Early Access · 2026
ArcheAge Chronicles Release Date
Updated ·By the AAC Atlas team·How we source data
The demo has ended
Oct 19, 10:00 AM PDT → Oct 26, 10:00 AM PDT
When does ArcheAge Chronicles come out?
- Early Access: later in 2026, no date
- Demo: Oct 19–26, 2026
- PC, PS5, Xbox
- Buy-to-play (official)
- 3 regions at Early Access
- $29.99 (press; not on Steam yet)
Timeline so far
| Date | What happened | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 2024 | Revealed as ArcheAge Chronicles (formerly ArcheAge II) for PC, PS5 and Xbox | Steam news |
| Sep 12, 2026 | Network Test: 6 hours, US and Canada only, early areas | Network test post |
| Sep 15, 2026 | Producer Ham: XLGAMES self-publishes; Early Access "later this year" | Ham's letter |
| Oct 18, 2026 | Ham's demo letter: worldwide servers, 4 languages, 2–3 h of quests | Demo details |
| Oct 21, 2026 | Early Access video: three regions of Auroria, buy-to-play, plans to remove gender locks and add weapons | Early Access post |
| Oct 19–26, 2026 | Free Steam Next Fest demo in Diamond Shores | Demo announcement |
| Later in 2026 | Early Access (date not announced) | Ham's letter |
Platforms
The official site links wishlists on Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation and Xbox. The Steam page lists Windows only (no Mac or Linux) and full controller support. Whether consoles join Early Access on day one has not been confirmed.
Price and monetization
XLGAMES' October 21 post on Early Access content, future plans and pricing confirms the game is buy-to-play, and Executive Producer Ham explains the Early Access price in the video. Gameoneer reports that price as $29.99, with no subscription and no paid store at Early Access launch (press; the Steam page doesn't show a price yet). Ham's earlier direction video, reported by Inven Global, said there will be no pay-to-win; a shop added later would cover content, customization and convenience.
What Early Access will include
Per XLGAMES' October 21 post: three regions of Auroria, hours of quests and adventures, and a range of combat styles and activities. Planned after launch, shaped by player feedback: removing gender locks from classes, more weapon variety, and better combat balance and progression. Gameoneer adds that a third weapon per class is in development (press).
Will the demo carry over?
No. XLGAMES says demo progress and save data won't carry over to Early Access. Gender-locked classes will also still be in place at Early Access, per the producer's letter; XLGAMES' October 21 post lists removing gender locks among its plans after that.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an ArcheAge Chronicles release date?＋
Not yet. Early Access is planned for later in 2026; Steam still shows "To be announced".
Is ArcheAge Chronicles free to play?＋
No. XLGAMES confirmed a buy-to-play model on October 21. Press reports the Early Access price as $29.99 with no cash shop at launch. The demo is free.
How much content is in Early Access?＋
XLGAMES says three regions of Auroria, with hours of quests and several combat styles and activities.
Will ArcheAge Chronicles be on PS5 and Xbox?＋
Yes, both are announced platforms alongside PC on Steam and the Epic Games Store.
Who publishes ArcheAge Chronicles?＋
XLGAMES self-publishes it, after previously partnering with Kakao Games.