Like just the game with no launcher required. To be blunt I want to play the game, but I don't want any of my contacts on the launchers to see that I'm playing it. Also, just to be clear, I'm not trying to get around paying for the game. I have no problem with giving someone money for a product they've worked hard to produce. I'd just prefer that my friends didn't see me using that product. I know I can hide my activity on Steam and Discord, but honestly I like for my friends to be able to see most of what I've been playing. Just not everything. I typically prefer doing a .zip install of this type of game, but I can't seem to find one that wouldn't be considered stealing the game, which is something I definitely don't want to do.

for 10 usd you can join their patreon and get access to their latest beta builds, which more often than not have more features/content than whats currently up on steam.
every month there's a new build. and even if there's bugs the game is 99% playable. you'll get access to their monthly build download post [which links to an exe, and three "part" files. the installation is very simple. just run the exe and choose where to put it.], and with that is always a link to the monthly cheat code.
im not sure if the itch release limits you to Only the first 7 days, but ive played the beta and the calendars practically unlimited.

just let your friends see it , it's not like they're gonna bully for it bruh if they do don't even consider them a real friend it's just natural to do some private  stuff