Moon Studios, the creative force behind the beloved Ori series, has announced that the full release of its upcoming action RPG, No Rest for the Wicked, will now take place in March 2027. The decision comes after an early‑access period that began in April 2024 and a previously planned 1.0 launch date of 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 delivering visually stunning, emotionally resonant experiences.
In a candid statement, Moon Studios explained that while the game is "close" to a final version, the team believes "close isn’t good enough for our full 1.0 launch." The studio emphasized that its relatively small development team refuses to compromise on the quality bar they have set for themselves. "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. The additional months will be used to refine several core aspects of the game. Performance optimisation is a top priority, ensuring that the title runs smoothly across all supported platforms, from high‑end PCs to the latest console hardware.
The developers also plan to tighten the class system, which has been a focal point of player feedback during early‑access testing. By polishing combat mechanics, skill trees, and class synergies, Moon Studios hopes to deliver a more balanced and rewarding progression experience. Beyond technical tweaks, the studio is committed to expanding the game's content.
The extra time will allow the team to flesh out side quests, add new environments, and introduce additional narrative threads that deepen the world-building. This approach aligns with the studio's philosophy of creating "generational" titles—games that leave a lasting impact and set new benchmarks for the industry.
Community involvement will remain a cornerstone of the development process. Moon Studios announced a series of beta windows, both closed and open, scheduled over the coming months. The open beta is slated for December, giving players a chance to dive into the near‑final build and provide direct feedback. "It also means more close and open beta tests in the coming months, which means you, our community, can get your hands on it and help us shape the final 1.0 build," the statement said.
To reward early supporters, the studio introduced a "Founders Pack" incentive. Anyone who purchases No Rest for the Wicked before January 1, 2027, will receive exclusive rewards, ranging from cosmetic skins to in‑game currency and unique lore items. PlayStation users will be able to pre‑order the game starting in January 2027, ensuring they also qualify for the Founders Pack benefits.
The announcement was accompanied by a video on YouTube featuring studio founder Thomas Mahler, who provided further insight into the development timeline. Mahler described the recent months as a "mad dash" to integrate additional content, finalize the class system, and polish the overall experience.
He noted that the team has been playtesting extensively and that the current build, while impressive, still falls short of the studio's lofty ambitions. "We’ve been playtesting a lot, and the truth is simply that we’re not quite there yet," Mahler said.
He reflected on the project's origins, recalling that the first prototypes of No Rest for the Wicked date back to 2016. Over a decade of iteration has culminated in the present stage, and Mahler stressed the importance of using the remaining time wisely. "We’ve been working on the first prototypes of No Rest for the Wicked all the way back in 2016, and 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." Mahler concluded with a vision for the game's legacy.
He expressed a desire for No Rest for the Wicked to be remembered as a "wonderful experience" and a "generational game"—a title that stands out in the crowded market and is celebrated for its artistic ambition, deep gameplay systems, and emotional storytelling. By delaying the launch, Moon Studios aims to ensure that the final product lives up to those expectations and provides players with an experience that feels both polished and unforgettable.
In summary, Moon Studios is pushing the official launch of No Rest for the Wicked to March 2027 to fine‑tune performance, perfect the class system, and expand content, all while maintaining a rigorous quality standard. The studio will continue to involve its community through beta testing, and early purchasers will enjoy exclusive Founders Pack rewards. The extra development window reflects the team's commitment to delivering a game that not only meets but exceeds the high bar they have set for themselves, promising a memorable adventure for players when the game finally ships.