Does this mean we have to join the Patreon to play? Or does it release to non members at that time?
You will need to be a free general member on Patreon to play. It will still launch on Itch about a week later though, which will not require Patreon.
Dang! Does that mean I have to buy Patreon?
No Patreon is free.
Oh! There, I realized it was the options menu on your patreon, not the pay to become a member button, thanks!