Actually, the latest update is paid right now, it’s $7. If you don’t want to get it, Itch just sends you to one of the older free versions. I release updates first for supporters and later make it free, once a new build is out, but this time I made the latest early access update available for itch users too.
Reason why it's $7 instead of $5 is because itch usually takes out a combined $2 from taxes in specific countries and platform fee