Moon Studios, the creative force behind the acclaimed Ori and the Will of the Wisps, has announced that the official launch of its upcoming action‑RPG, No Rest for the Wicked, will be delayed until March 2027. The title entered early‑access in April 2024, with an initial full‑release window set for October 2026. As of July 2026, the game has already moved two million copies, a testament to the strong anticipation surrounding the project.
In a statement released by the studio, developers explained that while the game is "close" to a finished state, they refuse to settle for anything less than a true 1.0 experience. "Close isn’t good enough for our full launch," the announcement read.
"The honest truth is that we’re a small team, and we hold our games to a standard we won’t compromise on." The extra months granted by the postponement will be used to fine‑tune performance across all platforms, tighten the intricate class system that forms the backbone of the gameplay, and polish every aspect of the world to meet the expectations of the community. Moon Studios emphasized that they would rather wait a little longer than ship a product that feels unfinished or riddled with avoidable bugs. To keep momentum and maintain transparency, the studio plans to run additional closed and open beta sessions over the coming months. These tests will give players—especially those who have been supporting the game since its early‑access debut—a direct hand in shaping the final build.
An open beta is slated for December 2026, providing a broad audience the chance to experience the evolving content and offer feedback that will directly influence the final polish. Early supporters will also be rewarded for their patience. Anyone who purchases No Rest for the Wicked before January 1, 2027, will receive a special "Founders Pack" containing exclusive in‑game items and cosmetic bonuses. PlayStation users will be able to pre‑order the title starting in January 2027, ensuring they also qualify for the same set of rewards.
The delay was further explained in a candid YouTube address by studio founder Thomas Mahler. Mahler described the development phase as a "mad dash" to integrate additional content, finalize the class system, and lock down all the features earmarked for the 1.0 release.
"We’ve been playtesting a lot, and the truth is simply that we’re not quite there yet," Mahler admitted. He traced the project’s origins back to 2016, when the first prototypes of No Rest for the Wicked were sketched out. Over a decade later, the team finds itself in the final stretch, but insists on taking the extra time needed to "land this plane safely" and avoid shipping a product with even minor, preventable bugs.
Mahler underscored the studio’s ambition to deliver a "generational" experience—one of those rare games that defines a moment in gaming history. The decision to delay aligns with a broader industry trend where developers prioritize long‑term reputation over short‑term revenue. By choosing to extend the development timeline, Moon Studios signals its commitment to quality and to the community that has already shown immense enthusiasm for the title. This approach mirrors the practices of other studios that have postponed high‑profile releases to ensure that performance, narrative cohesion, and gameplay balance meet the highest standards.
Fans have responded with a mixture of disappointment at the longer wait and appreciation for the studio’s transparency. Social media threads highlight the community’s willingness to wait longer if it guarantees a smoother, more refined experience. Many players have already begun planning their in‑game strategies, speculating on how the class system will evolve, and sharing fan art that celebrates the game’s unique aesthetic.
Looking ahead, Moon Studios promises that the additional development window will also allow for the introduction of new content that was previously slated for post‑launch updates. This could include extra story chapters, expanded side quests, and perhaps new playable classes that broaden the tactical depth of the game. While no concrete details have been released, the studio’s history of post‑launch support suggests that players can expect a living world that continues to grow after the official March 2027 launch. In summary, No Rest for the Wicked will now arrive in March 2027, giving Moon Studios the breathing room needed to perfect performance, refine the class system, and deliver a polished, bug‑free experience.
Early adopters who buy before the new year will be rewarded with a Founders Pack, and an open beta in December will let the community test the latest builds. The studio’s founder, Thomas Mahler, reaffirmed the team’s dedication to creating a game that stands out as a milestone in the industry, even if it means waiting a little longer.