The Beacon Kicks Off Open Playtest Ahead of 2026 Seasonal Roadmap

Public Playtest Begins on Epic Games

The Beacon has set August 27, 2025, as the start of its public playtest on Epic Games. Players will be able to download and access the PC client directly from the platform. The test will feature many of the improvements seen in Phase 2. This includes an upgraded client, polished combat, and new enemies. There will also be powerups and systems designed to keep gameplay engaging.

For players who have joined earlier phases, this event offers more than just a re-run. The team has added new dungeons, fresh challenges, and event-exclusive rewards that cannot be obtained later. These rewards are set to recognize early involvement while giving everyone a chance to explore new mechanics. The Beacon also confirmed that account linking between Epic Games and its platform will be required, ensuring a smooth transition for progress tracking.

The playtest is open to everyone, which sets it apart from the previous closed testing cycles. By opening the door to a wider audience, the team is preparing for larger stress tests and greater feedback. This step represents an important milestone, moving the project from controlled testing toward community-driven development.

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The Beacon is moving from a limited testing approach into a seasonal model. Each season will bring new features, content, and rewards while the core game remains available in between. This makes it possible for the game to grow without losing its foundation. Players will have time to explore and master systems while also anticipating new cycles.

The seasonal design helps the developers maintain balance and refine gameplay over time. Updates will no longer arrive as isolated testing phases but as live content drops. This structure creates continuity for players and keeps feedback flowing into active development. By tying growth to seasons, The Beacon positions itself as a living experience rather than a static product waiting for a single full launch.

What Comes After the Playtest

After the August playtest, The Beacon will host a set of pre-season events in Q4 2025. These events are designed to stress-test systems that will appear in Season 1. Rewards earned during these tests will carry forward, giving early players a tangible reason to participate.

Season 1 is planned for early 2026 and will be the first full seasonal cycle. It will introduce a new biome, new enemy types, and an expanded weapon system. Procedurally generated dungeons will be at the center of this update, with mechanics that shift how players progress. Meta-progression features will also be tied into the season, creating more long-term goals beyond single dungeon runs.

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Online multiplayer will debut with Season 1, starting with social gameplay features. Token incentives and prize pools will be available, appealing to both casual players and more competitive types. What was once considered Phase 3 is now folded into this cycle, meaning progression systems, WoP upgrades, and quests are all part of the live seasonal flow. For WoP holders, this is the first chance to engage in exclusive activities within the seasonal model rather than in isolated milestones.