FAQ
August 2025
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- Will there be a demo?
Currently, there are no plans to release a demo (however, this may change). If there is a demo, it will not arrive until after the game is released.
- What is the current state of the playtest?
Currently, the playtest of the legacy pre-alpha build is no longer active on Steam. There are plans to conduct another playtest with the new networked build with the primary focus of testing core networking elements. More information will be communicated when this build is nearing a ready-to test state. A reminder - The objective of the pre-alpha/alpha programs is to deliver and improve early versions of the game in a phased base approach. Each phase includes a limited scope of playable game features over a specified duration of time.
- What features can we expect for early Access?
TBA. As the game gets closer to an Early Access Release date, a specific set list of features will be communicated.
- How many players can be in a multiplayer server/game?
TBD. A more clear answer will provided later in development and after much testing has occurred.
- Where is the website's community / forums?
In attempt to consolidate, provide ease of access, and create a more centralized community to manage, the primary fanbase/hub for communication may be found in the beta decay Discord Server . The website forums are no longer active.
- Do hazmat suits and gas masks serve a purpose?
Yes. The outfits and equipment have a functional purpose besides the visual aesthetic. For example: gasmasks may be worn to prevent infection, and certain outfits provide protection against projectiles, or radiation.
- Are there loading screens?
No. Beyond starting the game, or joining a new server, there are no loading screens or plans to have loading screens.
- Will there be skill trees?
No. Any skill based actions in the game are based on user knowledge and input.
- How do I get the OST?
The draft OST tracks are listed on YouTube (Linked Below). It's likely that all music will be remastered at a later date and be distributed on a platform separately. Alpha OST Playlist
- Is there destruction?
Yes. The terrain is deformable, and much of the foliage and ruins of buildings are able to be destroyed. Not everything is destructable.
- Will you add more color? The visuals are too saturated (Black/White)
The game looks exactly like it's supposed to.
- The game is low poly, so the game should run on any machine right?
Polygon counts are not the only factor that dictate the level of performance. For beta decay, the bulk of processing time goes into the AI logic, animations, entity component systems, and several other management systems.
- Is there base building, home ownership?
Players may own designated homes/apartments. More dynamically, players may also survive aboard a spacecraft or a mining camp for several days, assuming they have the rations to sustain life.
- Is there permadeath?
Yes, it is possible for your character to permanently die. However, clones may be purchased as an insurance policy to prolong your existence.
- Will there be language localization?
Initial versions of the game will be in English. Further languages will be looked into post 1.0.
- Will there be weapon Customization?
Weapon customization exists at a base level, and is planned to fully arrive later during Early Access. This includes silencers and scopes. Note that this is not priority or main focus of the game.
- Will there be other vehicles?
Players will be able to travel on foot, or via MCV, spacecraft, and smaller vehicles such as trucks and vans.
- Can you create and customize your own MCV?
This feature is very likely to arrive throughout Early Access or Post 1.0. The scope of customization involves the interchanging of core components, such as legs, torso, weaponry.
- What is the genre of beta decay?
Action RPG. The goal is to provide a platform of fun features and mechanics in a foreign setting that enables imagination.
- Is the game low-poly?
In comparison to some of the mainstream titles, the poly counts of beta decay are relatively low, but way higher in regards to classic 90's - early 2000's titles. Amongst other effects, this balance yields a mixture of old and new. The main nostalgic factor that is most likely referred to is the near texture filtering and low scaled resolution which results in pixelation. This is a design choice to enhance the grittiness of the game world.
- What is the art style?
The visual goal is not to replicate what has been done before. Everything has an influence and is derived from something else - the game aims to produce a combination that yields something new and unique.
- Is the game Voxel based?
There have been several design considerations and changes around the usage of Voxels for different aspects of the game. Certain game functions do leverage a voxel tech. For example, the planetary terrain is set to be voxel based. Previous elements such as buildings, are no longer voxel based.
- When will we start to see spaceship construction?
Space travel and construction are features that will arrive later during Early Access.
- What language does the game use?
A mix of C++ and visual scripting.
- Will there be NPCs? Companions? Crewmates?
Yes. Players may hire on an NPC companions and issue orders via a command system.
- How big is the universe? How many Planets are there?
beta decay is based in the Alpha Centauri star system where a handful of fictional/non-fictional planets exist. To ensure there is a solid amount of detail and an engaging atmosphere, the planets are not 1:1 full size scale and they are not procedurally generated.
- Will there be character customization?
Yes. Players may change their appearance. This includes outfits, armor, face, and hair.
- Will there be mundane jobs?
Yes. This is a core part of the game and compliments the RPG elements nicely. The small details matter, and taking on mundane roles can be satisfying. Players may find that taking on the role of a janitor cleaning the streets to grappling down into mining tunnels are just as satisfying as action combat.
- What is the gameplay loop?
I believe people make their own. The game provides a platform of features in a specific setting that aims to enable imagination.
- Will the game be on other Platforms?
The initial release will be on Steam. Afterwards, the game will likely make it's way to other platforms.
- Will the game be on consoles?
This decision is to be examined after a 1.0 release. There is no opposition to the game being on consoles. One step at a time!
- How big is the game file size?
The current development build sits around 1gb file size.
- What are the System Requirements to run the game?
The system requirements listed on Steam reflect what has been used to develop the game, but the exact requirements have yet to be determined: Requirements used to Develop the game: OS: WIndows 10/11 Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 5800H with Radeon Graphics, 3201 Mhz, 8 Core(s), 16 Logical Processor(s) Memory: 16 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Storage: 2 GB available space
- Will there be mod support? Steam Workshop?
This is something to be considered after a 1.0 release.
- How can I contribute?
Although beta decay will not be outsourcing until a 1.0 release, Individuals are welcome to donate via Patreon . This is greatly appreciated! If you are truly determined to help in some other way - Show some kindness to others, take care of yourself, and stay positive. If beta decay can provide this kind of influence, then I mark it as a massive success.
- Does the game need voice acting, Modelers? Music Producers? Animators? Can I help?
Although beta decay will not be outsourcing until a 1.0 release, Individuals are welcome to donate via Patreon . This is greatly appreciated! If you are truly determined to help in some other way - Show some kindness to others, take care of yourself, and stay positive. If beta decay can provide this kind of influence, then I mark it as a massive success.
- Does the game run on Steam Deck?
Yes - The game has been confirmed to run on Steam Deck.
- Is there controller Support?
Yes, the game has been confirmed to work with controllers. The latest builds also include the ability to remap/rebind keys.
- What Engine does beta decay use?
Unreal Engine 5.
- Crowdfunding and Rewards
Feel free to donate here if you simply would like to support the game. Which is very much appreciated!! Currently, there are no rewards listed for Patreon tiers. Previously, for a limited time period, a Patreon reward existed within the 'Division Director' tier that rewarded a copy of the game on release. A key will be requested and provided to those who had previously supported to this tier! Please be aware that this reward no longer exists. Additionally, for the passionate crowdfunders that supported $50 or more and were outside of the 'Division Director Tier' before Feb 2025, a key will also be requested and provided. (As rewards no longer existed past this point) - Note that there is a limit to the number of Steam keys that can be requested. Overall, the goal is to follow Steam's guidelines while giving back to crowdfunders. I would like to again thank everyone for the continued support and having such a strong an interest in the game!
- What is the final price of the game?
TBD The final price is likely to be around $49.99 USD at the full release. Price localization will also be looked into for individuals of different countries.
- How can I play?
Playtesting is currently closed with the next available version to be Early Access on Steam.
