The Carcass Release and Demo Info
Steam app IDs, launch date, specs, and what the demo includes.
This page tracks The Carcass availability on Steam after the 11 August 2026 launch: full game, demo, hardware requirements, and what each install includes. Confirm price and regional details on the official store page.
Release summary
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full game | The Carcass — app ID 4315550 |
| Demo | Free demo — app ID 4316200 |
| Release date | 11 August 2026 |
| Demo release | 21 January 2026 |
| Developer / Publisher | PiqFocus Interactive |
| Platform | Windows PC |
Demo vs full game
Demo includes: terminal interface tutorial, early colony loop, sample regions/events, taste of diplomacy and research.
Full game adds: complete region web, thirty species interactions, all nine endings, full NG+ memory meta, extended forbidden arts.
Demo progress does not transfer—use demo to learn Getting Started flows then buy for endings.
System requirements
Minimum:
- OS: Windows 10
- CPU: Intel Core i3 or AMD equivalent
- RAM: 4 GB
- GPU: Integrated graphics
- DirectX: 11
- Storage: 1 GB
Recommended:
- OS: Windows 10/11 64-bit
- CPU: Intel i5-4670 / Ryzen 5 1600
- RAM: 8 GB
- GPU: GTX 660 / HD 7850
- Storage: 2 GB
- Notes: smooth with 500+ population colonies
Text rendering stays lightweight; CPU sim load scales with population (citizens).
Steam features
Single-player, achievements, Steam Cloud, family sharing, full controller not required (keyboard-only design). Accessibility: adjustable text, color alternatives, narrated menus, no timed input, save-anytime (non-Ironman).
Steam Typing Fest 2026
The Carcass participated 5–9 February 2026, highlighting keyboard-native design alongside other typing games. Fest discounts may repeat during Steam sales—watch the store page.
Purchase advice
Read our review and try the demo first if unsure about ASCII UI. Colony sim veterans can start Normal difficulty with Pulse guide and origins guide open.
Post-launch
Watch Patch 1.01 and patch notes 2.0 for economy and clarity changes. Wiki updates after major Steam announcements.
Launch week is Pulse zero of the live service of rot—verify your build is current before Ironman.
Demo vs full game decision
Demo teaches terminal and early colony. Full game delivers thirty species, nine endings, and NG+. Demo progress does not transfer.
Steam Deck and accessibility
Keyboard-only design makes Steam Deck play possible with on-screen keyboard but awkward for long sessions. Check the store compatibility badge after launch-week reports. Accessibility features (text size, color alternatives, narrated menus, no timed input) apply on Deck the same as desktop—see terminal settings.
Pricing and regional availability
Prices vary by region and sale events. The demo remains free separately. Family sharing works per Steam feature list on release info store page.
Launch week support
PiqFocus pledged daily patches through the launch window. If achievements stall or origins fail to save, confirm Patch 1.01 is installed via Patch 1.01 page before reporting bugs.
Content scope reminder
Full game app 4315550 includes thirty alien species, nine endings, NG+ memory, and extended forbidden arts. Demo app 4316200 remains the best onboarding path—link your Steam account normally; buying the full game does not import demo colonies.
Related wiki paths after purchase
New owners should read Getting Started, origins, Pulse system, and launch day update in that order during launch week.
Verify game files
If installs fail or builds look stale after purchase, use Steam Verify integrity of game files on app 4315550 before opening Ironman saves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions.
Is there a console version?
Steam Windows PC only at launch per store listing.
Demo still available after launch?
Yes historically—demo remains separate free install.
Steam Deck?
Keyboard-heavy; check Steam Deck compatibility badge on store page for official status.