Alpha Features Walkthrough
February 2026 Closed Alpha features in God Save Birmingham: Guide System, durability, weapons, physics, and survival loops from the alpha walkthrough video.
Closed Alpha Context
The alpha walkthrough video documents the February 2026 Closed Alpha Test—the first large Steam window showcasing Ocean Drive Studio’s physics survival direction. Features here predate June beta combat tuning; use this page historically and mechanically to understand systems that persisted, changed, or expanded.
If you only played beta, compare feel differences—attack speed, enemy durability, journal clarity—against this footage before giving feedback on regressions.
Guide System and Durability Debut
Alpha introduced the Guide System and durability prominently—journal prompts walk crafting while weapons wear in fights. The video shows players checking durability after barricade sieges, reinforcing backup weapon habits on Weapons.
Post-alpha, beta journal UX improved—see Guide System for current diary behavior.
Physics Barricades and Environmental Combat
Footage highlights stacking furniture, rolling barrels, and dropping objects from heights—core to Barricades and Combat Tips. Alpha physics could feel janky on steep piles; beta patches targeted stability per dev updates.
Note which throwable objects stagger reliably—wagon wheels remain standout— and practice before relying on them during hordes.
Alpha Weapon Roster
Alpha showcased blunt tools, scythes, and early pole weapons before beta added swords and halberds. Watch swing timing differences versus Beta Walkthrough—alpha animations were slower, influencing how aggressively players chained attacks.
Targeting body parts may appear less polished in alpha clips; beta refined crippling shots on Melee Combat.
Survival Loops in Alpha
Food, water, warmth, and sleep existed but HUD clarity lagged—testers misread mood icons as lethal threats in previews. Alpha footage is useful for raw scavenging routes through medieval Birmingham markets even if beta retuned spawn density.
Cross-link needs pages: Survival Needs, Food & Water, Warmth & Weather.
From Alpha Feedback to Beta
Ocean Drive Studio cited alpha combat sluggishness and onboarding confusion as drivers for beta work—faster melee, shout lure, weather upgrades, sleep enhancements. Watch this video to appreciate what changed rather than assuming current builds match alpha exactly.
Apply for future Steam tests via Playtest & Release if you missed both windows.
Watch Video Guide
Related Pages
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Closed Alpha?
February 2026, before the June 2026 Closed Beta.
What features debuted in alpha?
Notable debuts include the Guide System, durability, and expanded physics combat showcased in the alpha video.
Is alpha combat the same as beta?
No. Beta increased attack responsiveness and enemy durability per Developer Update 3.
Were swords in alpha?
Spears existed early; one-handed swords and halberds were emphasized more in beta marketing.
Should new players watch the alpha video?
Optional but useful for understanding design evolution and avoiding outdated timing assumptions.
Will alpha saves work in beta?
No. Playtest saves reset between major milestones.