Closed Alpha — how to join the November 3 test

How to join, step by step

The November test is planned for PC via Steam, runs about two weeks according to dev statements reported by IGN, and is the first test built on the new swarm technology.

1. Open the DarkSwarm page on Steam and find the “Join the DarkSwarm Playtest” box.
2. Click “Request Access” — sign-ups are open now, and joining it costs nothing.
3. Watch for Steam's notification; you are let in when the developer opens the next wave of slots.
4. From November 3, 2026, the playtest build appears in your Steam library — install it and drop in.

What's new for Alpha 4

The September 29, 2026 reveal introduced DarkSwarm's new swarm technology: “Now we can bring thousands of enemies to the screen at once.” Developer statements reported by IGN Latinoamérica put the ceiling near 3,000 simultaneous creatures, with adaptive AI that interacts with the map and actively pursues players. The full Alpha 4 changelog is not published yet — past alphas shipped a detailed one at launch, so expect specifics close to November 3.

The alpha record so far

If you can't get in

Access is rolled out in waves, and slots are limited. The studio says tests are announced at least one month ahead, and an open beta phase is planned before Early Access — a wider shot for everyone who misses Alpha 4. Wishlist the game, keep the Request Access flag set, and watch the Steam news hub (or this wiki's updates page) for the beta date.