When does Shroom and Gloom release?
Shroom and Gloom launched into Steam Early Access on September 10, 2026 (Pacific Time), which displays as September 11 in UTC+8 regions. The launch includes two pathways of roughly 300 cards each, with new pathways, classes, and quests planned during the 12–24 month Early Access period.
Quick answer
Shroom and Gloom launched into Steam Early Access on September 10, 2026 (Pacific Time), published by Devolver Digital. If you live in a UTC+8 region, the same launch appears as September 11, 2026 on the local calendar. Below is the launch content, the PC access status, and the planned Early Access roadmap.
Key dates for Shroom and Gloom
| Date (PT) | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| September 2024 | Free prototype on itch.io | Early prototype — not representative of the current game |
| May 14, 2025 | Steam demo launches (app/3602770) | Free, Windows and macOS |
| June 8, 2026 | Major demo update (announced at PC Gaming Show) | Reworked exploration, new prologue, new ending reaching The Gloom |
| July 2026 | Dev log reports over 100,000 demo downloads | Demo rated overwhelmingly positive (96%+) |
| September 10, 2026 | Steam Early Access launch | Two pathways, five characters, ~300 cards per pathway |
| 2026–2028 | Early Access content updates | New pathways, character classes, quests; planned 12–24 months |
| TBA | 1.0 full release | After the EA period; same price as EA |
Why do some sites say September 10 and others September 11?
Both are correct — it depends on your time zone. Steam displays September 10, 2026 (PT) as the release date. Regions using UTC+8 (such as China, Taiwan, Singapore, and Western Australia) are 15–16 hours ahead of Pacific Time, so the launch moment falls on September 11 on their local calendar. Coverage in UTC+8 media, including Taiwanese outlet Ludens Media, therefore lists September 11. There is one launch, two local dates.
What does the Early Access version include at launch?
The launch build is more than a skeleton. According to the Steam Early Access page and Team Lazerbeam’s official launch announcement:
- Two pathways at launch
- Roughly 300 explore and combat cards per pathway (around 600 total)
- Five playable characters: Paperboy, Janitor, Lunchlady, Activist, and Concerned Parent
- Distinct character starts: each character has unique combat and explore starting decks plus a base Foresight card that changes how they play
- The Mysterious Facility: a second route toward The Gloom with its own card pools, enemies, and rewards
- Quest unlocks: advanced characters and access to the Facility are earned through the quest system
- Launch features: 14 Steam achievements, controller support, Simplified Chinese, and automatic saves after winning a fight or escaping a dungeon
The launch announcement also documents targeting and card-play improvements: cards now identify whether they hit one enemy, multiple enemies, or apply a self-buff; ineligible targets fall away; and a card inspector was added for handheld play.
Team Lazerbeam reported 326,696 wishlists at launch after Shroom and Gloom peaked at number five on Steam’s Popular Upcoming chart. This is a launch-day milestone, not a live player count.
Is there a new official Early Access video?
Yes. Team Lazerbeam published the 7:07 official Dev Diary “Sick Cards and Killer Combos — Shroom and Gloom Early Access Reveal” during launch week. It is a launch-week reference, not the newest upload as of this later check. The written launch facts on this page use the official Steam announcement, which provides an accessible text record of the characters, Facility, quests, saves, controller support, and roadmap.
Official videos added since the launch-week check
The developer’s official channel feed was checked on October 6, 2026. It lists a Frequently Asked Questions video published September 21, a hand-drawn world development short published September 26 UTC, and a five-year development retrospective short published September 28. These links provide official follow-up viewing. Their upload metadata does not establish a new patch, console release, changed roadmap, or specific FAQ answers; no such gameplay claims are inferred here. The launch facts below retain their original verification date.
How long will Early Access last?
The developers and the Steam page state that Early Access is planned to run for 12–24 months before the full 1.0 release. Two details worth knowing:
- The price will not change — the Steam page notes Early Access and the 1.0 release cost the same, so buying at launch carries no price penalty for waiting.
- The current US Steam price is $14.99. Regional prices may differ.
- Team Lazerbeam plans several major updates with new characters and cards, smaller tuning updates between them, and a third and final pathway to The Gloom before 1.0. The first post-launch step is a community-informed roadmap.
Is there a console release date?
No. There is no PS5, Xbox, or Switch version announced, and no release date for any console. The only confirmed platform is PC via Steam, with system requirements listed for Windows and macOS only. The Steam page also carries no Steam Deck verification label (Verified, Playable, or Unsupported). If a console version is ever announced, it will come from Team Lazerbeam or Devolver Digital through official channels — anything else is speculation, and we will not publish speculative dates.
Can you still play the demo?
Yes. The free Steam demo remains a separate way to try the game and contains 26 handcrafted tunnels, three unlockable playstyles, and the post-June 2026 ending that reaches The Gloom. For the current paid launch build, use the Early Access Steam page linked below.
Launch verification note
This page was re-verified on September 14, 2026 against the Steam Early Access listing and Team Lazerbeam’s official launch announcement. Demo-specific mechanics remain labeled as demo information; launch-build card counts, balance, and future roadmap details may change as the developers update the game.
Sources
- Steam — Shroom and Gloom Early Access page (September 10, 2026 date, 12–24 month EA plan, languages, platforms)
- Steam — official Early Access launch announcement (characters, Facility, quests, saves, controller support, launch wishlist milestone, and roadmap direction)
- Team Lazerbeam — official Early Access Dev Diary (launch-week developer video, 7:07)
- Rectify Gaming — release date announcement (August 22, 2026)
- RPGamer — Early Access coverage (August 24, 2026)
- Steam — Shroom and Gloom Demo page
Frequently asked questions
When does Shroom and Gloom come out?
It entered Steam Early Access on September 10, 2026 (Pacific Time). If you are in a UTC+8 region such as China or Taiwan, the store shows September 11, 2026 — both dates refer to the same launch.
How long will Shroom and Gloom stay in Early Access?
The developers plan for Early Access to last 12–24 months, during which new pathways, character classes, and quests will be added. The price is the same in Early Access and at 1.0.
Is Shroom and Gloom coming to PS5 or Switch?
No console versions have been announced. The only confirmed platform is PC via Steam, with system requirements for Windows and macOS. There is also no official Steam Deck verification label yet.
Is Shroom and Gloom a full release or Early Access?
The September 10, 2026 launch is Early Access. The official Steam listing says the launch build includes all key features, with content expanding over the following 12–24 months toward 1.0.
Sources
Facts on this page were verified on September 14, 2026 against the sources below. Community strategy claims are player-reported for the demo build and may differ in the current Early Access version.