Some Shenmue 3 backers will have access to the backer demo this weekend

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Find out if you'll have access

(Image credit: Ys Net, Sega, Deep Silver)

Certain Shenmue 3 backers will have access to an early area of the game starting this weekend, which will feature some story elements, fighting, mini-games, and more. You could be one of the lucky few to experience the highly-anticipated follow-up to the acclaimed Shenmue 2 early if your pledge tier includes the Trial Version reward and you managed to complete the backer survey by September 20.

The Shenmue 3 backer trial will last one in-game day in Bailu Village, and when you beat the demo's big baddie or the in-game clock strikes 9PM, it's over. Luckily, you'll be able to replay the demo as many times as you like. You won't be able to save or load anything, so progress won't carry over to the full version, but Ys Net says the trial demo should only last about an hour.

Ys Net advises you equip your PC setup with a traditional controller to play the backer demo, as while keyboard controls are supported, "keyboard functionality is still being upgraded and recent upgrades have not been applied to the trial version."

Jordan Gerblick
Jordan Gerblick
Staff Writer

After earning an English degree from ASU, I worked as a corporate copy editor while freelancing for places like SFX Magazine, Screen Rant, Game Revolution, and MMORPG on the side. I got my big break here in 2019 with a freelance news gig, and I was hired on as GamesRadar's west coast Staff Writer in 2021. That means I'm responsible for managing the site's western regional executive branch, AKA my home office, and writing about whatever horror game I'm too afraid to finish.