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Ardem – release date, map, servers and news

The zombies switched the world off. In Ardem you switch it back on. Everything known before release, in one place.

Circuits · release statusChecked Nov 2, 2026
  1. Closed playtest Running Since Aug 31, 2026 under NDA, in small waves. The next wave of a few hundred is “close”.
  2. Public playtest Postponed Oct 15, 2026 called off. No new date – it should start shortly after being announced.
  3. Early Access 2027 No month given. Launches on Steam with a launch discount.
  4. Own servers After launch Server files for your own hardware are announced for after launch.
Scenes from the official “New Visuals Update” trailer · © Techtive Games

Situation report

The short version

  • Early Access arrives in 2027. The studio deliberately names no month: it says it “messed up” dates twice.
  • The public playtest is postponed. The reason is server stability with many players on one shared, persistent map.
  • Testing goes on: the closed test continues, with new content added constantly.
  • The studio is on solid ground: privately funded, about 20 people, no outside pressure – according to the developers in the Q&A.
Open the release tracker
25mi²
handcrafted map
64
players per server, aiming for 100
2027
Early Access on Steam
UE5
Unreal Engine 5
600k+
playtest sign-ups
~20
people on the team, all remote

Dispatches

Latest news

Video

Character creator up close

Body types, face presets, age, around 50 sliders and a “DNA code” to share your look with friends.

Video

First gunplay footage

Work in progress: the new shooting. Projectiles follow a parabola, with bullet drop and a supersonic crack depending on calibre.

Q&A

Two-hour developer Q&A: the key answers

Server owners should be able to configure almost everything, including an editable zombie heatmap. Offline raid protection comes as a server option. Around 10 to 15 weapons at Early Access, no skills, no story mode. A new public playtest date will only be named once it's certain. More on the Game and Servers pages.

Steam

Public playtest called off, Early Access in 2027

The public test planned for October 15 won't happen; stability under load isn't there yet. No new date on purpose. Early Access moves to 2027, while the closed test continues in small waves.

All news

From the studio

Watch instead of read

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All videos

Map

Minnowa from above

Coast to the west, a river through the middle, lakes, swamps and towns: the full map, zoomable.

Map imagery by RaidAtlas – fantastic community work.

Open the map
Map of Minnowa

Gallery

What Ardem looks like

The campervan at duskInfected in a small townFishing from the jettyAround the campfireMilitary camp
All images