Hey everyone! We are so excited to finally launch Escape From Playtime in Steam Early Access. We are sincerely so thankful for your support over the last few months through all of our trailers and the Open Beta. Your excitement and feedback is what keeps us driven to push Escape From Playtime to be the best it can be.
We chose to launch in Early Access because we want to build this game with you, the players. That may sound like a cliche, but it has already occurred! Based on your feedback from the Open Beta, the very first version of Escape From Playtime has many new and returning features, characters, items, and more. Let’s dive into that:
Critters and Cosmetics
All 8 Smiling Critters are available to play as for the Early Access Launch version of Escape From Playtime. At the start, you can play CatNap, Hoppy Hopscotch, Bobby Bearhug, and (new since the Open Beta) DogDay! Additionally, CraftyCorn, KickinChicken, Bubba Bubbaphant, and PickyPiggy can be unlocked through progression. We learned you guys LOVED playing with more players, which is why we decided to move EFP to now officially be a 1-8 player co-op game!
We’re excited to share a new cosmetic: the Project: Playtime Hoodie! Project: Playtime players who own the game and have played at least once will receive the Project: Playtime Hoodie cosmetic automatically through the Steam Inventory System. This cosmetic can be equipped on all 8 Smiling Critters.
For people who’ve kept a watchful eye on PoppyPlaytime.com, the Midnight CatNap plush also comes with an in-game skin for Midnight CatNap. See the store page for details.
And finally, check out the Escape from Playtime Founders' Pack for exclusive alternate looks for all 8 Smiling Critters (as well as some other goodies). The Founders’ pack is completely free for the first 30 days after EFP’s Early Access Launch, as a thank you to everyone who is helping us shape EFP in the early days.
Experiment Encounters
There are currently two types of enemy encounters you will face in the Playtime Co. Factory: small experiments, and Bigger Body Program experiments. As a part of Escape From Playtime’s Early Access Launch, the Playcare School will be the Smiling Critters’ first trial to overcome.
In the School, smaller experiments you may encounter include Boogie Bot, Bunzo Bunny, and CatBee. And of course, the Bigger Body Experiment you will cross paths with is Miss Delight in all her smiley-glory. Keep an eye out, though: there’s one more smaller experiment and one more Bigger Body not included in the Open Beta that you may stumble into. Good luck to those who are brave enough to face them!
Items for Barry… or Survival
Escape From Playtime will include a multitude of unique items and tools that will aid you in The Voice’s mission, whether you give them to Barry as tribute or use them to keep yourself alive is totally up to you.
EFP’s Early Access will launch with several returning items that players loved during the Open Beta. Support your teammates with the Sewing Kit, the Antidote, or the Poppy-gel Injection, or increase your mobility with Hoppy Ears, Go-Go Goop, or the Bounce Pad! Of course, we still have everyone’s favorite troll items, the Blairhorn and the Slap Hand.
We heard you: navigating the factory is NOT easy. In addition to using the Glowsticks to help you find your way around, we’re also introducing the Sketch-A-Map, which opens a minimap. This gives you a direct overhead look at the space around you, where your friends are, and how to locate Barry.
Soooo… What’s next?
We have tons of plans for Escape From Playtime over the next few months and we can’t wait for you to get your hands on new cosmetics and items, as well as explore new areas of the Playtime Co. factory with new experiments to encounter. Check out our roadmap to get the scoop on what’s coming through the rest of 2026 and into 2027 for EFP. Timelines are remaining somewhat loose as we will also be reacting to your feedback with each new update.
For a look at known issues (and to report any issues you may encounter), please visit our Bug Board on BetaHub. For a full encyclopedia of experiments and tools, visit our Steam Community Forum post (coming soon)!
Go forth, you blessed!
-Mob Entertainment Team
