EA and Full Circle gave early access to the .27 playtest build of skate. and content creator Stoke was one of the few to get hands-on. He used the opportunity to capture footage and break down some of his favorite features and tricks in this early look at the game’s direction.
Slappies lead things off. They’re a longtime favorite trick and finally have a place in the game. Easy to get into but tough to truly master, they open up new creative lines—especially for players who like pushing trick variety. Wallies are also in and bring another fun option to mix into combos, especially when linking up tricks around obstacles and spots.
Quick ollies and nollies make it easier to move fluidly through the world. A quick flick of the stick lets players hop curbs or small gaps without needing to set up a full trick, which keeps the pace smooth. Prewound 360s add even more depth, using both sticks to speed up spins and bring out more natural body movement mid-air. Spins can still be done without prewinding for a more laid-back style.
Powerslides have been completely overhauled and now feel much more responsive. They’re great for controlling speed, especially when skating downhill. Roll-ins have been added too, offering a quick and seamless way to drop into quarter pipes or pools. Transition grinds and stalls also feel better, giving players tighter control over positioning and trick selection. Sound design plays a role here as well with wheel and truck sounds change depending on the surface, adding a subtle but noticeable layer of realism.
One of the biggest additions is climbing. It’s the only off-board feature mentioned, but it changes the way players can explore the map. Rooftops and hidden areas are now reachable without glitches and they’re tucked away enough to preserve the grounded, city-like feel at street level. Once you’re up there, it feels like a whole new layer of the world opens up. It’s a welcome step forward for players who enjoy exploration just as much as skating.
As for playtesting, signups for the skate. Insider Program are now closed while the team gears up for the Early Access launch later this summer. If you registered and completed the RSVP before the deadline for the playtest that started on July 2, just hang tight. Invites are being sent out in waves over the next few weeks, so keep an eye on your inbox.
Here are a couple of more gameplay videos from The Hippy Jump Podcast and ZexyZek respectively.
