A Guide to Surviving Bugs and Glitches in Early Access Games

1 January 2025

Let’s face it, we’ve all been there: you’re deep into a game, and suddenly your character is catapulted into the stratosphere, or an important quest NPC decides to take up permanent residence in the floorboards. Early Access games are exciting but can also be frustratingly messy. If you’ve ever found yourself shouting, “Why is this happening?!” at your screen, you’re not alone.

But here’s the thing: early access equals early chaos. It’s part of the deal. Think of it as being a co-pilot on a test flight — you’re along for the ride, turbulence and all. The good news is, there are ways to make the experience far more enjoyable (and less rage-inducing). So, buckle up! This guide will help you survive, thrive, and maybe even laugh your way through the inevitable bugs and glitches that come with Early Access games.

What Are Early Access Games Anyway?

Before we jump into tips, let’s quickly clarify what we’re talking about here. Early Access games are basically the “open beta” of the gaming world. Developers release a not-quite-finished version of their game to the public, often to fund further development or gather feedback. Think of them as baby giraffes learning to walk—adorable, but liable to trip over their own legs from time to time.

But here’s the kicker: Early Access isn’t just about spotting bugs; it’s about being part of the process. By playing, you’re helping shape the final product. Pretty cool, huh? However, it also means you’re going to encounter glitches, broken mechanics, and, on some days, a character with no face. Yup, Early Access is as unpredictable as it sounds.

Common Bugs and Glitches to Expect

Okay, let’s normalize something: no Early Access game is perfect. By definition, these are works in progress, so you’re bound to run into some hiccups. Here are the usual suspects:

1. Physics Gone Wild

Objects launching into space for no reason? Cars flipping over like they’ve been possessed? Welcome to the world of buggy physics engines! These glitches are often hilarious but can be game-breaking if they interfere with progress.

2. Missing or Invisible Assets

Ever found yourself walking into an invisible wall or falling through the floor into oblivion? Missing textures and absent objects are as common in Early Access as plot twists in a thriller novel.

3. Broken Quests and Progression Stalls

You’ve done the work, collected all the quest items, but… nothing happens. Progression bugs can leave you stuck in limbo, making it impossible to move forward.

4. NPC Shenanigans

NPCs not following their scripts, repeating the same line endlessly, or wandering off mid-conversation? Sometimes it feels like they’re trolling you on purpose.

5. Performance Problems

Lag, frame drops, and stuttering animations can turn an immersive experience into a slideshow. These are especially common if the game isn’t optimized yet.

How to Prepare for Bugs and Glitches

Now that you know what you’re up against, let’s talk prep work. Think of this as putting on armor before heading into battle. If you want to enjoy Early Access games, it helps to go in prepared.

1. Adjust Your Expectations

Here’s the hard truth: Early Access isn’t for perfectionists. If you’re expecting a polished game, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. Instead, treat it as an adventure. Bugs aren’t just obstacles; they’re part of the charm.

2. Save Early, Save Often

Make it your gaming mantra. Bugs have a nasty habit of appearing at the worst possible time, and without frequent saves, you could lose hours of progress. Some games even let you create multiple save files—do that. Trust me, future you will be thankful.

3. Follow the Community

Join forums, Reddit threads, or Discord servers related to the game. Other players are often the first to discover workarounds or temporary fixes for common bugs.

4. Stay Updated

Developers frequently release patches to address bugs. Make sure your game is up to date and keep an eye on patch notes. Sometimes the fix you’re looking for is just one download away.

5. Know the Refund Policies

Steam, for example, allows you to refund a game if you’ve played it for less than two hours. If an Early Access game turns out to be a total mess, don’t hesitate to make use of this option.

What to Do When You Encounter a Bug

Despite your best efforts, bugs will happen. Here’s how to handle them without losing your cool.

1. Stay Calm

It’s easy to freak out when your character is stuck in a wall or your game crashes out of nowhere. Take a deep breath. Most bugs can be fixed or bypassed with a little patience.

2. Look for Workarounds

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade—or in this case, when life gives you a bug, Google it. Chances are, you’re not the first person to encounter the issue. Check forums, YouTube, or community pages for solutions.

3. Report It

Many Early Access games have built-in bug reporting tools or dedicated channels for feedback. Developers rely on your reports to improve the game. Be specific, include screenshots or videos if possible, and provide step-by-step info on how to reproduce the bug.

4. Restart or Reload

Sometimes the simplest solution is the best one. A quick restart or a reload from an earlier save point can work wonders.

5. Laugh About It

Some bugs are so ridiculous they’re actually funny. Take a screenshot or record a clip and share it with friends. Think of it as your personal blooper reel.

When Bugs Are Too Much

Let’s be real—there’s a limit to how much chaos we can handle. If bugs are ruining the experience, it might be time to step away, at least temporarily.

1. Take a Break

If you’re more frustrated than entertained, give the game some time. Wait for patches or updates that stabilize the experience.

2. Leave Constructive Feedback

It’s tempting to vent your frustration online with angry posts, but that rarely helps. Instead, provide clear, constructive feedback. Developers are far more likely to listen if you’re polite and specific.

3. Revisit Later

Some Early Access games evolve dramatically over time. The buggy mess you encounter today could be a masterpiece in a year. If a game has potential, don’t write it off completely.

The Upside of Early Access

Despite the bugs, Early Access games have some unique perks that make the struggles worthwhile.

1. Insider Access

You get to be part of the development process, influencing how the game grows and changes.

2. Unique Experiences

Bugs and glitches can lead to one-of-a-kind moments you wouldn’t find in a polished game. Ever been chased by a flying cow? Yeah, those stories are gold.

3. Supporting Developers

By buying an Early Access game, you’re directly supporting the developers. Your money and feedback help them create something amazing.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Chaos

Surviving bugs and glitches in Early Access games is all about mindset. Instead of focusing on the flaws, appreciate the journey. After all, you’re not just playing a game—you’re witnessing its evolution. Sure, you might encounter a crash or two (or twenty), but that’s all part of the adventure.

So, the next time an NPC walks backward into a lake or your game crashes mid-boss fight, just remember: you’re not alone. You’re part of a growing, imperfect, and passionate community of gamers. And honestly? A little chaos keeps things interesting.