If you have been saying "I'll wait for Steam" since April, the wait ends July 22, 2026. The game stays free; the wrapper around it becomes more familiar.
01 / The case for waiting
Why Steam, if it is already playable?
NTE has been live on PC since April 29 through its standalone launcher and Epic. Steam brings the same Hethereau, roster and gacha systems. It does not add exclusive story content or create a better version of the game.
Progress tracked in the client many PC players already use.
Social tools without another standalone layer.
Updates and uninstall behavior in one familiar place.
One fewer client competing for taskbar space.
02 / Account transfer
Does progress carry over?
The responsible answer is to verify account linking inside the live Steam build. Cross-progression between PC storefronts is a normal expectation for this kind of game, but the source material does not establish it as a confirmed fact.
Do not unlink or restart on assumption
Check the official account-linking instructions once Steam goes live. This guide will need updating when the transfer flow is confirmed.
If you have not started at all, playing through the launcher today gives you early story progress and pulls. Waiting is about storefront preference, not access to a different version.
03 / Thirty seconds
Wishlist before launch
Wishlisting is free and alerts you when the Steam build becomes available. It also signals interest to Steam's discovery systems around release.
- 01Open the official Steam page.
Confirm the publisher and July 22 date before acting.
- 02Select Add to Your Wishlist.
No preorder or payment information is required for this free-to-play release.
- 03Wait for the notification.
Steam will alert you as soon as the release becomes downloadable.
04 / What to expect
Launch-day reality check
Expect feature parity with the current PC build and a routine day-one patch. A platform launch may also produce temporary queues as new accounts arrive together. That is normal for a live-service release and not evidence of a failed launch by itself.
Official channels are the fastest source for maintenance windows and server status. Treat unverified "early codes" and panicked posts cautiously until a broad issue is confirmed.
Steam changes discovery, library management and social features. It does not change the world, roster or free-to-play model.
05 / Before install
Prepare the PC, not just the library
The minimum hardware remains an i7-10700, GTX 1660 and 16 GB RAM. Install to an SSD; Hethereau's streaming performs poorly on a hard drive. Reserve up to 90 GB and check the complete requirements guide before launch day.
Both mouse and keyboard and controller work natively. The controls comparison explains which one fits combat, exploration and menu work.
06 / Common questions
Steam FAQ
Is NTE confirmed for Steam?
Yes. The confirmed release date is July 22, 2026.
Will it still be free?
Yes. The storefront changes, but the game remains free-to-play.
Is it different from Epic or the launcher?
The playable content is the same. Steam adds platform-level library and social features.
Can I play before July 22?
Yes. The official launcher and Epic version have been live since April 29.
Wishlist it. Or start today.
Steam is a new route into the same free city.
Open Steam page↗Last checked July 14, 2026 by the PerfGamer editorial team.
Source: official Steam listing. Launch specifics can change and should be rechecked on July 22.
Disclosure: this article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you use them, at no extra cost to you.