The mech combat genre continues to expand with new offerings that cater to different playstyles and preferences. Wargaming, the developer behind the popular World of Tanks franchise, has now entered the arena with their latest free-to-play title that emphasizes tactical gameplay over fast-paced action.
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| A dramatic scene of a large mech engaged in combat, showcasing the tactical gameplay focus of Steel Hunters |
Steel Hunters Enters Early Access on Steam
Wargaming's much-anticipated mech combat game Steel Hunters has officially launched in early access on Steam. Released today, April 2, the free-to-play title offers players a more methodical and tactical approach to mech warfare compared to other titles in the genre. Set in a post-apocalyptic Earth where factions battle for alien resources using towering mechs called Hunters, the game blends battle royale and extraction shooter elements into a unique PvPvE experience.
Gameplay Focuses on Tactical Combat
Unlike some of its competitors in the mech genre, Steel Hunters deliberately slows down the pace of combat to create a more strategic experience. The game features six teams of two players dropping into large maps where they must first collect energy by defeating drones and bots before engaging other players. This MOBA-like progression system encourages careful planning and coordination between teammates rather than immediate confrontation. Movement is intentionally limited, with jumping and dashing restricted by a stamina system, forcing players to make deliberate tactical decisions rather than relying on twitch reflexes.
Seven Unique Mechs Available at Launch
The early access release includes seven distinct mechs with varied designs ranging from traditional humanoid models to more creative interpretations based on animals like bears, dogs, and spiders. Each mech comes with unique abilities and customization options, allowing players to develop different playstyles and team strategies. The Ursus bear mech features powerful melee attacks, while the Weaver spider mech provides defensive capabilities similar to Reinhardt from Overwatch, highlighting the game's focus on team synergy and complementary abilities.
Free First Season with No Microtransactions
In a notable departure from many free-to-play titles, Wargaming has announced that Steel Hunters' first season will not include any monetization. The game launches with a free battle pass running until April 29, offering exclusive skins, rewards, boosters, and credits without requiring any purchase. The developer has also confirmed that no progress resets are planned during or after the early access period, allowing players to build their arsenals without fear of losing their investments of time.
Future Development Plans
While the initial release is focused on the core six-teams-of-two format across three dynamic maps, Wargaming has indicated plans to expand the game over time. Based on feedback from the closed beta, which attracted over 200,000 players and generated more than 700 pages of feedback, the developer plans to add more complexity with additional mechs and game modes as the early access period progresses. The positive reception during testing was reportedly so strong that the studio moved up the early access release date.
Positioning in the Mech Combat Market
Steel Hunters enters a growing market for mech combat games, positioning itself as a more deliberate and tactical alternative to faster-paced titles like Mecha Break. While Mecha Break aims to recreate the high-speed action scenes from Gundam and Pacific Rim, Steel Hunters leans more toward the methodical combat style of MechWarrior. This distinction creates a clear choice for mech combat enthusiasts based on their preferred playstyle: arcade-like action or tactical decision-making.
Visual Impact and Scale
Despite its slower pace, Steel Hunters doesn't skimp on visual spectacle. Combat encounters feature explosion effects, destructible environments, and shield graphics that create a sense of scale and impact. Buildings crumble and cars flip during mech battles, reinforcing the feeling of controlling massive war machines rather than simply playing another shooter with a mech skin. This attention to environmental destruction and scale helps differentiate the game from its competitors while emphasizing the weight and power of the mechs.