Below the Stone
Early access since Nov 2023
Below the Stone is an extraction roguelike about dwarves on the quest for the deepest depths. A place where each and every descent will lead to new adventures -- and where only the most determined dwarves with many lost lives will be rewarded by the hidden world lying below the stone.
84% positive · 439 reviews
Not yet
In early access, content still planned
High confidence
Content Planned
Not yet
In early access, content still planned
High confidence
Content Planned
Where to buy
Steam $14.99
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Evaluation
Below the Stone has been in Early Access since November 17, 2023 and remains there as of today, September 10, 2026. The game has received a sustained series of major content updates throughout Early Access: "Caves Awaken Part 1" (April 24, 2024), "Kingdom o' Quests" (August 19, 2025), the Combat Update / Beta 0.11 (January 9, 2026), and the Beta 0.12 accessories and polish update (January 22, 2026).
The developer has been actively working toward a 1.0 full release and communicating progress regularly. On January 9, 2026, they announced 1.0 would arrive "before Summer 2026," targeting Layer 3, bosses for Layers 2 and 3, and a complete progression arc. On May 8, 2026, they reaffirmed 1.0 was "nearly here" and confirmed a Summer 2026 exit from Early Access, adding that "This marks the end of Early Access, but not the end of development."
However, that Summer 2026 window has now passed. On July 31, 2026, the developer acknowledged they were struggling to hit their August target and pushed to "late August or early September." Then on September 1, 2026 — just nine days ago — the developer posted again acknowledging the delay and setting a new release window of mid-November 2026. They were transparent about what remains: magic weapons and armor, a magic NPC, various Layer 3 biomes (many 50% complete), Layer 3 structures, Layer 3 progression quests, a Layer 3 boss, and various other improvements. The developer also noted that continuing to delay "is quite costly" after eight years of development, signaling the team is under pressure but committed to finishing.
The most recent developer communication is from September 1, 2026, confirming the game is still in active development toward a mid-November 2026 1.0 launch. There is no reason for concern about development continuity — the team is communicating regularly and the delay is explained. The game is still in Early Access on Steam, which remains the authoritative indicator of its current phase.
Evidence
Developer announces the planned Late August / Early September 1.0 release date has been pushed back to mid-November 2026. Provides a detailed list of remaining work including magic weapons, magic armor, a magic NPC, Layer 3 biomes, Layer 3 structures, Layer 3 quests, and a Layer 3 boss. Acknowledges the delay is costly after eight years of development.
Developer progress update acknowledging difficulty hitting an August 1.0 release, pushing estimate to late August or early September. Shows detailed Layer 3 work in progress including new creatures and biomes.
Media
Details
Developer
Publisher
Apogee Entertainment
Achievements
2
Platform
Windows
Controller
partial support
Steam Deck
Playable
Players
Single-player
About this game
Below the Stone is a punishing pixel art roguelike about dwarves questing to reach the deepest depths. Each and every descent will lead to new adventures, where only the most determined players with many risked lives will be rewarded by the hidden world that lies below.
Discover treasures worth dwarven death for. Within the stone below lies the adventure every dwarf worth their beard seeks, but there's always a price. Often death. Explore and pillage many cavern layers, and over 25+ planned biomes.
Each level deeper lies more dangerous biomes, yet also greater rewards to mine and uncover.
The Dwarven kingdom is your place for crafting, preparation, and storing loot for later expeditions. You have control over what resources you choose to keep at home safe and sound, and what equipment you dare wear with you on your next cave dive. The only catch is if you die, you will lose all the items you took down into the caves on your dwarf - such is the cost of progress! Additionally, your stay in the dwarven kingdom will yield an ever-growing cast of allies to aid you on your adventures below the surface. For example...
A dwarf's best friend is someone who can turn shiny things into useful tools. The Blacksmith is the reliable friend to give you proper weaponry, armor, and equipment for your future descents. Newly found ores can be made into fresh new equipment to help you on your next trip into the depths, arming yourself for the dangerous realms below...
Unique Characters may be encountered underground and are in need of rescue; these folk will be welcomed to your dwarven home as new companions to help you on your future descents. From elven witches who brew potions, to legendary dwarven crafters! We plan on the kingdom having at least 10 - 12 important mainline characters you will be able to save and bring back to help your future adventures. Each of them will add a unique flavor to the kingdom and your journeys downward as they give you better chances, modifiers, and even change your playstyle.
Keeping goblins from scalping that beard of yours, make sure to do anything you can to increase your odds of coming back from your next descent! Brand new armor, weapons, and tools do make your missions easier. Be warned: if you die in Below The Stone, everything remains buried Below The Stone. Use your resources wisely, smart and experienced players may plan out their future runs well ahead of time, while more daring ones may take their best gear to risk going deeper!
Features:
- Procedurally generated cave complexes which lead to a new adventure in every descent.
- Plans on releasing 25+ biomes to explore with unique creatures, fauna, and resources to explore.
- Multiple dungeons on each layer to test your mettle.
- Change your dwarf's loadout (Your equipment determines your stats and abilities).
- A Dwarven Kingdom with many important characters to meet, save, and aid!
- Custom Cave missions for every descent.
- Roguelike experience
- Safely store extra loot and resources at the Dwarven Kingdom.
- An hour long+ soundtrack to immerse yourself into a fantasy spelunking experience.
- Dwarves, blunderbusses, and fresh shiny things!
- Digging holes (diggy diggy holes)!
Are these done yet?
Last evaluated Sep 10, 2026
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