The Bitmates team is back with a comprehensive look at what’s coming in the near future. As the game continues to evolve from its browser-based roots into a full cross-platform experience, we’re laying out a clear path forward — one packed with new features, expanded content, and broader accessibility.
This development roadmap outlines key milestones leading up to the highly anticipated Forsaken Sands expansion, while also introducing exciting updates that enhance gameplay, customization, and player engagement. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the world of Bitmates, there’s something ahead for everyone.
🗺️ Upcoming Development Roadmap
Here’s a high-level overview of the major milestones we’re working toward:
- PvP Experimental Update
- Desktop Game Stores — Soft Launch
- Bitmates Mobile — Closed Early Access
- Clear Skies Farm Miniset
- Bitmates Cosmetics Shop
- Desktop and Mobile Application — Hard Launch
- Forsaken Sands Expansion
While this timeline reflects our current best estimates, please note that development priorities may shift based on community feedback and technical progress. For real-time updates on each goal, visit our public development tracker.
👉 Discover how your gameplay could evolve with next-gen features and seamless cross-platform access.
⚔️ PvP Experimental Update: Testing the Waters of Player vs Player
Player vs Player (PvP) combat has been a hot topic in the Bitmates community. While the game has always emphasized exploration and survival, we recognize the growing interest in competitive play.
Rather than jumping straight into high-stakes battles, we’re launching a low-stakes PvP mini-game as an experimental feature. This controlled environment allows players to test their skills without major risks, giving us valuable data on balance, performance, and player behavior.
In this mode:
- Gear matters — legendary weapons and high-tier food provide real advantages.
- Matches are designed for fun and experimentation, not punishment.
- No permanent penalties or loot loss — it’s all about learning and engagement.
This experimental phase is crucial. If player response is positive, we may expand into risk-based duels, tournaments, and ranked modes in future updates. Your feedback will directly influence whether PvP becomes a core part of Bitmates.
We believe balanced, optional PvP can enrich the game without disrupting its open-world spirit.
💻 Desktop Game Stores — Soft Launch: Reaching New Players
To grow beyond browser limitations, we’re preparing Bitmates for major desktop game distribution platforms like Steam and the Epic Games Store.
Why does this matter?
- Steam alone powers over 70% of PC game downloads globally.
- Over 60 million daily users browse and discover games on Steam.
- Desktop clients offer better performance, faster load times, and offline capabilities.
Our soft launch strategy includes:
- Fixing long-standing UX issues (e.g., sound effects, music loops).
- Adding a full in-game tutorial for new players.
- Introducing an in-game minimap — one of the most requested features.
- Optimizing controls and interface for non-browser environments.
Once these improvements are complete, we’ll begin porting Bitmates to desktop platforms in a phased rollout. This ensures stability and gives us room to fine-tune the experience before going fully public.
This move isn’t just about downloads — it’s about making Bitmates a mainstream indie contender.
📱 Bitmates Mobile — Closed Early Access: Gaming On the Go
Mobile gaming dominates the industry — it's roughly 50 times larger than the browser gaming market. That’s why bringing Bitmates to smartphones is a strategic priority.
We’ve already tested an early mobile prototype with promising results. Now, we’re moving into closed early access, starting in select regions.
Key focus areas:
- Full crossplay compatibility between mobile and desktop.
- Touch-friendly UI redesign for intuitive control.
- Performance optimization for mid-tier devices.
- Battery and data usage efficiency.
The closed testing phase will help us gather feedback on gameplay feel, stability, and monetization models before the global release.
When ready, Bitmates Mobile will let you continue your adventure anywhere — whether you’re commuting, traveling, or just relaxing at home.
🌾 Clear Skies Farm Miniset: Cultivate, Harvest, Grow
Before the desert heat of Forsaken Sands, we’re planting something fresh: Clear Skies Farm, a tranquil yet impactful addition to the Bitmates world.
Located between Brightwood and the edge of the new expansion zone, this area introduces:
- The farming skill — grow crops from seeds, harvest for EXP and materials.
- New uses for produce: cooking ingredients, alchemy components, NPC trades.
- Expanded zones like Braveheart Barracks and parts of The Kingdom of Solaire.
- New NPCs, enemies, and side quests.
We call this a “miniset” because it’s more than a patch — it’s a meaningful step in gameplay evolution. Farming adds depth to resource management and encourages long-term world interaction.
Players can expect seasonal crop cycles, rare seed drops, and cooperative farming opportunities in multiplayer.
👗 Bitmates Cosmetics Shop: Express Yourself
Personalization is coming to Bitmates with the launch of the Cosmetics Shop, where style meets exclusivity.
Features include:
- Custom outfits, accessories, and visual effects.
- Limited-supply items for rarity and collectibility.
- Seasonal rotations — once gone, they may never return.
- A reward system for NFT collectors, who earn redeemable points for exclusive cosmetics.
All cosmetic items are purely aesthetic — no pay-to-win mechanics. Everyone shares the same pool of items, available on a first-come basis.
This shop supports ongoing development while letting players showcase their identity in-game.
🚀 Desktop and Mobile Application — Hard Launch
After soft launches on desktop and early access on mobile, we’ll unify everything with a full hard launch.
What to expect:
- Free-to-play access across all platforms.
- Seamless cross-platform syncing — start on PC, continue on phone.
- Unified accounts and progression tracking.
- Global server integration for smoother multiplayer.
- A coordinated marketing campaign to attract new players.
This launch sets the foundation for Forsaken Sands, ensuring maximum reach and stability.
🏜️ Forsaken Sands Expansion: The Biggest Update Yet
Get ready — Forsaken Sands will be the largest expansion in Bitmates history.
Highlights include:
- Double the world size with four new desert-themed regions.
- Over 120 hours of progression content for new players.
- Level cap increased to 70, opening new skill tiers.
- Three new skills: Handiwork, Alchemy, and Jewelcrafting.
- New bosses, rare loot, resource nodes, and endgame systems.
This isn’t just more content — it’s a transformation. The expansion is designed to re-engage existing players and attract newcomers with deeper mechanics and immersive storytelling.
🔍 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will Bitmates be available on Steam?
A: The soft launch on desktop platforms is underway. We’ll announce exact dates once testing is complete and performance meets our standards.
Q: Will mobile players have crossplay with PC users?
A: Yes — full crossplay is a core design goal. You’ll be able to play with friends regardless of device.
Q: Is the PvP mode permanent?
A: Not yet. The current version is experimental. Long-term inclusion depends on community feedback and balance testing.
Q: Are cosmetics pay-to-win?
A: No. All cosmetic items are purely visual and do not affect gameplay stats or abilities.
Q: Can I play Bitmates offline?
A: The desktop version will support limited offline modes, but full functionality requires an internet connection due to its multiplayer nature.
Q: How do NFT collectors get rewards in the Cosmetics Shop?
A: Collectors earn points based on holdings and activity. These can be redeemed for exclusive cosmetic items during active shop seasons.
With every update, Bitmates grows closer to becoming a truly cross-platform, community-driven universe. From farming in Clear Skies to battling in PvP arenas and conquering vast deserts, the journey ahead is bold and full of possibility.
👉 Stay ahead of the curve — explore how innovation is reshaping digital gameplay experiences.
Thank you for being part of this adventure. The road to Forsaken Sands is open — let’s walk it together.