Beaver City-Builder Timberborn Confirmed for Launch on March 5

Why It Matters

The launch delivers a polished, cross‑platform title that broadens the city‑builder market and reinforces Linux gaming viability.

Key Takeaways

• Timberborn leaves Early Access March 5, 2026.
• Full 1.0 adds tutorial, mod support, achievements.
• New map type, UI upgrades, visual enhancements.
• Expanded factions with unique transport, end‑game wonders.

Pulse Analysis

Timberborn has carved a niche in the crowded city‑building genre by swapping traditional human settlers for industrious beavers, a design choice that resonated with both casual and hardcore players. Its Early Access phase attracted a dedicated community, driven by frequent content drops that introduced 3D water physics, faction‑specific transport systems, and a growing roster of maps. This strong foundation sets the stage for a full launch that can capitalize on the genre’s appetite for fresh thematic twists.

The upcoming 1.0 version promises substantive quality‑of‑life upgrades, including an expanded tutorial that lowers the entry barrier for newcomers and robust modding tools that empower creators to extend gameplay indefinitely. Steam achievements and a new map type add replay value, while UI and visual enhancements polish the overall experience. Crucially, the game’s Proton/Wine compatibility and Steam Deck verification signal a commitment to platform‑agnostic accessibility, reinforcing its Platinum rating on ProtonDB and appealing to the expanding Linux gaming demographic.

From a market perspective, Timberborn’s release arrives at a time when indie city‑builders are gaining traction alongside heavyweight franchises. Its unique aesthetic, combined with a solid post‑launch support plan, positions it to capture both existing fans and new players seeking a fresh strategic challenge. The Steam Deck certification further widens its reach to mobile gamers, potentially boosting sales and community engagement as the title transitions from Early Access to a fully supported, long‑term product.

Beaver city-builder Timberborn confirmed for launch on March 5

Beaver city‑builder Timberborn confirmed for launch on March 5 · By Liam Dawe · 6 Feb 2026 at 3:16 pm UTC · Easily one of the best city‑builders around, Timberborn is set to leave Early Access on 5 March 2026 with a big update to the game.

With the 1.0 release there will be a lot of tweaks and additions, though a detailed changelog has not yet been published. Looking back over various experimental version changelogs, the upcoming release is expected to include:

• an expanded tutorial

• modding improvements

• Steam Achievements

• a new map type

• UI improvements

• many visual upgrades

• translation improvements

• numerous bug fixes

There’s also a new lore trailer:

YouTube trailer – “Timberborn”

During the Early Access period the game received multiple major upgrades. Highlights for returning players include:

• Building out the two beaver factions into vastly different organizations, altering their paths of progress (including different food production chains, buildings, and architecture)

• Introduction of 3D water physics, 3D terrain, and expanding vertical architecture

• Official mod and Steam Workshop support for all players

• Addition of badwater and badtides – a dangerous new season, similar to droughts

• Inclusion of end‑game goals (wonders), complementing the game’s sandbox loop

• Addition of bots and a broader building roster across all categories, from workshops to decorations

• Faction‑specific mass‑transportation systems: speedy ziplines for the nature‑loving Folktails and cutting‑edge Tubeway tech for the industrious Iron Teeth

• Expansion from 7 to 16 built‑in maps

Timberborn has a Platinum rating on ProtonDB and is Steam Deck Verified. The author’s experience on desktop Linux with Proton was positive, and the experimental opt‑in Beta is currently available on Steam for testing.

Release Date: 5 March 2026

Platform: ⚛ Proton / Wine

Official link: Steam – Timberborn