Supergiant Games decided to bless us by making their sequel also head into Early Access in 2024. And if their track record with the original Hades is anything to go by, fans are already prepared to pour hours into this one while shouting, “Take my money!” even if every other mechanic screams WORK IN PROGRESS.

It’s Supergiant though. They’ve basically cemented themselves as the Beyoncé of indie developers, so no complaints (for now).

3. Baldur’s Gate 3 – Early Access King Turned Legend

Ah, Baldur’s Gate 3. You sweet, sweet early access success story. This game practically lived in Early Access limbo for three years. But when it hit its full release earlier this year? Boy, what a glow-up. This one’s technically off the “Still in Early Access” list NOW, but its three-year stint collecting fan feedback basically redefined what Early Access could mean for big, juicy RPGs.

It felt like everyone was a part of this hyper-nerdy D&D renaissance, tweaking builds, romancing vampire elf rogues (yes, Astarion fans, we see you), or just roleplaying as Total Chaos