Killer Aces Volleyball Hits Steam Early Access With 18 National Teams

Killer Aces Volleyball is now available on Steam Early Access, following two years of development from solo developer 26k. The game is still a work in progress with more features and modes planned throughout Early Access ahead of a potential full release next year.

The Early Access version includes 18 men’s and women’s national teams, each offering a slightly different style of play. Women’s matches feature a slower pace, longer rallies and slide attacks. There’s also a Tournament Mode with multiple rounds, full stat tracking and end-of-tournament awards. Players can jump into any game or simulate matches with options to adjust the number of sets, points needed to win and other settings.

On the court, players have more ways to approach their offense with powerful spikes, serves and offspeed attacks to keep opponents guessing. Teams can also make in-game substitutions using their full 14-player roster, while gameplay sliders allow for additional adjustments. There’s even a coach’s challenge feature for reviewing questionable calls and seeing whether the referee got it right.

The launch also brings an improved tutorial based on feedback from the demo, along with performance optimizations and additional graphics settings for crowds and reflections. These changes should help the game run better on lower-end PCs while making it easier for newcomers to get comfortable with the controls.

There are also a few features coming soon, including National Team Mode, which will let players manage their country’s roster over multiple seasons, develop players and compete in yearly tournaments while working toward a world championship every four years. Full player customization is also on the way with options to edit personal information, appearances, ratings and gear to build a roster however players want. Additional national teams are planned for future updates as well.

For anyone interested in trying the game before jumping into Early Access, the free demo is still available on Steam. It includes exhibition matches featuring Italy and Japan against AI opponents or in local multiplayer, along with a beginner tutorial and repeatable practice drills.