The wait is almost over. We’re happy to confirm that the official Into the Fire Public Playtests will begin on May 20, 2026.
If you signed up for the playtest on Steam, you will be invited to join. No extra steps, no additional forms. Once the playtests go live, everyone who requested access will be able to step Into the Fire.
This playtest will focus on the core Into the Fire experience: going out into danger, bringing back what and who you can, and trying to keep your people alive for one more day. You will be able to explore:
A volcanic district shaped by ash, fire, and disaster. New Sindra will be the main playable map in this playtest: a place where every run is about risk, pressure, and the constant question that defines Into the Fire: do you push deeper, or do you bring back what you already have?
Expect unstable conditions, dangerous encounters, rescue opportunities, resources to gather, and moments where the safest choice may not always feel like the right one.
Between runs, you will return to the HUB: your temporary shelter, base of operations, and the place where what you bring back starts to matter. During the playtest, you’ll be able to manage the HUB, use the resources you gather, and see how your actions outside affect your chances of survival inside.
In Into the Fire, survival does not end upon extraction; it continues in the place you are trying to keep alive.
Into the Fire is still in active development, and your feedback is extremely important to us.
These playtests are not only about letting you try the game early. They are about helping us understand what works, what needs more clarity, and what already feels exciting. We want to hear what you think about the extraction loop, the HUB, the pacing, the difficulty, and the readability of danger.
So when the playtests begin, play, experiment, break things, survive if you can, and let us know what you think. There will be a dedicated Google Form to fill out, and give us your feedback directly.
We are also preparing a small community challenge during the playtests. We don't want to spoil the fun by revealing all of the details just yet, but yes, there will be a chance to win some cool rewards. We’ll share more about the challenge next week 🔥
Thank you for signing up, following the game, and helping us shape Into the Fire. On May 20, the fire spread to everyone who requested access. Bring back what you can, save who you can, and remember: not everyone will make it back.
Stay up to date and wishlist Into the Fire today!
~ Starward Industries Team