Moon Studios, the creative force behind Ori and the Will of the Wisps, has announced that the full launch of its upcoming action‑RPG, No Rest for the Wicked, will now take place in March 2027. The game initially entered early access in April 2024, with a planned 1.0 release for October 2026. As of July 2026, the title has already moved more than two million copies, a testament to the strong community interest and the studio’s reputation for crafting visually striking, emotionally resonant experiences. In a statement released by the studio, the team acknowledged that the project is "close" to being finished, yet they stressed that "close is not good enough" for the final version they intend to ship.
"The honest truth is that we're a small team, and we're holding our games to a standard we won't compromise on," the announcement read. This candid admission highlights Moon Studios' commitment to quality over speed, a philosophy that has guided their previous titles and earned them a dedicated fan base.
The additional time allocated to the development schedule will be used to fine‑tune several core aspects of No Rest for the Wicked. Specifically, the studio plans to enhance performance across all supported platforms, tighten the intricacies of the class system, and apply a higher level of polish to the overall experience. "We'd rather take a few more months than ship something that we know isn't quite perfect yet," the developers said, underscoring their willingness to delay a lucrative release in order to avoid compromising the player's experience.
One of the most notable benefits of the postponement is the opportunity for more extensive community testing. Moon Studios announced that both closed and open beta phases will be expanded over the coming months, giving players a chance to dive deeper into the game and provide valuable feedback. An open beta is slated for December 2026, allowing the community to explore new content, test the evolving class mechanics, and help identify any lingering bugs or balance issues.
This collaborative approach aims to ensure that the final 1.0 build reflects the expectations and desires of its most passionate supporters. To reward early adopters, the studio introduced a "Founders Pack" incentive.
Customers who purchase No Rest for the Wicked before January 1, 2027, will receive exclusive rewards that recognize their commitment during the early‑access period. These bonuses may include unique skins, in‑game currency, or other cosmetic items that will not be available to later purchasers. PlayStation users will also have the chance to secure these rewards when pre‑orders begin in January 2027, aligning the console launch with the broader release timeline.
In a separate video posted to YouTube, studio founder Thomas Mahler provided additional context for the delay. Mahler described the development team as having been on a "mad dash" to integrate more content, finalize the 1.0 features, and complete the class system. He admitted that extensive playtesting revealed that the game was still not at the level of polish they envisioned.
"We've been playtesting a lot, and the truth is simply that we're not quite there yet," Mahler said. Mahler also reflected on the project's long history, noting that the first prototypes of No Rest for the Wicked date back to 2016.
Over a decade of iteration has shaped the game into a complex, narrative‑driven experience that aims to push the boundaries of the genre. "Given we're in the last couple of months, we would just like to take that extra time to make sure that we land this plane safely and that we don't ship with any silly little bugs left," he explained. This metaphor underscores the studio's desire to avoid a rushed launch that could tarnish the game's reputation. The developer emphasized that their ultimate goal is to deliver a "generational" title—one that stands out as a milestone in gaming history and is remembered for its artistic ambition, technical excellence, and emotional depth.
By postponing the launch, Moon Studios hopes to ensure that No Rest for the Wicked meets these lofty aspirations and provides a memorable experience for players worldwide. In summary, Moon Studios' decision to shift the full release of No Rest for the Wicked to March 2027 reflects a deliberate choice to prioritize quality, performance, and community involvement over meeting an earlier deadline.
The extended development window will allow the team to refine gameplay mechanics, enhance visual fidelity, and eliminate remaining bugs. With expanded beta testing, exclusive early‑buyer rewards, and a clear communication strategy, the studio aims to keep its fan base engaged and excited as the new launch date approaches. The commitment to delivering a polished, unforgettable adventure remains at the heart of Moon Studios' philosophy, promising that when the game finally ships, it will live up to the high expectations set by its creators and its eager audience.