Punch Upon a Time Demo Access & Install Guide
Claim the free build, pair a controller, and clear the install in under fifteen minutes.
The Punch Upon a Time demo is the single best way to learn Squad Saga before the full launch. The demo build runs on the same Raptor engine, ships every launch character, and includes most of the launch modes. This guide walks you through install, save-data management, controller pairing, and the Steam Next Fest demo cadence so you can join a lobby in under fifteen minutes.
Claim the demo on Steam
The demo app ID on Steam is 5104610. Open the Punch Upon a Time Demo store page and click Download Demo. Steam adds the build to your library instantly and starts the ~3.45 GB download. If you do not see the download button, the demo is region-restricted during certain playtests — check the Patch Notes page for the current test window.
Players who have already wishlisted the full game on Steam receive an automatic email whenever the demo opens. Add the full app (4485570) to your wishlist to get those notifications.
Pair a controller before launch
Punch Upon a Time is designed for gamepads. The engine supports PlayStation (DualSense and DualShock), Xbox One/Series, and Nintendo GameCube controllers out of the box. To pair:
- Plug your controller in via USB, or pair it over Bluetooth from Windows Settings.
- Launch the demo and wait for the title screen.
- Open Options → Controls and verify your pad is recognised.
- Bind jump, attack, special, dodge, and Pocket Item use to the buttons you prefer.
The default bindings are tuned for DualSense. If you play on keyboard, see the Controls page for recommended keymaps and the muscle-memory tips that translate from other platform fighters.
Where your save data lives
The Raptor engine stores Punch Upon a Time saves in two locations depending on platform:
- Windows:
C:\Users\<you>\AppData\Local\Raptor\Saved\SaveGames\ - Steam Cloud:
https://store.steampowered.com/account/remotestorage(10 MB cloud quota)
The full file pattern is *.sav. Back up the folder before uninstalling the demo if you want to preserve unlocked cosmetics and Pocket Item progress.
System requirements
The minimum spec mirrors the full game: Windows 10 (64-bit), a dual-core 2.0 GHz CPU, 4 GB RAM, a DirectX 12 GPU with 1 GB VRAM, and 6 GB of free storage. Broadband internet is required for online play because Squad Saga uses rollback netcode and needs a stable upstream. The recommended spec bumps to a quad-core 3.0 GHz CPU and a DirectX 12 GPU with 2 GB VRAM for 60+ fps on Stadium-tier arenas.
Join a Squad Saga lobby
From the title screen, click Online → Squad Saga. The matchmaker queues your squad against three opposing squads (12 players per match). You can also click Custom Lobby, invite two friends, set the round count, and play private matches with bots filling the remaining slots. Voice chat is built in — no Discord required — and the lobby shows the queued modes so you can plan Pocket Items before the first round.
If matchmaking is slow during your playtest window, post in the Patch Notes comments or follow the studio’s Discord for the latest queue status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions.
Is the demo free?
Yes. The Punch Upon a Time demo is free to download and play for the entire Steam Next Fest window. Steam refunds are available within the standard 2-hour playtime window.
Does demo progress carry over to the full game?
The studio has confirmed that Pocket Item unlocks and tutorial progression will carry over from the demo to the full launch. Custom-lobby settings do not transfer.
Can I play the demo offline?
Offline solo play against bots is supported. Online Squad Saga matchmaking requires a stable broadband connection because the engine uses rollback netcode.