Open now · By request
The Dao playtest
by Rob Crawford
The Dao is a 2D physics based, balancing and platforming game Inspired by Chinese puppetry and Daoist philosophy, where you take the role of a young Daoist disciple, sailing a sacred boat seeking The Four Great Divine Beasts to restore balance to the world.
It's free to ask. The developer chooses who gets in.
- Access
- By request
- On playtest since
- Nov 7, 2025
- Planned release
- Coming soon
- Developer
- Rob Crawford
- Platforms
- Windows
- Players
- Single-player
- Languages
- English, Simplified Chinese
How to join the The Dao playtest
- Open the game's Steam page with the Request access button. Sign in to Steam if it asks.
- Request access to the The Dao playtest there. It's free and doesn't commit you to anything.
- The developer lets players in, often in batches, so it can take a while. Steam emails you when you're in, and the playtest appears in your library.
New to playtests? How Steam playtests work
About The Dao
The Dao is a 2D physics-based balancing and platforming game inspired by Chinese shadow puppetry and Daoist philosophy. You play as a young Daoist disciple who’s tasked to sail a sacred boat across spiritual waters seeking The Four Great Devine Beasts, the guardians of the world, in hopes to restore their shrines and the world's balance.
The Art of Balance
Tilt and guide your sacred boat to purify chaotic Yin energy and protect fragile Yang light. Maintain the central Balance Meter to earn the blessings of each of the Divine Beasts and progress on your path.
Restore the Four Shrines
Travel to the four corners of the world to find the legendary guardians: the Azure Dragon, the Vermilion Bird, the White Tiger, and the Black Tortoise. Earn their blessings by proving your mastery over balance and restore their shattered shrines to heal the land.
The Shadow Dynasty
Explore a stunning world rooted in Chinese philosophy and mythology. Every scene is hand-crafted to mimic the ancient art of Chinese shadow puppetry, creating a living and breathing work of art.
A Legend of Enlightenment
Journey with the young disciple, uncovering a rich story of their past and the profound lore of a fallen dynasty. Through enlightenment, discover their destiny and the true meaning of restoring balance to the world.
From the game's Steam page.
