Road to Vostok, the long-running solo development project from Finnish creator Antti Leinonen, has officially received an early access release date. A newly released trailer confirms that the first-person survival shooter will launch on Steam in early access on April 7, 2026, following several years of public development and iterative demos.
The game has steadily built an audience over time, particularly among players interested in hardcore survival experiences. While Road to Vostok is not structured as an extraction shooter, its grounded presentation and methodical pacing have drawn frequent comparisons to games like Escape from Tarkov.
A Solo Developer’s Long-Term Project
Road to Vostok is being developed entirely by Antti Leinonen, who previously served in the Finnish armed forces and later taught visual game design. Development has taken place in public, with multiple demos released over the years that have shown significant mechanical and visual evolution.
The game is set in a post-apocalyptic border zone between Finland and Russia, a setting that informs both its atmosphere and its systems. Players are tasked with surviving, looting, and preparing to cross into Vostok, an area described as a permadeath zone where mistakes carry permanent consequences. The design emphasizes preparation and risk management over fast-paced action.
Release Price and Steam Availability
At launch, Road to Vostok will be priced at €14.99, reflecting a 25 percent discount that will be available for the first two weeks of early access. After the introductory period ends, the price will increase to €19.99. The game is currently available to wishlist on Steam ahead of release.
A free demo remains available and has already seen extensive engagement. More than one million players have downloaded the demo so far, and approximately 600,000 users have added the game to their Steam wishlists, indicating sustained interest ahead of its early access debut.
Survival Systems and Core Gameplay Loop
Road to Vostok blends first-person shooter mechanics with survival and progression systems. Combat is paired with resource management, with players required to monitor hunger, thirst, health, and inventory capacity. These systems reinforce careful planning and decision-making rather than constant firefights.
The game also features multiple maps, in-game traders, and a hideout system that allows players to prepare between expeditions. Weapon and character customization are included, giving players control over their loadouts and playstyle. Environmental systems such as dynamic weather and a full day-night cycle further influence gameplay, affecting visibility and risk.
Dynamic events are planned to evolve over time as development continues, helping shape the game world throughout its early access lifecycle.
What to Expect at Launch
When Road to Vostok enters early access, players can expect a single-player-focused survival experience built around realism and long-term progression. While the game will continue to evolve during early access, the April 2026 release marks the point where its core systems will be available in a more complete form.
For players interested in slower-paced, high-stakes survival shooters, Road to Vostok’s early access launch is close, and the existing demo offers an opportunity to explore its mechanics ahead of release.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is Road to Vostok coming out?
Road to Vostok launches in early access on April 7, 2026.
Is Road to Vostok an extraction shooter?
No, Road to Vostok is not an extraction shooter, but it shares similar themes and mechanics with games like Escape from Tarkov, including looting, realism, and survival-focused gameplay.
How much will Road to Vostok cost?
At early access launch, the game will cost €14.99 with a limited-time discount. After two weeks, the price will increase to €19.99.
Is Road to Vostok single-player only?
Yes, Road to Vostok is designed as a single-player survival experience.
Can Road to Vostok be played before launch?
Yes, a free demo is currently available on Steam and can be played ahead of the early access release.
Who is developing Road to Vostok?
Road to Vostok is being developed by Antti Leinonen, a solo developer based in Finland.