Question has announced that The Killing Stone, its upcoming 17th-century occult horror deckbuilder, will now launch in Early Access on Steam on February 18, 2026. The narrative-driven card game was previously scheduled to release in full on that date, but the team opted to delay version 1.0 to further refine its story-heavy design based on player feedback.
To mark the Early Access launch, The Killing Stone will be available at a discounted price of $12.99, with a full release still planned for later this year.
A Dark, Story-Driven Deckbuilder
The Killing Stone blends occult horror with strategic deckbuilding, set against a grim 17th-century backdrop steeped in mystery and superstition. The game features notable voice talent, including Liam O’Brien (Critical Role) and Emma Gregory (Baldur’s Gate 3), reinforcing its strong narrative focus.
According to Question, the game evolved significantly over development, becoming far more story-forward than initially planned. Players unravel a mystery-driven narrative through interactive conversations, with the option to experience dialogue in either modern English or period-accurate 17th-century language.
What’s Included in Early Access
The Early Access version of The Killing Stone offers a substantial portion of the core experience. Players will have access to all three primary story arcs, one for each family featured in the narrative, alongside all optional missions, known as Rituals. Three demon lord opponents are included across both the critical path and the optional content.
However, the game’s major endgame storyline, titled The Reckoning, will not be part of the Early Access build and is planned for the full 1.0 release.
Why the Shift to Early Access
Question says the decision to pivot away from a full launch was driven by extensive playtesting feedback. Players responded strongly to the narrative elements and voiced content, expressing a desire for deeper storytelling, clearer pacing, and the freedom to piece together the mystery without heavy-handed exposition.
Narrative Director and co-owner Jordan Thomas explained that this feedback made it clear the game would benefit from a more collaborative development phase, allowing the team to iterate directly with the community.
What’s Next During Early Access
Throughout Early Access, Question plans to expand and refine The Killing Stone’s voiced narrative content, test story clarity and comprehension, and revise pacing and presentation based on player input. Players will also have access to over 90% of the game’s cards and deckbuilding combinations, with ongoing balance and tuning informed by community feedback.
The Killing Stone enters Steam Early Access on February 18, 2026, inviting players to help shape its final form ahead of its full release later this year.
