Start With the Right Version
Casualties: Unknown has a free Windows demo on Steam, and both the demo and full-game listings advertise single-player play. As of the pre-launch check on November 9, 2026, the full game was scheduled for release that day at 15:00 CET.
For a first attempt, try the demo with Relaxed or Paradise and consider Flashlight or Full kit starting supplies. Keep the demo, older itch.io prototype and full Steam game separate when comparing downloads, features and prices.
How to Download the Free Demo
- Open the separate Casualties: Unknown Demo Steam page and choose the free demo download.
- Install the demo for Windows PC through Steam. Check that you selected the demo product before proceeding.
- Use the demo to try its five layers and older mechanics. The developer says this separate demo will not be updated to match the full release.
The announced full release adds layers 6–11, new playable characters, endings, achievements and balance changes. Treat advice written for the demo as advice for that build: buying the full game means moving to a release with changes beyond simply extending the descent.
Demo, Prototype and Full-Game Prices
| Option | Price and Availability |
|---|---|
| Steam demo | Free; available for Windows PC through its separate Steam listing. |
| Full Steam game | Announced base price of $22.99 USD with a 15% launch discount; regional pricing and optional soundtrack bundles apply. |
| Older itch.io prototype | Name-your-own-price download, separate from the full Steam release. |
These are the announced pricing terms available at the pre-launch check on November 9, 2026. The USD base price is a reference, so check your regional storefront total and the contents of any soundtrack bundle before purchasing.
Open the full Casualties: Unknown Steam listing to check its purchase options.
Open the developer's itch.io page to get the older prototype.
Settings, Controllers and Basic Controls
- Which settings should I choose while learning?
- On Windows, start with Relaxed or Paradise and consider Flashlight or Full kit starting supplies. In the demo, adjust loot, hazards and layer time to leave room for practice. Choose these for a gentler introduction, then change individual settings as you discover which parts of survival you enjoy.
- What is the difference between Relaxed and Paradise?
- Relaxed gives a 120-minute layer timer and ambient light; Paradise gives 180 minutes and brighter light. Both provide the full starting kit and retain the same damage model. For learning, the useful distinction is how much exploration time and visibility you want.
- Does this FAQ provide controller or Steam Deck setup?
- The controls below cover the keyboard and mouse layout from demo 7.0.1. Use that layout for the instructions here; it does not establish native controller support or Steam Deck verification.
- Walk with A or D, crouch with S and jump with Space. Hold Space to jump higher; wall-jumping is also available.
- Right-click to interact with items, or right-click yourself to open the inventory. Left-click to swing or use the item in your main hand.
- Press Q to swap held items, hold T to throw your main-hand item and hold Left Control to reveal nearby item labels.
- Press R for the health panel and C for crafting. Favourite an item with F when you want to prevent crafting from consuming it.
Playing With Friends and Choosing a Platform
- Can I play with friends?
- No native multiplayer mode is advertised: the official demo and full-game Steam listings both specify single-player, with one supported player. An unofficial Casualties Together co-op mod exists for the demo. Keep that distinction in mind when choosing a version for a group.
- Where can I get the demo's co-op mod?
- Open the Casualties Together releases page for the unofficial demo mod and read its compatibility and installation instructions before downloading.
- Which platforms can I download it for?
- Windows PC through Steam is the confirmed platform for the full game and current Steam demo. The developer also distributes an older prototype on itch.io. For a straightforward download choice, use the Windows Steam listing for the product you want.
Release Timing and Announced Content
- When is the full game scheduled to release?
- At the pre-launch check on November 9, 2026, the developer's announced release time was November 9 at 15:00 CET. That schedule describes the planned launch; check the Steam listing for purchase availability.
- What content was announced for the full release?
- The announced full game includes eleven layers, three characters, three endings and 40 achievements. Development announcements also described prosthetics, more usable drill pods and clearer trap signals. The separate demo stays on its older branch, so it should be treated as its own version when comparing features.
