The Playtest opens its doors
After months of closed alpha with a small core of testers, Dead Hand is entering Public Playtest. Starting today, anyone can put in for a spot.
It works like this: head to the Dead Hand Steam page and hit "Request Access". Requests are then reviewed and access is handed out in waves, build by build — the goal being to keep the tester group small enough that I can actually read and act on every piece of feedback.
If you don't make the first wave, your request stays in the queue: new waves will open regularly through the autumn. No need to ask twice — Steam will notify you the moment your access goes through.
What's in this build
- 3 playable survivors — each with their own starting deck, relics, and deeply personal approach to staying alive.
- 4 biomes to cross, each with its own enemies and events.
This is a playtest build: the 3 survivors and 4 biomes on offer are only a slice of what the finished game will hold, bugs are alive and well, balance is still moving. That's exactly why I need you in there!
Your feedback really does matter!
Dead Hand is made by one person at Hauteroche Studio. Every bug report, every "this character is broken", every "I bounced off after 10 minutes because…" counts.
Join the Discord: discord.gg/v3zkQCh6P
What helps most: where you got bored, where you got lost, and where you thought "okay, one more run".
The Discord is also where I announce each new wave of access, so if you're waiting your turn, that's the best place to wait it out.
What's next
The playtest runs through the autumn. In October 2026, Dead Hand will take part in Steam Next Fest with a public demo: a tighter, more polished slice built on everything you send my way between now and then.
If you want to follow along: wishlist Dead Hand. It's free, it takes two seconds, and for a small studio it makes a genuine difference.
Thanks for being here. Safe travels out there, and good luck!
Hauteroche Studio