- Dear Passengers Beta: A chaotic physics-based airline co-op game coming to Windows PC in 2026.
- Core Mechanic: One player pilots the aircraft while the remaining crew manages passengers, cargo, and emergencies.
- Team Strategy: Assign dedicated roles such as Pilot, Cabin Lead, and Cargo Handler to prevent tasks from overlapping.
- Flight Hazards: Turbulence, dynamic weather, engine damage, fires, and escaped live cargo will constantly disrupt your flight.
- Top Choice: Prioritize aircraft stability and immediate hazards like fires over routine passenger service.
Dear Passengers Beta: Release, Platforms, and Core Loop
FLEXUS has officially revealed Dear Passengers, an upcoming physics-based airline co-op game scheduled to launch on Windows PC via Steam in 2026. Players must work together to run the world's most chaotic airline, balancing high-paying, risky flights with the physical limits of their aircraft and crew. While a specific launch date or price has not been announced, the official Steam page is live for wishlisting.
Video Highlights:
- Co-op Chaos: See how players split duties between piloting and managing the cabin.
- Physics Disasters: Watch how turbulence and sharp turns send passengers and cargo flying.
- Emergency Situations: Check out external repairs and active defense against mid-air hazards.
Before taking off, players must select their passenger manifest and cargo load. Higher payouts introduce more demanding travelers and dangerous cargo, turning the flight into a struggle for survival.
| Feature | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Release Window | 2026 | Planned launch on PC |
| PC Platform | Confirmed | Available on Steam |
| Steam Wishlist | Live | Players can wishlist now |
| Game Price | Not Announced | Pricing details pending |
| Game Modes | Confirmed | Single-player & Online Co-op |
Add the game to your Steam wishlist to receive direct notifications regarding upcoming playtests, beta access, and official launch details.
Flight Progression: Step-by-Step Flight Guide
Completing a successful journey requires coordination, quick reflexes, and clear communication. Use this step-by-step progression to guide your crew from takeoff to landing.
Select Passengers and Cargo
Before the flight begins, evaluate the available jobs. Balance high-paying risky passengers and dangerous cargo with your team's ability to handle chaos.
Assign Crew Roles
Designate one player as the Pilot and divide the remaining crew members among cabin duties, cargo monitoring, and emergency response.
Maintain Flight Control
The Pilot must focus on the flight path, adjusting for dynamic weather, air pockets, and turbulence while warning the cabin of upcoming maneuvers.
Manage Cabin Service
Deliver food and drinks to passengers to maintain satisfaction, but suspend service immediately when physical hazards or emergencies arise.
Contain Flight Disasters
Respond quickly to fires, escaped cargo, or hull damage. Extinguish fires and secure loose objects before they block essential pathways.
Never prioritize food service over an active emergency. An uncontrolled fire or escaped animal will quickly cause a flight-ending crash.
Co-op Roles and Team Strategy
A successful flight in the Dear Passengers beta relies on clear division of labor. Since players interact with a highly reactive physics engine, having dedicated roles prevents multiple crew members from abandoning their posts to handle the same emergency.
The Pilot
- Location: Cockpit
- Duties: Fly the aircraft, manage weather, steer through air pockets.
- Strategy: Keep the cabin crew informed of upcoming sharp turns or turbulence.
Cabin Lead
- Location: Passenger Cabin
- Duties: Track cabin status, coordinate service, prioritize emergencies.
- Strategy: Direct idle players to clear walkways and secure loose items.
Cargo & Containment
- Location: Cargo Hold / Cabin
- Duties: Monitor high-risk cargo, contain escaped animals, secure luggage.
- Strategy: Perform regular checks on volatile crates during smooth flight segments.
For smaller crews, roles must be combined. In a two-player setup, the pilot remains in the cockpit while the second player manages all cabin, cargo, and passenger duties.
| Crew Size | Pilot Role | Cabin Role | Cargo Role | Support Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Players | Dedicated | Dedicated | Dedicated | Floating Support |
| 3 Players | Dedicated | Service & Lead | Cargo & Security | Shared Support |
| 2 Players | Dedicated | Service & Cargo | Service & Cargo | Shared Support |
The Pilot should call out "Turbulence incoming!" several seconds before making sharp maneuvers so the cabin crew can secure loose service carts and luggage.
Passenger and Cargo Risk Analysis
Every flight is a calculation of risk versus reward. Demanding passengers and volatile cargo offer massive payouts but introduce hazards that can easily cripple your aircraft.
| Category | Risk Level | Known Behavior | Best Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Passengers | Low | Expect basic food and drinks | Complete routine service during calm weather |
| Unruly Passengers | High | Disrupt cabin, block crew | Restrain or isolate them quickly |
| Regular Cargo | Low | Static crates, must stay dry | Secure in cargo bays before takeoff |
| Animal Cargo | Extreme | Escapes crates (e.g., Crocodiles) | Monitor crates constantly; prioritize containment |
| Loose Luggage | Medium | Flies around during turbulence | Keep pathways clear; store loose items immediately |
If live cargo like crocodiles escape, they will attack crew and terrify passengers. Deal with containment immediately to prevent widespread panic.
Flight Hazards and Emergency Response
During the Dear Passengers beta, your crew will face a variety of dynamic, physics-based hazards. Knowing who should respond and what actions to take will keep your plane in the air.
| Hazard | First Responder | Escalation Risk | Correct Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dynamic Weather | Pilot | Turbulence, cabin chaos | Stabilize flight path, limit sharp turns |
| Onboard Fire | Nearest Cabin Crew | Spreads quickly, destroys cargo | Use extinguishers immediately, move passengers |
| Engine Damage | Pilot & Repair Crew | Total loss of control, crash | Pilot maintains glide; crew repairs damage |
| Hull Damage | Repair Crew | Decompression, crew sucked out | Seal breach, perform external repairs |
| External Threats | Defense Gunner | Continuous damage to aircraft | Man the mounted weapons, eliminate attackers |
When entering bad weather, ensure all service carts are locked, loose luggage is stored, and passengers are seated to minimize physics-based injuries.
Flight Goals and Checklist
Use this checklist to track your crew's efficiency and prepare for high-tier flights in the Dear Passengers beta.
Pre-Flight & In-Flight Milestones:
- Assign a dedicated Pilot and Cabin Lead before takeoff
- Secure all loose cargo crates in the designated holds
- Establish a clear emergency communication protocol
- Clear all cabin walkways of loose luggage and debris
- Successfully contain an escaped cargo emergency mid-flight
- Complete a high-risk flight with 100% passenger survival
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the Dear Passengers beta and official release date?
Dear Passengers is scheduled for a planned release on Windows PC via Steam in 2026. Official beta and playtest dates have not yet been finalized by developer FLEXUS.
Q: What platforms will support Dear Passengers?
Currently, Windows PC via Steam is the only confirmed platform. Console versions for PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch have not been announced.
Q: How many players can play Dear Passengers co-op?
The game supports both single-player and online co-op. While the exact maximum player count is yet to be fully detailed, the gameplay is designed around multi-role crew coordination.
Q: What are the minimum system requirements for the game?
The minimum requirements include Windows 10 (64-bit), an Intel Core i5 at 2.5 GHz, 8 GB of RAM, an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT, DirectX 12, and 4 GB of available storage.