Better Than Dead is now coming to Steam with an Early Access release date.
The bodycam first-person shooter will launch for PC via Steam on May 12, 2026. Steam lists the release date as May 12, 2026, and Gematsu also reports the PC Steam Early Access launch. The game is developed by MONTE GALLO and published by MicroProse Software. The official Steam page also confirms these details.
In addition to the Early Access date, A new trailer offers a closer look at the game’s dark tone, fast gunplay, and dense Hong Kong-inspired urban settings.
Better Than Dead will launch in Early Access, meaning it is being released as a work in progress rather than a final version. Steam’s Early Access note says the game is not complete and may change further. This means the game will be released while the developers continue polishing it. The Steam website states that they aim to release the game with the necessary functionality initially and then continuously improve it based on user feedback.
Better Than Dead Turns Hong Kong into a Revenge Shooter through Bodycams
Better Than Dead is set in photorealistic Hong Kong, where players follow a survivor seeking revenge against the people who destroyed her life.
The theme of rescuing and revenge forms the core of Better Than Dead.`Players control a survivor armed with a pistol, a bodycam, and a kill list as she moves through linear levels hunting the people who destroyed her life. Steam describes the character this way.
The Bodycam View Is the Game’s Main Hook
Better Than Dead separates itself from a standard FPS through its bodycam-style presentation. This game plays out all action sequences like they’re being recorded from a body-mounted camera.
The gameplay focuses on fast reactions and lethal gunfights, where missed shots can quickly punish the player. Steam describes the gunplay as fast, deadly, and punishing. The game’s Steam page suggests that it offers intense gunplay with serious consequences for missing shots. The game is not presented as an open-world title; it is a bodycam FPS built around tight, linear levels.
The game world also adds value to Better Than Dead, making it a truly unique experience. Some of the listed places in the game include brightly lit restaurants, seedy clubs, dark alleys, and rooftops. The game draws inspiration from old-school Hong Kong action movies.
The Early Access Features 14 Levels
The Early Access version of the game will have all 14 levels included in Better Than Dead’s primary game mode. According to the developers, the current version of the game is already fully playable in the game’s primary game mode and includes all the levels available upon release.
This means the Early Access build is not being positioned as a short teaser, although it is still a work-in-progress release. Steam says the current build is fully playable in its main mode with 14 levels. Upcoming updates will revolve around enhancing gameplay and adding new levels, among other improvements.
To Heaven Is Planned for the Full Version
Better Than Dead will be in Early Access for an estimated period of six to 12 months. This could change, however, and if there is a plan for that, the public will be informed ahead of time.
For the full version, the developer plans to add a mode called To Heaven. Steam describes To Heaven as a more hardcore second mode planned as a larger extension of the experience, with additional levels and the game’s intended true ending. Replayability options might also be considered by the developer, although no additional information is currently available on them.
Better Than Dead Price
Better Than Dead does not have finalized post-launch pricing yet. Steam says any price change during or after Early Access will be communicated clearly in advance.
PC Is the Only Confirmed Platform at Present
According to the game’s Steam listing and announcement coverage, Better Than Dead is currently confirmed for PC via Steam.
Steam Lists Single-Player Support and Four Languages
The Steam listing shows Better Than Dead as a single-player game with Family Sharing support. There are no reviews from users since the game has not been launched yet. Four languages have been listed for Better Than Dead, including English, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean.
Better Than Dead PC Requirements
Minimum Requirements
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit
- CPU: Intel Core i5-9400 / AMD Ryzen 5 2600
- RAM: 16 GB RAM
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti (6 GB) / AMD Radeon RX 590 (8 GB)
- Storage: 15 GB available space
Recommended Requirements
- OS: Windows 10 / 11 64-bit
- CPU: Intel Core i7-12700 / AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
- RAM: 16 GB RAM
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 (8 GB) / AMD Radeon RX 6800
- Storage: 20 GB available space
What Is Confirmed Before the Game’s May Launch
- Better Than Dead is scheduled to debut in Steam Early Access on May 12, 2026.
- It is a PC bodycam FPS.
- The game is made by MONTE GALLO.
- It is published by MicroProse Software.
- The game takes place in an authentic-looking Hong Kong and centres around quick gunplay, linear maps, and a vengeance plotline.
- The Early Access build will feature the core gameplay with 14 levels.
- The full version is planned to add To Heaven, a more hardcore second mode with additional levels and the game’s intended true ending.
- It has not been priced yet.
- There is no console version announcement yet.
