After a year of Early Access, the 1.0 version of Mars Attracts is hitting Steam on September 24, 2026!
We’ve spent the last twelve months developing our twisted park management sim in response to fan feedback, and the full game is ready to make its grand entrance.
The 1.0 version will see the addition of the much requested Sandbox mode, a new human enclosure, a new map and special Martian character, as well as significant overhauls to Martian guest and captive human AI to improve balance and deepen the simulation mechanics, and much more.
By far the biggest request we received was to add a full sandbox mode.
In the 1.0 version of Mars Attracts players will have access to three gameplay modes: Story mode will see the player work through objectives and complete missions to unlock the next map. Once a player has completed story mode for a map, they will get access to Freeplay and Sandbox mode for that map.
Freeplay lets players play without level objectives, but keeps the limited resources, optional missions, park inspections, and research tree for players who want to challenge themselves.
On the other hand, Sandbox modes give the player the ability to play a map with unlimited resources – perfect for those who just want to build something pretty, or torture humans with even less consequences.
We have also implemented a new notification system to help players keep on top of what’s going on in their park, staff training to upgrade your workforce for the late game challenge, and marketing campaigns for when those guest numbers need a little boost.
Our composer Haakon Davidsen has added new music to the game, including a selection of more ambient, chill tracks to better support the park building experience. These tracks will also be added to an updated version of Soundtrack Bundle, available in the 1.0 update to everyone who already picked up our Supporter’s edition.
Sound effects have also received a major overhaul, with a whole new batch of sounds added for experiments, torture devices and rides, along with numerous tweaks to ambient park sounds to make the soundscape of Mars Attracts feel much more alive.
Along with the various maps introduced during Early Access, the 1.0 update concludes the campaign with a new map and new Martian special character to impress. Each map has unique missions, challenges, and gameplay features to contend with as you build out your park empire!
The Research system in Mars Attracts has received a complete overhaul during Early Access, including lots more gruesome (and potentially deadly) experiments, each with different pros and cons. Experiment animations and audio have also been improved allowing you to get up close and personal with your human captives!
And we’re not done yet! We still have several free post-release content updates planned for the coming months, to add even more human types, park buildings and functionality to Mars Attracts.
To those who’ve joined us on this Early Access journey: We say a massive thank you! You could not have made Mars Attracts what it is without your help.
And if you’re only joining us now, we still welcome your input to the ongoing development of our game.
To join the conversation around Mars Attracts around our 1.0 release and beyond, you can join us over on our Discord. We want to hear all about what you think of our game and see what kind of crazy parks you’ve built!
Love,
Bernard & the Outlier team