[2022] We need an answer on whether Headstart is actually happening on Steam

I don’t think whether Head Start is happening was ever in question; while it will take some time to decrypt the game on launch due to Steam-side processes (which is a separate topic), it starts tomorrow at 9 AM PT and that is not changing. If you have purchased a Founder’s Pack, you will be able to play at this time.

This is what I have received from Valve about their decryption process: “Decryption is an active process on the user’s machine. The time it takes to decrypt the game has a large degree of variability depending on the total size of the game, the customer’s CPU capabilities, and the customer’s disk I/O speed. Customers with top-of-the line systems will likely be able to start the game within a few minutes. Customers with older/slower machines will take longer.”

This starts when the game unlocks and users can play, so at 9 AM PT

This is fine, it has no bearing on your ability to play tomorrow

This is correct!