Despite reaching the top of Steam’s premium sales chart through pre-orders, developer BULKHEAD has published a list of 10 reasons why potential players should consider waiting before purchasing WARDOGS.
Quick Facts
- Release Date: September 10, 2026 (Early Access)
- Platform: PC (Steam)
- Price: $39.99
- Closed Beta: August 21–23, 2026
In a video update, the studio addressed the game's current development status, explicitly encouraging players to hold off on buying if the $39.99 price point feels too high for an unfinished title. The developer suggested that players who are unsure should wait or request a refund if they do not enjoy the experience during the upcoming closed beta.
Development Expectations
BULKHEAD highlighted several factors regarding the game's long-term sustainability and current state:
- Content Roadmap: Post-launch development will focus on bug fixes, game balancing, and player feedback rather than rapid content updates, with only one additional map currently planned.
- Player Population: The studio anticipates a decline in the player base following the initial launch, noting that a sustainable community would consist of 3,000 to 5,000 concurrent daily players.
- Technical and Feature Limitations: The developer cited modest graphics, limited controller support, and potential changes to development priorities as reasons for caution.
- Gameplay Mechanics: The core loop involves a high-stakes environment where players lose their purchased loadouts upon death, requiring them to secure transportation back to the front lines.
The studio also acknowledged its history with the title Battalion 1944, noting that the previous project saw a significant drop in daily players and experienced communication gaps as publisher relationships changed. Despite these warnings, WARDOGS has already secured a strong position on Steam’s top-selling charts ahead of its September release.