Skate 4 trailer, Early Access release, and everything else we know

Skate 4 is officially out in Early Access as of September 16, with developer Full Circle confirming that the game will unlock at 5PM GMT and 1 PM EDT. That means that after it was first officially announced back in 2020, we'll finally be able to grind and ollie to our heart's content in no time at all. How exciting!

With various playtests which had been ramping up in recent times, we've steadily been learning more about the new game over the course of its development. Officially titled Skate, it's now launched in Early Access for an undertermined amount of time, and promises to be a great entry point for newcomers, while also delivering a skateboarding experience that will also speak to longtime fans.

Along with confirmation that it will also be free-to-play, the development team is setting out to bring us what they call "the evolution of the Skate franchise", rather than a remaster, remake, or direct sequel for the series. And we won't have to wait much longer to discover if the upcoming release lives up to that idea. For a full overview of all things Skate 4 as we approach the full launch date, read on below.

Skate 4 release date speculation

The good news is that Skate 4 has been released in Early Access as of September 16, 2025. However, we are still waiting on concrete news for its full release.

Still, while it isn't the full game, at least we have something in our hands after years of waiting. Previously, EA and Full Circle posted an announcement that we could expect the game sometime in 2025 on September 17, 2024. We also got a snappy video of gameplay along with the announcement, which you can see for yourself below.

When EA revealed the game in 2020, it was noted that Skate 4 was in the early stages of development. So we've been waiting for any form of release for a while now, even if it is just Early Access.

Console playtesting also began in September 2024, with an Into the Grind post detailing that another wave of invites would be sent to players again in June 2025 for those who signed up. Another closed playtest also took place in July 2025 as the game geared up towards its Early Access launch. However, playtests are over for now. Hopefully, we won't have to wait for much longer for a full release either.

Skate 4 free-to-play

Skate 4 is indeed free-to-play. As revealed during a developer stream in mid-July 2022, the devs confirmed Skate 4 – or Skate as it is in fact known – will not come with a premium price tag, but will also not be pay-to-win.

There will be "no map areas locked behind a paywall," the devs said, while affirming the next Skate game will not have loot boxes or "paid gameplay advantages." The devs also cited Apex Legends as a good example of a game doing free-to-play well, as they stressed Skate 4 is designed for all players, even those of us who do not wish to spend money on it.

Despite reports to the contrary, the developers have stated again and again in 2023 that there will be no paid loot boxes in the new Skate. The first post of Into the Grind which launched in April 2025 also shared some more details about microtransactions and why the team decided to make them available in early playtesting:

"San Vansterdam will be a living skating world and we want to support ongoing development effectively while also offering a system that feels fair and fun for all of our players. To get there, we're running extensive testing across PC and PS (Xbox testing will be rolling out later) to catch any issues or pain points, and to ensure that the content represents a fair value for our players."

"We know that using real money during a playtest is a little unusual, but we think it’s the best way to properly assess and adjust the system before launch."

While prices are subject to change over the playtesting period as it continues its Early Access period, the post reiterates that gameplay areas will not be locked behind any paywalls, or have paid lootboxes:

"We are still adjusting the in-game rewards system, including the items available with San Van Bucks and the earnable Rip Chips currency, which will allow you to grab items from Product Boxes by completing Challenges and ranking up the districts of San Vansterdam," the post states. "As mentioned in The Board Room Ep 3, skate. will not have paid lootboxes. The bottom line – there will be "cool" things for you to earn and customize your character without having to spend real cash."

Skate 4 cross-play and cross-progression 

In the same stream that confirmed Skate 4 will be free-to-play whenever it lands, the devs said the game will also boast cross-platform play and cross-progression play. This means that PC, PlayStation and Xbox players can all buddy up if they so choose, and with a mobile version of Skate 4 also in the works, those playing on IOS or Android will be pleased to know cross-platform options will be supported on mobile too.

Skate 4 trailer

There's close to no gameplay in sight, but Skate 4 received its first meaningful "premiere trailer" at Summer Game Fest 2024. Check it out for yourself above, including some insights on the game from the developer.

Skate 4 playtests

There have been a series of Skate 4 playtests, with console sessions taking place in September 2024 - following the first early playtests that began back in 2022. "More than 200K players" have been invited to take part to date, and the biggest playtest session yet was held in March 2025, with more to follow in June and July respectively. An Into the Grind post details how the team are working with the community to bring the game to life and launch it in Early Access:

"As skate. Insiders share their feedback and issues, the Full Circle team is working to address these reports and continually improve the gameplay and the feel of skating in San Vansterdam. We're building this game in collaboration with the community, and that's why these playtests and the sharing of bugs, issues, and feedback is so important."

Skate 4 platforms

EA has confirmed that Skate 4 will come to PC - this will be the first installment of the series to arrive on PC. According the Skate FAQ, Skate 4 is set to be available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PS4, and PS5 along with PC. It also states that the devs "are currently exploring mobile."

Since Skate is coming out sometime in 2025, we are also guessing that you'll be able to play it on the PS5 Pro, which released in November 2024. So, it looks like no matter your platform of choice, you'll be able to wheel around to your heart's content.

Skate 4 gameplay

The Skate series was famous for letting you define your own style of skating. The animations and physics were set up in such a way that you felt as if you had the freedom to decide how your skater moved and presented themselves in the parks – particularly as you began using the innovative FlickitT dual analog control system to develop your own skill-based tricks and string them together to create unique lines.

Every indication we've had from EA so far would indicate that Skate 4 gameplay will look to update this award-winning formula for a new generation of players, with Jeff Seamster, head of creative at Full Circle explaining that the new Skate experience has designed as a both a jumping on point for newcomers, with gameplay that will feel authentic for long-time fans.

"I know this is the best Skate has ever felt, Seamster said. "it's the best it's ever played, and we're super excited for people to get their hands on it."

The publisher has also confirmed that it's investing in "user generated content, exploration, and community" for Skate 4, noting how key the community has been to making the Skate series stand the test of time.

Skate 4 developer

Skate 4 is being developed by a brand new studio called 'Full Circle', which was founded to help guide the Skate franchise into the future. Full Circle is based in Vancouver – where EA Sports and Respawn Entertainment are located – and it's staffed with a mixture of Skate series veterans from EA Black Box (including creative leads Deran Chung and Cuz Parry) and developers fresh to the session.

The former general manager of Xbox Live, Daniel McCulloch, is overseeing the studio as general manager. In a statement, McCulloch explained: "The fans wished Skate back into existence, and we want them to feel involved in the process from development to game launch and beyond… We want them to feel like they are a part of Full Circle."

Skate 4 leaks

Skate 4 leaks hit the internet back in April 2022, marking the first time early Skate 4 gameplay was shown to the public. The Skate 4 pre-alpha footage leak showed in-development greybox gameplay, and from it you can get a sense of where developer Full Circle is placing its focus.

There's a large-scale world full of lines to shred, off-the-board free-roaming for exploration, tricks centered around precise movement, and delicate animations to help pull it all together. Which is to say, it's everything you'd want from a long-awaited Skate sequel.

Keep track of all the upcoming releases with our lists of all the upcoming PS5 games and upcoming PC games.