A new magical survival adventure is stepping into the spotlight. Developer Envar Games has officially released a playable demo for Witchspire as part of Steam Next Fest, giving players their first hands-on taste of the studio’s enchanting open-world experience ahead of its Early Access launch later this year.
The demo follows a recent playtest that saw more than 85,000 players jump in, and now the gates are open once again—this time for everyone ready to embrace a little witchcraft.
Survive, Craft, and Cast Together
In the demo, players land on the game’s starting island either solo or with up to three friends. From there, it’s all about making magic work for you. You’ll gather resources, take down mystical foes, and build your first cozy home using a foundation of beginner witchcraft skills.
Creature companions—known as familiars—play a major role in your journey. You’ll begin with one of two starter familiars, each offering helpful abilities in combat and exploration. As you roam the island, you’ll encounter additional creatures to collect and befriend, expanding your magical toolkit with their unique powers.
Build Without Limits
For players who prefer construction over combat, the demo includes a robust building system. You can design a starter cabin complete with a moss-covered roof and customize it freely using astral projection. This feature allows you to float around your build area, placing walls, windows, and furnishings with precision—no awkward staircases or temporary ramps required.
Progression in the demo caps at Level 7, where you’ll choose between two Covens and begin shaping your magical identity. Movement abilities such as spirit jumps and blinks add fluidity to exploration and combat, offering a glimpse of the mobility-focused gameplay planned for the full release.
While farming and automation systems are being saved for Early Access, the current demo still offers a solid slice of what’s to come, including limited Hearth progression and a foundational building kit.
A Portal Worth the Risk?
According to Liam O’Neill, Head of Envar Games, the team is eager—but understandably nervous—to see how players respond. Feedback from the closed playtest has already shaped improvements, and returning players will notice new additions, including a mysterious creature named Peb.
And if you stumble across an ancient portal hidden within the ruins? Enter at your own risk.
The Witchspire demo is available now on PC, with Early Access planned for later this year. If you’ve ever wondered what survival crafting would look like with a magical twist, now’s your chance to find out.