New sandbox MMORPG with one giant, shared world gets surprise early Steam launch

The shared-world experience of MMORPGs such as World of Warcraft, FF14, Runescape, and Guild Wars 2 is what makes them truly special. Even if you're someone who prefers to quest solo, seeing other players going about their daily business and living their lives around you brings a magical spark that can never be replicated by computer-controlled NPCs. Newcomer Bitcraft Online is taking things a step further. Pitched as a 'true single-world MMORPG,' developer Clockwork Laboratories has been playtesting Bitcraft Online since 2022, and has now launched it into early access on Steam even earlier than previously planned.

With everyone playing Bitcraft Online sharing one world, the land of Starfell is very much driven by players. There's a focus on collaborating with one another; solo play is certainly possible, but even if you're mostly running alone moment-to-moment, you'll gain a lot by joining an empire and helping out with its business. You don't get into our best MMORPGs list without a little interaction with your peers, after all; it's very much the name of the game. By working together, you can each play to your strengths and grow as a team, building a home all of your own making.

Bitcraft Online utilizes its low-detail artstyle to great effect with some truly stunning environments, and also features a beautiful soundtrack from composers Austin Wintory (Journey, The Banner Saga, Assassin's Creed Syndicate) and Rachel Hardy (Last Epoch). The early hours of your journey bear close resemblance to Classic WoW or even survival games like Valheim; with nothing to your name, you'll need to fend off dangerous animals, hunt, gather, and craft to meet your basic needs.

Skill progression in Bitcraft Online is designed to be long-term and meaningful, with gradual growth over months or years and the potential to earn recognition among your community as one of the best in your chosen specialities. As you get deeper in and start to connect with your fellow adventurers, you can begin building entire settlements and cities from the ground up. Bitcraft's world is a fully editable sandbox, meaning you can start construction anywhere that takes your fancy.

With an expansive, procedural world to explore, one that the developer says it hopes to continue expanding to be "functionally infinite," there's no shortage of lands to be discovered, ranging from sweeping fields and towering mountains to deep, rocky valleys and ancient ruins. The latter of these will provide some clues to past civilizations, while the future of Bitcraft Online's narrative will be impacted by global events. As you might expect, there's also a full player-led economy, allowing everyone to barter and trade to their heart's content.

Clockwork Laboratories had originally planned to launch Bitcraft Online on Steam on Friday June 27, but surprised the community this weekend with a sudden early release. It says that the previous date allowed time for Steam's approval process, but that it "was always a horrible date for the launch as it is during the Steam Summer Sale. After seven years of development, we don't think this would give Bitcraft a fair shot." With the approval granted, it therefore moved the release date forward to get more attention on the game without inconveniencing players who had booked time off.

Bitcraft Online is out now in early access, priced at $29.99 / £22.99. Clockwork Laboratories plans to make it free-to-play when the full release arrives. If you'd like to get in now, you can do so here and start your new adventure in a giant, shared world.

For even more exploration, take a stroll through our picks of the best open-world games in 2025, or perhaps try one of the best sandbox games on PC if you prefer having more direct influence over the land.

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