Moonlighter 2 Early Access Delayed to November

It’s never exciting news to hear a game is delayed — but sometimes it’s for the better. Developer Digital Sun and publisher 11 bit studios have confirmed that Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault will no longer release on October 23 as originally planned. Instead, the roguelite shopkeeping adventure will now launch into Early Access on November 19.

The reason for the shift isn’t development trouble but rather timing. In a statement, Digital Sun explained that October has become saturated with major releases, and they believe Moonlighter 2 deserves a launch window where it won’t be overshadowed.

Why the Delay?

Digital Sun compared the crowded October schedule to “an overstuffed showcase,” noting that even valuable gems can go unnoticed when placed among too many others. By moving to November 19, the team hopes to give the sequel a better chance to shine while also providing players with more time to discover it.

This strategic delay reflects a growing trend among developers: avoiding the traditional holiday crunch where blockbuster games dominate attention. Instead, Moonlighter 2 will aim for a quieter, yet more impactful, debut.

Closed Playtests Before Launch

To soften the news, Digital Sun announced plans for Closed Playtests ahead of Early Access. These tests will be available via Steam and the Microsoft Store, allowing fans to try out recent gameplay changes based on community feedback.

Further details on how to participate will be revealed soon. Still, the studio teased that this will give players an early opportunity to explore new features before the official Early Access rollout.

What Players Can Expect

Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault builds on the success of its predecessor, combining dungeon crawling with shopkeeping management. Players once again balance adventuring for loot with running their store — upgrading weapons, stocking shelves, and managing customer needs while uncovering the mysteries of the vaults.

The sequel promises expanded mechanics, fresh dungeons, and new systems shaped by community input during Early Access.

Moonlighter 2 will now launch in Early Access on November 19 for PC via Steam and the Microsoft Store.