Starfinder: Afterlight Reveals Five-Minute Gameplay, Demo Planned 2026

On January 9, Epictellers presented a concentrated five-minute developer commentary and demo for Starfinder: Afterlight during the New Game+ Showcase, giving players a clear preview of core systems and what to expect from a full build. The clip put exploration and party-driven dialogue front and center, then shifted into tactical, turn-based engagements that adhere to Starfinder 2e’s three-action economy, demonstrating movement, targeted abilities, and action economy choices in short skirmishes.

The demo footage also laid out the planned character and party framework. Core classes announced for the project include Soldier, Envoy, Operative, Mystic, Solarian, and Witchwarper, with Epictellers promising additional ancestries and classes will unlock through the ongoing crowdfunding campaign. Companion structure, faction standings, and companion reaction systems received specific attention in the preview, showing how interpersonal dynamics and faction alignment will influence both dialogue outcomes and tactical options in combat.

Epictellers confirmed a public demo scheduled for later in 2026, with Early Access on Steam still the stated target window. For players and GMs watching the project, a public demo represents a chance to evaluate party composition, test class roles in practice, and experience how tabletop mechanics have been translated into CRPG systems before committing during Early Access.

The team’s crowdfunding efforts have been notable for speed and scale, achieving rapid funding and amassing a high backer count that signals strong community interest. That momentum underpins promised stretch content, including extra ancestries and classes tied to funding milestones. Developers also emphasized a full voice-over plan and credited a named voice cast in recaps of the demo, indicating a push toward narrative immersion and character-driven storytelling.

Practical takeaways for the Pathfinder and Starfinder community are straightforward: the preview confirms the project’s fidelity to Starfinder 2e mechanics while expanding roleplaying depth through companion reactions and faction systems. Expect the 2026 demo to be the first hands-on opportunity to assess combat balance, dialogue impact, and how additional crowdfunded content will change the baseline build. Track Epictellers’ official updates for demo release details so you can test class synergies, voice performances, and the faction systems that will shape replayability.