Start an egg

Start an egg

Early access since Jul 2023

"Start with an Egg" is a Shan Hai Jingthemed sandbox adventure game. Begin as a beast egg, and through devouring, mating, and exploration, evolve into the ultimate divine beast ruling a mythical open world.

78% positive · 341 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 $11.99 $15.99 −25%
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Evaluation

Start an Egg is an Early Access game that launched on July 20, 2023, and remains in active development with substantial content still on the way. The most recent developer communication, posted on September 29, 2026, announces a major upcoming update introducing a brand-new Search-Fight-Extract mode — a dedicated extraction-style map with resource gathering, combat, and timed escape — alongside new hatchable beast eggs and a phased rollout of beast skins. The developer has outlined four development phases for this update and explicitly states it will be followed by ongoing expansion including new maps, egg types, beasts, random events, and additional skins released across future "versions and seasons." This is concrete evidence of a substantial content pipeline. The recently released Dragon Emperor DLC (August 18, 2026) — teased in the July 30, 2026 patch notes and announced in the August 11, 2026 update — has already shipped, confirming the developer continues to follow through on announced content. Before that, the major "Lingyuan" version launched on January 25, 2026 after roughly a year of development, adding a main storyline, multiple new gameplay modes (auctions, martial arts competitions, beast battles, stone gambling, etc.), new creatures, and a commitment to a monthly update schedule. Subsequent patches in July, August, and September 2026 confirm the developer has maintained active communication and updates since that launch. The game has not announced a 1.0 release date and has never declared development complete. With a large multi-phase update formally announced just days ago (September 29, 2026), the game is clearly still in an active development period with significant content ahead.
Evidence
Developer announces a major upcoming update with a new Search-Fight-Extract mode, new hatchable beast eggs, and phased beast skin releases, divided into four development phases with ongoing expansion planned after launch.
news post · Sep 29, 2026 source content planned
high
Dragon Emperor DLC released on August 18, 2026, confirming the developer continues to ship announced content.
dlc listing · Aug 18, 2026 source content shipped
high

Content

1 of 1 released · no outstanding content

Media

Details

Developer
Publisher
Ting Game
Achievements
30
Platform
Windows
Controller
full support
Steam Deck
Playable
Players
Single-player

About this game

Open world, free exploration

The game constructs a vast world inspired by the Classic of Mountains and Seas, featuring diverse terrains and hiding numerous natural treasures and secret realms. Scenes can be freely destroyed, and treasures may be hidden in any corner. Players must be vigilant against attacks from high-level exotic beasts during exploration.

Diverse gameplay, high energy throughout

Random events and unexpected encounters are woven throughout the entire journey, allowing players to establish factions, seize territories, participate in martial arts competitions, bet on animal fights, and even experience the "stone gambling" gameplay. Additionally, interactions such as consignment and theft add strategic depth and fun to the experience.

Evolution through devouring, character development

Elevate your rank by devouring other exotic beasts, with the potential to evolve up to Tier 12, unlocking brand-new forms and skills. Allocate attribute points freely and craft your unique exotic beast with various natural treasures. Collect the Seven Dragon Balls to summon the hidden Tier 13 Ancient Dragon Ancestor.

Engaging interaction, strategic manipulation

Exotic beasts can mate and reproduce, and subdue lower-level exotic beasts as subordinates, commanding them to follow, attack, or stand by. They can also demand spirit stones, invite sparring, and engage in deep interactions that affect the battle landscape.

No cooling combat, talent awakening

Skills have no cooldown time, and can be released infinitely as long as there is sufficient true qi. The operation is more flexible. Exotic beasts can carry up to 8 skills, and after reaching level 12, they will awaken unique talents (such as the "Nirvana Rebirth" of the rosefinch), greatly enhancing their combat power.

More gameplay updates continue, stay tuned...

Last evaluated Oct 2, 2026
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