You can now sign up to playtest the genre-bending Pony Island 2: Panda Circus, and while you're at it the original is free for a few days too

Daniel Mullins’ upcoming Pony Island 2: Panda Circus, known for its genre-mixing design, has opened a playtest registration via its Steam page. Players can mark interest to potentially gain access, though entry is not guaranteed. The trailer released during the Triple-i Initiative showcased the game’s varied mechanics, including sidescrolling, 3D exploration, and minigames. The original Pony Island is also available for free on Steam until October 12, serving as a promotional tie-in for the sequel.

The original Pony Island, released over a decade ago, is now free to claim on Steam before October 12. The game’s inclusion of diverse genres and its cult following likely motivated the free giveaway. Players who add it to their library before the deadline retain permanent access. The move aims to attract interest in the sequel while reintroducing an older title to new audiences.

Pony Island 2: Panda Circus is scheduled for release on April 27, 2027, following the playtest opportunity. The trailer highlighted a mix of gameplay styles, including a 3D archery segment, a bullet heaven-style shooter, and FMV cutscenes. Additional elements include a Pac-Man-inspired maze and a minigame involving clowns standing upright. The game builds on the original’s experimental design while expanding its scope.

The playtest for Pony Island 2: Panda Circus requires only a Steam account and interest marking on the game’s page. The original Pony Island’s free availability on Steam serves as a promotional strategy ahead of the sequel’s launch. The sequel’s trailer, shown during the Triple-i Initiative, demonstrated its genre-bending mechanics. The original game’s free offer ends on October 12.