PAPERHEAD release date, price and what is in the bundles

When did PAPERHEAD release?

The full game release date is 2026-10-09 on Steam and on Xbox / Microsoft Store (Microsoft lists 2026-10-09 16:00 UTC).

It was originally announced for 2026-09-18 on 2026-06-08, then delayed on 2026-07-10 by three weeks to 2026-10-09. The developer’s stated reason was extra polish time and a better visibility window— quote the announcement, not fan theories.

PlayStation is not part of this launch table: the PlayStation Store concept is listed as announced with an October 2026 release month and no purchasable listing as of 2026-10-10. See platform availability for Sony’s page details.

What is the version timeline?

Official milestones we track for buyers and returning demo players:

For gameplay differences between EP.0, demos, and the full 18-chapter structure, read EP.0 vs the full game— do not assume EP.0 achievements match the full release.

Frame from a full-game playthrough recording.

How much does PAPERHEAD cost?

As of 2026-10-10:

Steam reviews sat at 56 reviews, 56 positive, 0 negative → “Very Positive” on the same date— useful social proof, not a price field.

We do not list PlayStation pricing; Sony’s concept page had none as of 2026-10-10.

Source: official Steam store screenshot.

Is PAPERHEAD free?

The full game is not free. You buy AppID 2680280 on Steam or the Xbox/Microsoft listing.

What was free:

• EP.0 from 2024-11-14 until its store page closed 2026-09-24. You cannot add EP.0 anymore, but if it is already in your Steam library, you can still play it.
• Demos while their store pages were open (2023 demo; 2026 Next Fest demo).

EP.0 is not a substitute for the paid full game— content and systems diverge. Treat EP.0 clips as historical.

What bundles and add-ons exist?

From the 2026-10-09 launch announcement and store metadata:

• Supporter Bundle: full game + Supporter Pack (14 leg skins) + original soundtrack (44 tracks, composer Joonas Turner— same composer named in February 2026 news citing Cult of the Lamb, Noita, Nuclear Throne, Broforce credits).
• Cross-promo bundles (“teamed up”): PAPERHEAD bundled with ULTRAKILL, DUSK, SULFUR, Roboquest, and BRAZILIAN DRUG DEALER BEFORE 4— discount bundles, not new gameplay content.
• Microsoft Store Durable add-on: cosmetic leg skins DLC described separately from the base game.
• EP.0 OST was called out in a 2025-10-31 announcement; Bandcamp / Steam OST listings exist for soundtrack buyers.

We do not invent bundle prices beyond what each store shows at checkout— open the Steam store page or Microsoft Store the day you buy.

Source: official Steam store screenshot.

What should you do before you pay?

1. Confirm your platform on platforms (Windows Steam vs Microsoft Store PC vs Xbox vs Deck).
2. Match hardware to system requirements using official tables only.
3. Skim beginner controls so day-one friction is lower.

Soundtrack-only buyers can watch for our soundtrack and bundles guide; this page stays focused on release timing and SKU facts.