The new planned date is November 13, 2026
If you had October 30 marked on your calendar, the schedule has changed. The HANDS OVER release date delayed announcement moves the planned Early Access launch to November 13, 2026. As of November 6, the official HANDS OVER Steam page also lists November 13, so the revised launch is still upcoming.
ArtDock announced the change on October 28. It described an additional two weeks of work to improve the game after feedback from Steam Next Fest, rather than announcing an indefinite postponement.
Why ArtDock delayed the launch
In the official release-delay announcement, ArtDock says feedback, streams and gameplay videos during Steam Next Fest highlighted things it wanted to improve before launch. The extra time is intended for additional polish and remaining issues.
That is the stated reason. The announcement does not provide a complete fix list, identify every affected system or promise that every reported issue will be resolved by launch. It is more accurate to describe the delay as time for improvements than to turn it into an unannounced patch roadmap.
| Schedule item | Confirmed information |
|---|---|
| Previous planned launch | October 30, 2026 |
| Delay announced | October 28, 2026 |
| Revised planned Early Access launch | November 13, 2026 |
| Status on November 6 | The revised launch is still ahead |
The collected announcement and store information do not establish a precise unlock hour or a universal local-time conversion. Check Steam's current information near launch instead of assuming midnight in your region.
You can try the demo while waiting
The delay concerns Early Access. The HANDS OVER Demo Steam listing is a separate, free demo released on October 15, 2026, and ArtDock's demo announcement confirms its availability.
The official description presents a multiplayer horror party game for up to five players, with dangerous table-based challenges and influence cards used between turns. The demo offers a way to experience that premise while waiting, but playing it does not establish that every Early Access feature or balance detail will be identical.
If you need people to play with, ArtDock's demo announcements direct players to the official ArtDock Discord community. That is a traceable community route, rather than a promise about a particular matchmaking feature or lobby setup.
Discount and Early Access plans
ArtDock's delay announcement also says a special launch discount is planned. The collected announcement does not state its percentage or a final purchase price, so neither should be guessed.
The Steam Early Access information estimates roughly 6 to 12 months in Early Access, subject to development and feedback. Planned work includes additional challenges and modes, expansion of the influence-card system, and further progression, characters and customization. Those are development intentions, not a guarantee that each feature arrives on November 13 or on a fixed later date.
For planning a first session, rely on the revised Steam date and current store details. For what will change after launch, follow subsequent official updates rather than reading the delay as a complete content schedule.
FAQ
Was HANDS OVER delayed indefinitely?
No. ArtDock gave a revised planned Early Access date of November 13, 2026, replacing October 30. The date remains upcoming as of November 6.
Why was the release moved?
ArtDock says Steam Next Fest feedback, streams and gameplay videos identified areas to improve. It allocated two additional weeks for polish and remaining issues.
Is the launch discount amount confirmed?
The announcement promises a special launch discount but does not specify its amount in the collected material. Check the current Steam store price when the offer appears.