Heartwood Online
Early access since Aug 2023
Heartwood Online is a cross-platform free-to-play MMO. Explore a vast world filled with adventure where you choose your own path. Immerse yourself in crafting, trade, PvP & PvE battles, guilds, politics, and a thriving player economy.
67% positive · 3,423 reviews
Not yet
In early access, development status unclear
High confidence
Development Uncertain
Not yet
In early access, development status unclear
High confidence
Development Uncertain
Where to get it
Free on Steam
Evaluation
Heartwood Online is a free-to-play cross-platform MMO that entered Early Access on August 18, 2023. The game had been receiving updates and the developer was actively working toward a major update called Shadowfang, which was announced as a significant expansion to the game's systems and content.
However, on August 12, 2026, the developer posted a candid message to the community confirming that Shadowfang development has stalled due to unsustainable development costs. The small team and volunteer contributors were unable to sustain the project's scope. As a result, Heartwood is now operating in maintenance mode — the game will stay online, but active content development is paused. The developer also confirmed they are not planning to run the annual anniversary event or other recurring holiday events.
This is a significant change from earlier in 2026, when the developer was posting regular dev logs and targeting an April open testing window for Shadowfang. That progress has now been halted. The game remains in Early Access with no communicated path to a 1.0 release, and the previously announced Shadowfang update has no credible release timeline.
Evidence
Developer confirms Shadowfang development has stalled due to unsustainable costs. Heartwood is now in maintenance mode — the game stays online but active content development is paused. No anniversary or recurring holiday events are planned. No credible release timeline for Shadowfang.
Dev Log #4 acknowledges the Q1 2026 Shadowfang timeline is no longer feasible; shifted to an open testing phase targeting April 2026, with no firm guarantee.
Media
Details
Developer
Publisher
E Bros
Achievements
—
Platform
Windows
Controller
—
Steam Deck
Playable
Players
Single-player · Multiplayer · Co-op
About this game
GAME FEATURES
Heartwood Online is a true cross-platform free-to-play MMO currently available on Steam, Apple, and Android. We plan to bring it to all major consoles as development progresses.
Explore a vast and immersive world filled with adventure and exploration. Join forces with other players to battle fearsome raid bosses, uncover hidden treasures, and unlock new abilities and powers. Choose your path through crafting, PvP and PvE battles, guilds, politics, and a thriving player economy.
CURRENT PLATFORMS
DEVELOPMENT ROADMAP
- MOUNTS: Collect rare and legendary mounts so you can move faster in style.
- CLASSES: Pick from Warrior, Rogue, Mage, or Priest. Each class has unique gear, abilities, and talents to help you fill a crucial role in a hunting party.
- SKILLS: Current crafting and gathering skills include mining, blacksmithing, woodcutting, carpentry, tailoring, leather-working. But many more are in the works!
- EQUIPMENT: Wear gear that suits your attitude and build path; fight with melee, magic, and ranged weapons.
- GUILDS: The current Guild management UI lets you fully customize aspects of your guild. Create guild tags and ranks. Promote, invite, and kick members. Coming soon: Guild bank, guild cosmetics, guild house.
- PETS: Collect pets to help you in battle and crafting, or just use them as a status symbol.
- LEADER BOARDS: Compete with others for the top position on a variety of monthly leader boards such as crafting, PvP, item collections, and more. Monthly leaders will be rewarded with prizes and specialty cosmetics.
- PVP EVENTS: Sharpen your blades for epic large scale player battles and other PvP events. Gain rewards for collecting bounties from wanted players.
- PLAYER HOUSING: Not just a place to store belongings, but an opportunity to showcase your creativity and style. As you walk through towns and forests, you'll see homes adorned with exotic furniture and intricate gardens. Showcase your achievements and trophies earned in battles, displaying them prominently in your home. Our housing system will truly set us apart from other MMOs, and we can't wait for you to experience the joy of owning and decorating your own space.
- ?????: This isn't the end of the road though. We have plans far beyond this list, along with any amazing suggestions from our community.
Are these done yet?
Last evaluated Aug 19, 2026
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