There are however a number of limitations in this beta demo compared to the upcoming full release:

• you can only play on two maps - the tutorial map (solo) as well as a special demo map (solo and multiplayer, internet and LAN). There are no game length or play time restrictions per session.
• you can open and use the full-featured map editor but you cannot load nor save any maps
• you can open and browse the online file exchange service to look for mods, maps, unit rulesets and other user created content, but cannot actually download nor use any of it
• you can in fact use the in-game auto-update function to download the latest beta demo upgrades that we will release over the course of the next weeks as various bug reports from the open beta come in. Check for updates often! However, this updater will not allow you to download full game upgrades.
• the beta demo will expire automatically after 180 days.

Empires of Steel is a deceptively simple game system. You will be able to jump right in and play, in part due to the intuitive game interface. If you do want to dive into the more intricate details of the game engine, an in-game manual  is provided with the demo, explaining most of the game functions in detail. Make no mistake though - learning the game is easy. Mastering it and being able to wrestle global control away from other players in a multiplayer game session is something else entirely!