Expeditions: Samurai Early Access Begins August 7
This is the first 'Expeditions' game to use an early access model, a shift from the series' previous direct releases, and the developer's approach of letting player feedback decide update content marks a new development strategy for the franchise.
Key Facts
- Expeditions: Samurai begins early access on Steam on August 7, 2026.
- The game is developed by Campfire Cabal and published by THQ Nordic.
- Early access will include three major updates, with content decided by player feedback.
- The full release is planned for early 2027, and save data will carry over.
- A 34% launch discount is available until August 14, 2026.
Reporting from 5 sources: 4Gamer.net, GAME Watch (Impress), Automaton, Denfaminicogamer, and 1 more.
THQ Nordic will begin early access for the PC (Steam) RPG 'Expeditions: Samurai' on August 7. Developed by Campfire Cabal, the game is the latest entry in the 'Expeditions' series of historical RPGs. Set in Japan around 1600, the protagonist travels from Europe aboard the Dutch frigate 'De Albatros' and becomes involved in the conflicts of the late Sengoku period. Players lead companions, choosing between stealth, diplomacy, or combat, with turn-based battles and the series' first two-player co-op. During early access, the developer will gather player feedback on game systems, balance, exploration, stealth, and turn-based combat, and use that feedback to shape the content of three major updates. The transition from early access to full release is planned for early 2027, and save data will carry over. The game currently does not support Japanese. A launch discount of 34% off is available until August 14.
The early access launch coincides with the 'THQ Nordic Digital Showcase 2026,' which streams on August 8 at 4:00 AM JST on YouTube, Twitch, and Steam, with a pre-show at 3:45 AM. The showcase also announced other titles, including 'Way of the Hunter 2' releasing September 29, and new DLC for 'REANIMAL.'
Campfire Cabal, the developer, previously ran a Kickstarter campaign for 'Expeditions: Conquistador,' and the studio says it is applying that experience to grow the game together with players. The early access period will include three major updates, and while the team has preliminary plans, the content will be adjusted based on player feedback. The developer also stated in a video that this early access approach is a first for the series, as previous games did not have early access versions.
The game's setting in 1600 Japan includes a historical consultant to ensure authenticity, and the story emphasizes player choice affecting both companion fates and the future of Japan. The game is available on Steam with a 34% discount until August 14, and it does not support Japanese at this time.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 5 cited sources below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.
Sources
- 4Gamer.net 「THQ Nordic デジタルショーケース 2026」発表情報まとめ。狩猟シミュレーション「Way of the Hunter 2」の発売日が9月29日に決定
- GAME Watch (Impress) 「Way of the Hunter 2」正式版が9月29日発売決定！「THQ Nordic Digital Showcase 2026」まとめ
- Automaton リアル狩猟オープンワールド『Way of the Hunter 2』9月29日に正式リリースへ、PS5/Xbox Series X|Sにも登場。猟犬を従え、広大自然に生きる野生動物ハント
- Denfaminicogamer “愛犬”と北米・アフリカで狩猟生活を営むゲーム『Way of the Hunter 2』9月26日に正式版が発売決定。猟犬は動物を追跡してくれる忠実な相棒として登場し、冒険を重ねると成長する。記念撮影も可能
- Game Spark 『REANIMAL』新DLC配信から『Way of the Hunter 2』発売日まで！「THQ Nordic デジタルショーケース 2026」発表内容ひとまとめ