- Is Westlanders free? The playtest was free and open to everyone on Steam until November 17
- Publisher: Team17 is backing Westlanders during its development phase
- Access method: Wishlist the game on Steam to get notified about future playtests
- No confirmed price: The full release price has not been officially announced yet
- Best value: Playtests let you try the game at no cost before buying
Is Westlanders Free? The Short Answer
So, is Westlanders free? The answer depends on which version of the game you mean. During its early development phase, Westlanders — the 1800s western survival game with automation elements published by Team17 — has been available through free, open playtests on Steam. These playtests ran at no cost and were open to everyone, no purchase or special key required. However, Westlanders is planned as a commercial release, meaning the full version will almost certainly be a paid product once it launches. No official price has been confirmed as of November 2026.
The most recent playtest closed on November 17, so if you missed it, the next best step is to wishlist the game on Steam so you are notified the moment another test or the full release goes live.
Video Highlights:
- Early playtest was open to everyone until November 17
- Team17 sponsored coverage confirms active publisher support
- Set in the 1800s with automation and settlement building
- Best experienced in multiplayer with friends
- Wishlist on Steam for future access opportunities
The most reliable way to play Westlanders for free is to participate in playtests. Wishlist the game on Steam and enable notifications so you never miss the next open test window.
Access Options Compared: How You Can Play Westlanders
Westlanders has moved through several access stages during development. Here is how the main options compare in terms of cost and availability:
| Access Method | Cost | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open playtest | Free | Limited windows (latest ended Nov 17) | Open to everyone, may contain bugs |
| Full release | Not yet announced | Upcoming | Expected paid commercial release |
| Multiplayer with friends | Free during playtests | Playtest periods only | Best way to experience the game |
Playtest builds are very early versions of the game. Expect bugs, missing quality-of-life features, and content that is subject to change before release. Progress may not carry over.
What makes the playtest worth trying even in a rough state:
Survival Core
- Health, hunger, thirst, stamina bars
- Seasonal weather and temperature
- Winter preparation required
Automation Systems
- Hire workers with unique traits
- Build industry outposts
- Logistics networks between settlements
Settlement Building
- Blueprint-based construction
- Reputation progression system
- Saloon and other late unlocks
Step-by-Step: How to Get Free Access to the Next Playtest
If you want to play Westlanders free of charge, follow this process to position yourself for the next test window.
Visit the Steam Store Page
Search for Westlanders on Steam or follow the link from the official Team17 channels to reach the store page directly.
Wishlist the Game
Click the Add to Wishlist button. Steam will email you when a new playtest opens or the game releases.
Join the Playtest When It Opens
When a playtest goes live, request access from the store page. Recent tests were open to everyone with no approval wait.
Download and Play
Install the playtest build, ideally inviting friends since the game is best played in multiplayer.
Give Feedback
Report bugs and quality-of-life suggestions to the developers — playtests exist to shape the final product.
Before jumping in, know the early basics: repair your caravan first (it is your mobile base and respawn point), grab berries for hunger and thirst, and never drink untreated river water unless you want dysentery.
What You Get for Free: Playtest Content Overview
The playtest offers a surprising amount of content for a free early build. Here is what was included in the most recent test:
| System | Included in Playtest | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Caravan repair and mobile base | Yes | Storage in caravan enables remote crafting |
| Technology tree | Yes | Press Tab to spend tech points on level up |
| Workers and hiring | Yes, capped | Six workers available; expansion planned |
| Industry outposts | Yes | Automated resource harvesting zones |
| Settlement building | Yes | Blueprint system with reputation unlocks |
| Hunting and gunplay | Partial | Rifle at starting camp, limited ammunition |
| Trading system | Not yet | Trading outpost visible in future reputation levels |
Workers must be housed and paid daily wages. Gold comes from returning supply crates to Samuel for 20 coins each, and reputation levels raise your worker caps and unlock new buildings.
Early decisions that matter most during a free playtest run:
- Fix the caravan early: It serves as crafting station, kitchen, bed, and respawn point
- Pick a lakeside camp: Water access plus nearby resources make survival far easier
- Save the notice board placement: Put it near your first settlement to avoid long commutes for worker management
- Keep the rifle handy: Wolves and bears will attack, and ammunition cannot be easily produced yet
New Player Checklist for the Free Playtest
First Hour Goals:
- Craft an axe from wood and rope
- Repair the caravan to unlock mobile base
- Stock up on berries for food and water
- Build a portable campfire and straw bed
- Reach level 2 to unlock traps
- Establish a camp near the lake
Watch the season, weather, and temperature indicators in the top-left corner. Winter is the harshest time of year, and arriving unprepared is the fastest way to lose a run.
FAQ
Q: Is Westlanders free to play permanently?
No. Westlanders is a commercial game published by Team17. The free access comes from open playtests during development. The full release is expected to be a paid product, though no price has been officially announced as of November 2026.
Q: How do I join the next Westlanders playtest?
Wishlist the game on Steam and enable notifications. Steam will alert you when a new playtest opens. Recent tests, like the one that ended November 17, were open to everyone with no approval queue.
Q: Is Westlanders worth playing solo?
You can play solo, but the game is best experienced in multiplayer. Teaming up with friends makes outpost building, logistics setup, and settlement management considerably smoother.
Q: Will my playtest progress carry over to release?
Nothing official has been confirmed. Because playtests are early builds with frequent changes, treat your progress as temporary and focus on learning the systems instead.