As Lost Rift is now officially announced to arrive later this year, developer People Can Fly is about to host the first alpha test and has revealed what players can expect at launch.

The decision to start in Early Access comes from a desire to involve the community at a pivotal moment in development. The core gameplay loop is in place, and there is enough content to demonstrate the vision behind Lost Rift. By sharing a solid foundation and inviting input early, the developers hope to shape the game together with those who play it.

On launch day, players will have access to the base game along with all updates that are not tied to future DLCs. They will be able to choose from up to five distinct characters and explore up to five PvE islands hosted on dedicated servers, without any restriction on joining friends.

One island, called Pioneers’ Landing, offers a survival-focused experience where players can explore, build, hunt and craft either solo or alongside friends. The other island presents a more intense PvPvE extraction challenge, where rare loot awaits but danger lurks at every turn. Success brings valuable rewards, while failure means returning to Pioneers’ Landing empty-handed.

Behind these islands lies Lost Rift’s unique blend of survival mechanics and intense combat, which integrates both PvE and PvPvE elements. In Pioneers’ Landing, players can uncover new areas, complete quests, and even recruit NPC survivors to strengthen their base. On expedition islands, they must balance the risk of facing other players and mutated wildlife against the promise of exotic loot that cannot be obtained back at the home base area.

In the months leading up to Early Access, the developers are focused on minimizing server issues and ensuring a smooth experience. The first open test will begin on May 15, 2025, and if you are interested in playtesting Lost Rift, you can request access on Steam.