Indie developer Star Drifters has announced a release date for First Dwarf, their immersive ARPG colony survival hybrid game.

First Dwarf is launching via early access on June 19th via Steam. A full release is planned for Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store alongside Xbox Series X|S, Switch, and PS5 sometime later. A playable demo is now available on PC.

“We’re counting down the days, and the whole team is excitedly awaiting the launch of First Dwarf in Early Access,” said Star Drifters CEO Jakub Wójcik. “Both the tests and the demo version are immensely popular among players, yet this is just a glimpse of what we aim to deliver to them on June 19th and in further updates. We’re eagerly awaiting feedback from our fans because we want to listen to their opinions and craft our game together with them. We also feel that with the support of the community, we’ll be able to build a title tailored to what players are currently looking for.”

Here’s a rundown on the game, plus the new gameplay:

First Dwarf is an immersive action RPG colony survival with base building and tower defense mechanics, which will test your survival and exploration skills in a fantasy open world, sprawling on islands floating in the sky.

Build

Planet Driftland is no more. A mage war has shattered the globe into floating islands and turned the inhabitants into barbaric tribes. Amongst the desolation, the dwarves alone prevailed, but not for long. Resources are running short, and the once great civilization is breathing its final breaths. In a desperate attempt to secure the future, they send the First Dwarf in a mighty airship to the celestial islands in search of material to save the once powerful dwarven kingdom. Unfortunately, he went missing, failing his quest and disgracing his family.

Survive

Many years later, you take control of Tru, the new First Dwarf, and Ragna, a scholar dragon that aids the settler with her knowledge. You embark on a mission not only to find better lands for your Clan, but also to restore Tru’s father’s good name and carry on the legacy. Jump into the First Dwarf mech, powerful machine that will help you during this dangerous adventure.

Prepare the new land for your people by completing tasks such as clearing it from monsters, drying the soil, or curing the water sources. Increase respect amongst your folks through various challenges and bring in other Clan guilds. Fortify your colonies and expand them, using various structures and buildings. Plan the greatest strategy that works for you! Defend them not only from many types of enemies – from amphibiotic mutants to gigantic, acid-spitting monstrosities, but also natural disasters and unique weather events, such as harsh temperature, Taint rains and volcano eruptions. You’ll also encounter beautiful animals, some of them in need of your help. Will you stop by for a bit?

Explore

Explore uncharted floating islands, hiding the ancient secrets of Eskoim people, either with mech or Ragna the dragon and develop new gadgets, weapons and structures with Dwarf Tru. Get behind the wheel of your own airship for the fastest way to travel through colonies! Upgrade your armor and gain new skills! Feel its power and master the action-oriented combat system. Obtain cosmetic blueprints for your mech and ship, craft them and express your creativity by making a sigil for your own guild.

Fight

Become the First Dwarf and bring glory to your Clan! BUILD your colony, FIGHT your enemies, EXPLORE fantasy Driftland world and SURVIVE! May the world remember your story forever.

Features:

• Control dwarf Tru, pilot the powerful mech and fly with Ragna the Dragon, each with their own skills to upgrade
• Build, optimize and look after your colonies
• Upgrade, craft and discover new structures, technologies, tools and weapons
• Fight Tainted enemies by engaging in close combat and by building defensive turrets and walls in advance, preparing not only for monster waves, but also natural disasters
• Heal the Tainted animals or purge the island of them – the choice is yours
• Unveil the hidden secrets of Driftland and learn the truth about Tru’s father’s past
• Embark on an adventure alone or with a friend in co-op assist mode