Moon Studios, the creative force behind the beloved Ori series and its latest sequel Ori and the Will of the Wisps, has announced a significant delay for its upcoming action‑RPG, No Rest for the Wicked. Originally slated for a full 1.0 launch in October 2026, the studio now aims to ship the finished product in March 2027. This decision comes after an extensive early‑access period that began in April 2024 and after the title has already moved two million copies in that phase. The studio’s public statement emphasizes that while the game is "close" to being finished, the team refuses to settle for anything less than a truly polished experience.
"Close isn't good enough for our full 1.0 launch," the developers wrote, underscoring a commitment to quality that outweighs the pressure to meet an earlier deadline. Moon Studios describes itself as a relatively small team that holds its creations to a high bar and refuses to compromise on that standard. "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 explains why the studio prefers to allocate additional development time rather than rush a product that does not yet meet their internal criteria. The extra months will be devoted to several key areas. Performance optimization tops the list, ensuring that the game runs smoothly across all targeted platforms without frame‑rate hiccups or loading delays.
The class system, a core mechanic that lets players customize their characters' abilities and playstyles, will receive further refinement to provide deeper strategic options and clearer progression pathways. Overall polish—ranging from visual fidelity and animation fluidity to sound design and user interface clarity—will also be addressed to deliver the level of craftsmanship the community expects.
In addition to technical improvements, Moon Studios plans to broaden community involvement through more extensive beta testing. The studio has scheduled another open beta for December 2026, inviting players to dive back into the world of No Rest for the Wicked and offer feedback that will directly shape the final 1.0 build.
"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 added. To reward early supporters, the studio is introducing a "Founders Pack" for anyone who purchases the game before January 1, 2027.
This package includes exclusive in‑game items, cosmetic upgrades, and possibly early access to upcoming DLC content, serving as a thank‑you for backing the project during its early‑access phase. PlayStation users will be able to pre‑order the title starting in January 2027, granting them access to the same rewards and ensuring cross‑platform parity in incentives. The announcement was accompanied by a YouTube video featuring studio founder Thomas Mahler, who provided additional context about the development timeline. Mahler explained that the team has been in a "mad dash" to incorporate new content, finalize the class system, and integrate all remaining 1.0 features.
He highlighted the extensive playtesting that has taken place over the past months, noting that the game still falls short of the studio’s internal benchmarks. "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 origins, recalling that the first prototypes for No Rest for the Wicked date back to 2016.
Over a decade of iteration has culminated in a product that the team believes could become a "generational" title—one that defines a period in gaming history. "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," he explained. The studio’s emphasis on avoiding "silly little bugs" underscores a broader industry trend where developers prioritize post‑launch stability over rushed releases. By extending the timeline, Moon Studios hopes to avoid the negative press and community backlash that can accompany buggy launches, especially for a title with high expectations attached to the Ori brand.
Looking ahead, Moon Studios envisions No Rest for the Wicked as a flagship experience that will stand alongside other landmark games that appear only intermittently. "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," Mahler concluded.
In summary, the delay to March 2027 reflects Moon Studios' dedication to delivering a meticulously crafted action‑RPG that meets their lofty standards. The additional development window will be used to fine‑tune performance, deepen the class system, and polish every facet of the game, while expanded beta testing will keep the community involved.
Early purchasers will receive special rewards, and PlayStation pre‑orders will open in January 2027. Fans can look forward to a more refined, bug‑free adventure that aspires to become a defining entry in the genre.