Dungeon Settlers WikiDungeon Settlers Roadmap: Early Access to V1.0
Quick answer: The official roadmap runs through three numbered updates before a V1.0 release estimated for the third quarter of 2028. Update 5 brings beta modding support, a third region and a level cap of 7; Update 6 adds a fourth region and a cap of 9; V1.0 brings the final regions, a final boss, a cap of 12 and Linux support. That estimate is also the answer to "how long will Early Access last".
How long Early Access will run
Early Access began on September 4, 2026. The roadmap's V1.0 line carries an estimate of Q3 2028 — so the developer's own plan is roughly two years of Early Access.
That is the only official answer to the question anywhere, and it is worth stating plainly because most coverage of this game predates the roadmap's publication on September 4, 2026.
The roadmap in one table
| Update 4 (Q4 2026) | Update 5 | Update 6 | V1.0 (est. Q3 2028) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level cap | — | 7 + tier-3 skills | 9 | 12 + tier-4 skills |
| Regions | — | Third region: Penance Mine | Fourth region: Corrupted Chapel | Fifth and sixth regions, final boss |
| Races | — | Dwarves | Undisclosed | New race |
| Skills | More sub-skill trees per weapon type | Axe tree | Dagger tree | Crossbow, new magic types |
| Systems | Animal capture and taming (Gloth), training building, Compendium, combat log, expedition report | Modding support (beta, phased), crafting improvements, new research nodes, new resources (tin, bronze, iron, gold), new NPCs | Achievements, weather, multiple mental-breakdown states, special dungeons reached by portal, new campaign scenario | — |
| Platforms | — | — | — | Linux support |
| Other | QoL and balance, new random events, new decorative buildings, abyss reward display building, improved idle behaviour, environment art improvements |
What this means for how you play now
Three items on that list change decisions you are making today:
- The level cap is 6 right now. It rises to 7 in Update 5. If you have read that the cap is 12, that number is the V1.0 target from this roadmap, not a current value — see the levelling page for why that distinction matters when you are budgeting mana stones.
- Modding is coming, but not soon. Mod support is a stated long-term goal that the developer says needs groundwork first, and it appears in Update 5 as a phased beta. If a mod ecosystem is your reason to buy, that is the milestone to watch.
- Carapace drops are being reworked. Under planned improvements, the roadmap says monsters on region 2, floor 2 will be modified so Carapace can be obtained there instead of Gloth-related materials. See the Carapace page for what that changes.
The official Q&A, in short
The roadmap is published alongside four developer answers:
- Multiplayer: no. Not planned, and not planned in the long term either — the reasoning given is not only technical but about how multiplayer would affect the game's experience, controls and design. A same-universe sequel is the only scenario in which they would revisit it.
- Mod support: yes, as a long-term goal that needs proper foundations.
- More languages: covered by the separate language-support announcement. The game ships with ten languages, interface, audio and subtitles.
- Steam Deck: something they will consider. As of the compatibility announcement, it is Valve-rated Playable but not officially supported — details on the Mac and platforms page.
Known issues the developer has admitted
Published alongside the roadmap, and useful context for anyone deciding whether to buy now:
- Optimisation has barely been done yet. This is the developer's own wording.
- Some machines crash on launch; updating graphics drivers may fix it.
- A level 6 unit can join the settlement through a random settlement event.
- Expedition member names do not display in the "Founding Exploration team" scenario in Japanese and Chinese.
FAQ
When does Dungeon Settlers leave Early Access?
The roadmap estimates V1.0 for Q3 2028, about two years after the September 4, 2026 Early Access launch.
Will Dungeon Settlers get multiplayer?
No. The developer has said it is not planned, including long term, for design reasons as well as technical ones.
When will mods be supported?
Update 5 introduces modding support as a phased beta. No date has been published for that update.
What is the highest level planned?
12, at V1.0, with fourth-tier skills. The cap is 6 today, 7 in Update 5 and 9 in Update 6.
See also: the current level cap, Mac, Linux and Steam Deck support, and whether Early Access is worth buying now.