Idle Reef — patch notes and updates
Stored observation / content update:
Dated developer announcements recorded from Steam. Open the source for the complete update.
| Update | Date | Excerpt / source |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Update: Purple Screen & Demo Leftovers Fixed | 2026-11-01 | Windows Update Hi reef keepers, This small update is for our Windows players. Thank you to everyone who reported these issues! Fixed on Windows Purple screen: Fixed an error that could show a purple screen on Windows. Demo leftovers: Temporary files left over from the demo are now removed. Minor fixes: Several small bugs have been fixed. Mac players Nothing changes for you in this update. How to get the update Steam downloads the update automatically. If the game was running, simply restart it. https://store.steampowered.com/app/5188560/Idle_Reef/ Thank you for playing Idle Reef! — The BoostLab Team |
| macOS Update: Window Dragging & Retina Fixes | 2026-11-01 | macOS Update Hi reef keepers, This small update is just for our Mac players. Thank you to everyone who reported these issues! Fixed on macOS Window dragging: Dragging the aquarium window by its frame works properly again. Retina displays: Display issues on Retina screens have been fixed. Mac-specific settings: Mac-specific file handling and per-monitor settings have been adjusted. Windows players Nothing changes for you in this update. How to get the update Steam downloads the update automatically. If the game was running, simply restart it. https://store.steampowered.com/app/5188560/Idle_Reef/ Thank you for playing Idle Reef! — The BoostLab |
| Major Bug Fix: Egg Purchases Fixed | 2026-11-01 | Major Bug Fix Hi reef keepers, Some of you ran into problems when buying eggs over the last few days. Thank you for reporting them, and sorry for the trouble! This update fixes the issues with both ways of buying eggs. Buying eggs with points Egg incubators now fill up inside the game, so an egg is ready to buy as soon as its incubator is full. Your first egg purchase no longer makes you wait. If Steam doesn't respond, the game automatically tries the purchase again. If a purchase can't be completed, your points are given back automatically. Buying eggs from the Steam Item Store Eggs you buy in the Steam Item Store now appear in the game once |
| Idle Reef Is Out Now! Your Desktop Reef Awaits | 2026-10-31 | Idle Reef is out now! The wait is over: Idle Reef is now available on Steam! Thank you so much for your patience after the short delay, and for every wishlist, demo session and piece of feedback along the way. Idle Reef turns your desktop into a living reef. Hatch eggs, collect 50 fish species and watch them swim right across your screen while you work, browse or relax. Launch discount: 20% off To celebrate the launch, Idle Reef is 20% off until November 6. What's new since the demo We used the extra time well. Here's what's waiting for you in the full game: Tank Settings: Dress up your mini tank and taskbar tank with Wood, Brass and Neon fra |
| Idle Reef Launch Delayed – A Message from Our Team | 2026-10-29 | We're sorry for the delay Dear reef keepers, Idle Reef did not launch on October 28 as we had announced, and we sincerely apologize. Thank you to everyone who wishlisted the game and was waiting for launch day. We know this is disappointing. While preparing for launch, we decided that we need a little more time for a few final adjustments. We would rather bring you a polished, stable reef than rush it out. What we're working on Final adjustments and polish on the full version New updates and improvements to make your desktop reef even better Making sure everything runs smoothly on launch day When will it launch? We'll announce the new release |
| Idle Reef Launches October 28 – Fish Are Coming to Your Desktop! | 2026-10-24 | Idle Reef launches October 28! Mark your calendars: our cozy desktop aquarium Idle Reef arrives on Steam on October 28, 2026! Idle Reef turns your computer into a living reef. Your fish aren't stuck inside a window. They swim right across your desktop while you work, browse or watch a show, quietly earning points in the background. What awaits you A living desktop: Choose a see-through view where fish float over your desktop, a blue-water aquarium, a mini tank you can place in any corner, or your taskbar. Hatch eggs, discover fish: Eight egg types, from the Pebble Egg to the Star Egg, and 50 fish species across rarities from Common to Mythica |