Moon Studios, the creative force behind the critically acclaimed Ori and the Will of the Wisps, has announced that the full launch of its upcoming action‑RPG, No Rest for the Wicked, will be delayed until March 2027. The decision comes after the game entered early‑access in April 2024, with an original full‑release target set for October 2026.
As of July 2026, the title has already moved two million copies, demonstrating strong community interest despite its unfinished state. In a candid statement, the studio explained that while No Rest for the Wicked is "close" to the version they envision for a 1.0 launch, "close isn’t good enough" for the final product they intend to ship. "The honest truth is that we’re a small team, and we hold our games to a standard we won’t compromise on," the announcement read.
This philosophy underpins the decision to allocate additional development time, rather than rush a version that falls short of the studio’s own quality bar. The extra months will be used to address several key areas. First, performance optimisation will be a priority, ensuring the game runs smoothly across all supported platforms, from high‑end PCs to the latest console hardware.
Second, the class system—an intricate web of abilities and progression paths that forms the backbone of the gameplay experience—will be tightened and balanced, giving players a more cohesive and rewarding sense of growth. Finally, the team will polish every facet of the experience, from visual fidelity and animation to sound design and narrative pacing, so that the final build meets the expectations of both the developers and the community. Moon Studios also emphasized that the delay will open up more opportunities for community involvement. "It also means more closed 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 studio said.
An open beta is slated for December, allowing a broader audience to experience the game’s current state, provide feedback, and directly influence the polishing process. This collaborative approach reflects the studio’s commitment to transparency and player‑centric development. To reward early supporters, the studio announced a "Founders Pack" for anyone who purchases No Rest for the Wicked before January 1, 2027.
This bundle will include exclusive in‑game items, cosmetic upgrades, and possibly early access to certain content, serving as a thank‑you for backing the project during its early‑access phase. PlayStation pre‑orders will open in January 2027, giving console players the same chance to claim these rewards. In a separate video posted on YouTube, Moon Studios founder Thomas Mahler provided additional context. He described the recent months as a "mad dash" to integrate more content, finalize the 1.0 features, and flesh out the class system.
"We’ve been playtesting a lot, and the truth is simply that we’re not quite there yet," Mahler admitted. He reflected on the long development history, noting that the first prototypes of No Rest for the Wicked date back to 2016. "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 said.
Mahler’s remarks underline a broader industry trend where developers prioritize long‑term reputation over short‑term release windows. By choosing to delay, Moon Studios hopes to deliver a title that can stand alongside generational classics—games that define a genre and leave a lasting impact on players.
"We want everybody to have a wonderful experience and ship something that is one of those generational games that only comes out every so often," he concluded. The postponement has been met with mixed reactions from the community. While some fans expressed disappointment at the longer wait, many echoed the studio’s sentiment, acknowledging that a polished, bug‑free experience is worth the patience. Industry analysts have noted that Moon Studios’ track record for quality, combined with the strong early‑access sales figures, suggests the extra development time could translate into a critically acclaimed launch that justifies the delay.
In summary, No Rest for the Wicked will now launch in March 2027 after a series of additional beta tests, performance enhancements, and extensive polishing. Moon Studios remains committed to delivering a game that meets its high standards and satisfies its dedicated fan base, reinforcing the studio’s reputation for craftsmanship and player‑focused development.