Experimental Branch FAQ

[Munin]

Fellow Pioneers, here's a little FAQ regarding the Experimental branch. But before we start: Remember, please report any feedback or issues on our QA website. The Bugs & Technical Issues subforum is rather just an alternative and only gets monitored to a small extent.

If you're having more general questions about Satisfactory, please read this thread.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Experimental branch; What is its purpose?
The Experimental branch is used to test each new patch before it is released to the stable version of the game. This process makes sure we can deliver the best possible quality.

Should I opt-in the Experimental branch?
If you are prepared to encounter some bugs or crashes, made backups of your save files, and want to support Satisfactory's development - or just want to explore the new content - you're more than invited to opt-in!

How do I get the Experimental or stable branch of the game?
You can switch to the Experimental branch by opting in to it in the Beta Participation tab under your Account Settings. Click here for a more detailed explanation.

Is it required to start a new save on the Experimental branch?
No! You can simply continue with your normal stable save. However, there are some important things to take note of before switching versions (read the three questions below).

Will I be able to revert my save back to the stable branch?
Save files which are updated to the Experimental version of the game are not revertable. This means, if you want to be able to opt-out of the Exp. branch again to play on the stable version of the game, you need a backup of your previous save file(s).

Is the Experimental save file compatible with the new stable version after the patch released?
Yes! When the Exp. version moves to the stable branch, your Exp. save file(s) will continue to work on the new stable version of the game.

Is it recommended to make backups?
Oh, indeed! Please always backup your save files when switching between versions. We really don't want you to lose your precious factory. (And don't forget the info from the question above!)

Will my mods break?
The majority of the mods won't be compatible with the Experimental version of the game. However, some popular mods might get updated to function even on the Exp. branch.

How long will a patch remain on the Experimental branch?
There's no final answer to this question. It depends on the size of the patch, the state of dev, and your feedback. Normally, patches remain on Experimental for at least 1 month and sometimes it might take up to 3 months.

Are the patches on the Experimental branch always feature complete from day 1?
No. New features or content might get added along the way.

Can I view the patch history of the Experimental branch?
Sure! If you're interested simply click here.