SAN DIEGO, CA — May 5, 2026 — Distinct Possibility Studios, the independent game development company behind the highly anticipated open-world persistent shooter REAPER ACTUAL, today announced that the game will launch into Steam Early Access on May 20, 2026. The Early Access launch arrives after thousands of additional hours of internal testing, updates, and optimizations since it was last updated for the public.
In conjunction with today's announcement, Distinct Possibility Studios is opening playtest access to streamers and content creators starting today. Creators interested in participating can sign up here: https://reaperactual.firstlook.gg/creator
REAPER ACTUAL pushes the category forward with a persistent open world built for emergent gameplay and social play at its heart. As an elite Reaper on the war-torn island of Marova, players build their base, forge alliances, and lead high-risk raids against rival factions in a world where every bullet fired is a tactical gamble. Victories and defeats reshape the island's faction control in real-time, with PvP firefights and NPC factions constantly redrawing the map. As player expectations shift toward always-on experiences, Distinct Possibility Studios aims to set a new standard in the genre.
On May 20th, Reaper Actual will be available via Steam in Early Access at three price points.
Foundation Alpha Edition ($19.99) includes one Reaper, Havoc, and a bunker base.
Charon's Pact Edition ($49.99) includes everything in the standard version of Reaper Actual and an additional Reaper, Luna:
- 2 reapers, Havoc and Luna (with Night Vision Goggles in her loadout)
- 1 Bunker Base at 1 of 7 locations
Stygian Oath Edition ($74.99) includes everything in the standard version of Reaper Actual and comes with a Warehouse base and all 4 Series 1 Reapers (Havoc, Luna, Thor and Vibora):
- 4 reapers, Havoc, Luna, Thor and Vibora
- 1 Bunker Base at 1 of 7 locations
- 1 Warehouse Base at 1 of 4 locations
All Editions of Reaper Actual include Foundation Alpha access to the game and the world of Marova, the ability to participate in playtests with the developers and other Foundation Alpha players, and other perks that we plan to add through the development of the game
Built by industry veterans with deep expertise in large-scale online worlds, the studio's leadership team brings credits from genre-defining titles including the EverQuest series, PlanetSide series, H1Z1, Star Wars Galaxies, Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning, and Lord of the Rings Online. That experience shapes every layer of REAPER ACTUAL — a brutal, ever-evolving FPS experience where strategy matters and every in-game choice echoes across the living battlefield.
What Players Can Expect at Early Access Launch
Persistent World — Player victories and defeats reshape the island's faction control in real-time. A full progression and crafting system lets Reapers build the best gear, all of which stays in the world.
Player Bases — Strongholds host crafting, weapon production, and home-turf defense. Both NPC factions and other players can raid your base — gather your allies and seek revenge with a raid of your own.
Dynamic Narrative Progression — Hand-crafted story arcs merge with an in-game mission system. One Reaper may receive a mission to capture an enemy leader while others are sent to defend that same leader, creating an interwoven story network unique to every player.
Combat and Skills — Precision gunplay, cover systems, and squad coordination are critical for battles. Reapers can also unlock and craft land, sea, and air vehicles to make Marova fully traversable.
Player-Driven Economy — Craft, trade, and influence a dynamic in-game economy. Reapers don't just build guns — they craft gear, including night vision goggles, comms devices, and vehicles that may hold the key to victory.
REAPER ACTUAL launches into Steam Early Access on May 20, 2026. The game can be wishlisted on Steam here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2995670/Reaper_Actual/
About Distinct Possibility Studios
Distinct Possibility Studios is an independent game developer founded by industry veterans behind some of the most ambitious shooters and MMOs of the last two decades. With a commitment to pushing boundaries and reimagining online combat, the studio has built a world where persistence, progression, and players collide. Their first title, REAPER ACTUAL, offers a brutal, ever-evolving FPS experience where strategy matters. Every in-game choice echoes across the living battlefield. Distinct Possibility Studios aims to build a game which highlights the best of MMOs into a persistent world shooter experience.
For updates, follow https://www.DPS.gg/.