Indie developer Alvios Games has announced that Roads & Riches: Traveling Merchant Simulator will launch into Early Access on Steam on January 21, 2027. Accompanied by a new release date announcement trailer, the game invites players to build a traveling business in a vibrant fantasy world, buying and selling goods, discovering magical treasures and growing a humble market cart into a thriving merchant caravan. Players can set out alone or team up with up to three friends in online co-op, with a free demo available now for those eager to hit the road ahead of launch.
BUILD YOUR BUSINESS, ONE TRADE AT A TIME
In Roads & Riches: Traveling Merchant Simulator, every journey brings new opportunities to trade, explore and expand. Traveling between regions, players must learn what local customers want, source the right goods and magical equipment, and sell at the best prices to maximise their profits. With different demands across the world, successful merchants will need to plan their routes, make smart trading decisions and build a reputation with the communities they visit.
The Early Access launch will let players explore 28 locations across five regions, each with its own trading opportunities and customer preferences. Around 50 commodities and 600 pieces of equipment will be available to buy and sell, giving merchants plenty of options as they establish their businesses and seek out rare and valuable wares.
Thereβs more to running a successful merchant caravan than making a good deal. Players can customise their characters and furnish their mobile shops with around 200 pieces of furniture and dΓ©cor, with customisable materials and colours allowing them to create a distinctive traveling store. As their fortunes grow, merchants can upgrade their caravans to expand their shops, recruit mechanical Automatons to help run the business, and develop relationships with loyal customers who return with new perks and greater spending power.
For those who prefer company on the road, co-op will be available from the start of Early Access, supporting up to four players. Friends can work together to build their merchant empire, explore the world and discover the best ways to turn their wares into wealth.
MORE TO COME DURING EARLY ACCESS
The January launch is just the beginning. Alvios Games plans to expand and improve Roads & Riches: Traveling Merchant Simulator throughout Early Access, incorporating player and community feedback as development continues.
The Early Access version will introduce new and improved systems, including enchanting and disenchanting equipment to manipulate magical properties, regional reputation that unlocks additional opportunities, and Automaton perks that develop as players upgrade their caravans. Further content and improvements are planned as the game evolves towards its full release.
Players can get an early taste of the merchant life today with the free Steam demo, offering a chance to explore the game's trading and caravan-building premise before setting out on the full Early Access journey.
Alvios Games previously launched Vellum into Early Access in March 2024. The game went on to sell more than 125,000 copies and achieve 90% positive reviews on Steam, incorporating player feedback heavily in its 1.0 release in May 2025. The developer plans to bring the same ongoing approach to expansion and iteration to Roads & Riches: Traveling Merchant Simulator.
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