Hello, everyone, and Happy New Year! I hope you've all had a wonderful, safe, and happy holiday season, and that 2026 is treating you well!
I just wanted to give an update on the status of the Alpha Playtest, and share some new screenshots and art!
In Alpha Playtest news, we are addressing a few critical issues that popped up over the break, and once those are resolved, we'll be launching the Alpha Playtest. I'll post the specific date in a future update here!
I'll go into more details about the playtest around that time, but in short, the playtest will feature a small slice of what The Trials of Enkidu will offer when it launches in Early Access in 2026!
The playtest will feature World 1, comprised of Stages, 1, 2, and 3, as well as the Kin of Ki faction.
There will be no story content in the alpha playtest, as this test is focused on gathering feedback on the core gameplay systems and mechanics.
Aside from the 3 stages, you will have access to all 23+ current weapons, a host of Lotus Shards and Gear to experiment with, and the Blacksmith Shop, which allows you to buy/sell Gear and Lotus Shards.
We truly can't wait for you all to get to experience what we've been working on these past 2 years, and your feedback will be critical in shaping The Trials of Enkidu as we work to make it the best game we can possibly make.
Thanks once again for all of your support, and we'll get the playtest into your hands as soon as possible!
Till next time!
Stefano - Co-Founder/CEO/Lead Game Designer - LA2079
And, as promised, here is a screenshot of World 3: Winter Stage, featuring a few members of the Takamura Clan, rival faction to the Domen Shogunate, the ruling faction of the Shogunate Era of World 3: 
Monkey Spearman, of the Kin of Ki.