HUNGER / GUIDE
Closed beta & access
The October closed beta, progressive Steam invitations, installation and access for returning testers.
Steam access and the test window
- 01
Know the test window
The developer’s starting time is 19 October 2026 at 10:00 BST: 09:00 UTC and 11:00 in Amsterdam. The 21 October developer briefing confirms the end date as 26 October. The earlier 09:00 GMT end time (09:00 UTC, 10:00 Amsterdam) remains subject to confirmation. Europe changes clocks during this test. This is a closed test, not the Early Access release.
- 02
Request access and wait for confirmation
Use Request Access in the Join the HUNGER Playtest section of its Steam store page. The new beta announcement says invitations are issued progressively as game and server stability are checked. New access requests may close at any time; a request does not guarantee acceptance. Steam emails accepted players and adds HUNGER Playtest to their library.
- 03
Use existing access or a friend invitation
Previous Tech Test participants retain access and do not need to request it again. The 21 October developer briefing confirms that existing players can invite three friends; friend invitations remain available even if new access requests close. This does not promise every applicant immediate entry; follow the invitation controls available to you in Steam.
- 04
Install the correct library entry
After acceptance, select HUNGER Playtest in your Steam Library, install it and launch it. A directly issued playtest key is activated through Games > Activate a Product on Steam. The public HUNGER store listing remains Coming soon; wishlisting the main game is separate from installing an accepted playtest.
- 05
Check the beta changes before your first run
The official starter guide includes a changelog and known issues. Streaming and recording the test are permitted; the developer requests #playHUNGER when sharing content. The later Open Beta has no confirmed date in the announcements reviewed on 19 October. Server availability can change during the test; the announced window is not a live server-status feed.
Check access separately from server availability
WDguide planning advice
No library entry
Check the accepted invitation and the account receiving it before changing the game installation. Wishlisting the main game does not confirm Playtest access.
Installed but unable to join
Read current developer service messages and install the available update. An announced test window does not guarantee that servers are operating at that moment.
An accepted returning tester
Use the Playtest entry and current invitation controls provided by Steam. Avoid repeated access requests when the account already has the accepted entry.