Nordic indie studio Sundrop Games is set to release the highly anticipated demo for its debut title, Arcaneering: Beyond Automation, on September 30, 2025 via Steam. The upcoming demo promises a fresh take on the factory automation genre by weaving magical systems, treasure-driven exploration, and puzzle-like territorial expansion into a cozy, enchanting experience.
Magic Meets Factory Building
Unlike traditional automation games that focus solely on industrial power grids, Arcaneering introduces spell-powered assembly lines fueled by Mana. Players craft magical items to dismantle ancient barriers, opening new territories filled with hidden treasures, rare recipes, and mystical Mana trees offering unique rewards.
Daniel Bojar, Lead Developer at Sundrop Games, explained the studio’s vision: “We wanted to capture that satisfying factory-building loop but infuse it with RPG-style progression. Instead of re-enacting the industrial revolution for the hundredth time, you’re solving logistical puzzles with magic.”
What’s Inside the Demo
Launching September 30, the free Steam demo includes the full tutorial and Act One, offering 4–8 hours of gameplay. Players will learn the fundamentals of magical production, unlock their first treasures, and begin expanding into new procedurally generated lands.
Key demo features include:
- Spell-powered factories that bypass traditional power requirements.
- Procedural world generation ensuring unique challenges each run.
- Treasure-driven progression with rare discoveries reshaping production strategies.
- A distinctive “Industrial Minimalism” art style with warm, sunlit landscapes.
Keeping the Genre Fresh
To keep gameplay dynamic, Arcaneering introduces treasure chests and traveling merchants that can transform a player’s approach mid-run. Bojar added: “You might discover a recipe that changes how you build entire chains or a spell that solves a problem you’ve struggled with. It keeps the experience fresh and avoids the stagnation many automation games face.”
A Cozy Alternative to Classic Factory Sims
Designed for fans of Factorio and Satisfactory, Arcaneering removes common stressors like enemy attacks or resource depletion while retaining the rewarding complexity of factory-building. Sundrop Games, a two-person Nordic studio, aims to deliver a more relaxed, discovery-driven experience that balances depth with accessibility.
The full game is scheduled for Early Access in mid-2026, expanding the journey with three acts, advanced magical research trees, and biomes infused with unique magical properties.
Availability
The Arcaneering: Beyond Automation demo launches September 30, 2025, on Steam for PC. Players can wishlist the game now and join the community on Discord.
Steam page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3858960/Arcaneering_Beyond_Automation/
Discord: https://discord.gg/9dUkV3JAsG
