Bellwright in 2026: 2nd Anniversary, Console Release, and Major Updates
Bellwright turned two years old in Early Access on April 23, 2026, and Donkey Crew celebrated with a major anniversary update. The medieval open-world survival RPG has grown substantially since its April 2024 Early Access launch, and console releases for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S are on the horizon.
2nd Anniversary Update
The anniversary patch brought:
- Performance improvements and optimization
- New content and quality-of-life features
- Continued work toward the 1.0 launch
Donkey Crew is simultaneously developing the console release and a major performance-focused update that aims to significantly improve the overall experience.
Console Release
Bellwright was announced for Xbox Series X|S and PS5 consoles, with a trailer premiering during IGN Fan Fest. A specific release date has not been confirmed, but the game is actively being ported alongside ongoing PC development.
Halmare Isles — The Maiden Voyage Update
The biggest expansion to date, the Maiden Voyage update (December 2025), added:
- Halmare Isles — A new map roughly 25% the size of the original game (10+ square kilometers)
- New story quests with multiple progression branches
- Expanded armor and equipment options
- New animals and buildings
- Loyalty & Faction system — NPC relationships with consequences
- Controller support
Is Bellwright Worth Playing in 2026?
Bellwright has matured significantly since its launch. Reviews from 2026 highlight:
- Substantial content — The base game plus Halmare Isles offers dozens of hours of content
- Improved stability — Regular hotfixes and patches have addressed early stability issues
- Active development — Donkey Crew communicates regularly through blog posts and Discord
- Mod support — The community modding scene adds longevity
The game remains in Early Access, and some rough edges persist. However, the developers have delivered on their roadmap commitments, and the console ports suggest confidence in a full 1.0 launch.
Tips for New Players
- Start with the main quest — It serves as a tutorial for crafting, settlement building, and combat
- Build a supply chain early — Food, wood, and stone production should be your first priority
- Recruit followers — NPCs can handle gathering and crafting while you explore
- Save often — Early Access bugs can still crash the game unexpectedly
Sources: PlayBellwright.com, PatchBot — Bellwright June 11 Hotfix, GamesPress — Console Announcement, Overcentral Review