The price is $14.99 — and it is not going up at full release
The base game is announced at $14.99 USD. Games by Malcs says the price will remain the same when the full version releases. That is unusual for an Early Access project, and it makes the buying decision simpler: you are not being offered a launch discount.
| Item | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Base game — Early Access | $14.99 USD | Announced |
| Base game — full release | Same price | Developer statement |
| Steam demo | Free | Available |
| Microtransactions | None | Official |
| Subscription | None | Official |
| Expansions after v1.0 | Not announced | Planned |
The USD figure comes from the April 24, 2025 announcement FAQ. Steam's regional storefront may show a local currency price that differs from a straight conversion, and the listing did not display a price in our region at the time of writing. The developer's announced figure is the reference point.
What the $14.99 base game includes
At Early Access, the base game includes the playable content in the November 17 build: 25 skills, a level 99 cap, Acts 1–2, 1,800+ items, 150+ monsters, 25 pets, the reworked combat system, Mastery Guilds, bank quality-of-life and offline progression.
At full release, the same purchase is planned to include 29 skills, a level 120 cap and Acts 1–6, plus the features still on the pre-1.0 roadmap. The Early Access contents page shows the full comparison.
- No paid skill unlocks. The remaining four skills are development milestones, not DLC.
- No paid level cap. The level 120 cap is part of the base game's full release.
- No expansion required to finish the base story. The main story is planned through Act 6 before v1.0.
Expansions and free updates
After the full release, Games by Malcs plans large paid expansions in the same spirit as the first Melvor Idle's expansions. The published plan says each expansion will:
- increase the level cap,
- continue the story through new quests,
- add new content, skills, quests and mechanics for all levels, and
- add new permanent game modes.
Expansion pricing has not been announced. The developer also plans smaller free content updates between expansions so the game keeps growing for players who do not buy the DLC. That is the stated plan, not a guarantee of a specific cadence.
Is Early Access a discount? No.
The price is the same at full release, so the only thing you gain by buying on November 17 is earlier access to a build that is still changing. The developer estimates 12–18 months of Early Access. During that time you can expect balance changes, UI work, new content and bug fixes.
A sensible way to decide:
- Buy now if the current 25-skill build is enough for you and you want to play Act 2, Astrology, Herblore and Agility as they land.
- Wait if the missing four skills, the 120 cap, mobile support, official mod support or the finished story are the reason you are interested.
- Try the demo if you have not played the loop. It is free, includes Act 1 and runs at a level 60 cap.
Regional pricing and store availability
Steam sets regional prices, so the dollar figure is not a universal checkout price. The game is sold on Steam at Early Access; the developer has mentioned possible later storefronts such as Epic, GOG or itch, but none is confirmed. There is no console version.
If you are outside the United States, check the Steam page in your own currency before budgeting. Do not treat a currency-converted $14.99 as the final local price.
Straight answers
Frequently asked questions
- How much does Melvor Idle 2 cost?
- Games by Malcs announced $14.99 USD for the base game. The developer says the price will remain the same when the full version releases. Steam may show a different local currency price depending on your region.
- Does Melvor Idle 2 have microtransactions?
- No. The developer and Steam both state that the game has no microtransactions. There is no subscription and no premium currency. The business model is a one-time base-game purchase plus optional large expansions after full release.
- Is the demo free?
- Yes. The Melvor Idle 2 Demo is a separate free Steam app with a level 60 cap, Act 1 and most of the alpha skill roster. Its save can be carried into Early Access.
- Will expansions cost extra?
- Yes. The developer plans “large content expansions” after the full release, each increasing the level cap and continuing the story. Expansion pricing has not been announced. Free content updates are also planned between expansions.
- Is Early Access cheaper than waiting?
- No. The developer says the price will stay the same at full release, so there is no discount for buying early. You are paying for access to the evolving build, not a lower price.
- Is Melvor Idle 2 pay-to-win?
- There is nothing to buy beyond the base game at launch. The developer's stated model is a single purchase plus later expansions, with no microtransactions. This is a design statement, not a review of the final balance.