Wargaming has unveiled Steel Hunters, a new free-to-play mech hero shooter that marks the company’s first original IP since its established World of Tanks and World of Warships franchises.
The announcement, made during The Game Awards, revealed an ambitious project that merges battle royale and extraction mechanics in a post-apocalyptic setting where players pilot massive mechanical beings called Hunters. The game focuses on finding Starfall, a mysterious alien resource spread across a deserted Earth, and if early previews are anything to go on, the gameplay looks intense.
Set in a new universe, completely separate from the World of series, Steel Hunters feels like a blend of Pacific Rim, Overwatch and League of Legends, combined with Unreal Engine 5 visuals at their highest settings. Despite its intense appearance, the team at Wargaming is promising a more tactical experience than what we’ve seen in the hero shooter genre.
The development, which spanned three years across multiple international studios, focused on creating a unique tactical experience that emphasizes strategy over traditional shooter mechanics. Mike McDonald, product director, explains that the game represents a departure from conventional shooter formats.
“We’ve worked relentlessly to create a game that offers a unique take on the mech shooter space by combining elements of different genres into one compelling mix,” he says.
Built on Unreal Engine 5, Steel Hunters introduces a duo-based combat system where players must cooperate as a team to succeed in the game’s PvPvE arena. Each Hunter has distinct abilities and progression systems, allowing players to develop various tactical approaches to combat. The game features destructible environments, adding another layer of strategic depth to battles.
“This is a massive moment for Wargaming,” says Victor Kislyi, CEO of Wargaming. “With Steel Hunters, we’re pushing past our boundaries and bringing something completely new. Our ambition is to create one of the most exhilarating and compelling mech experiences ever.”
Players can customize their mechanical warriors through various build options and cosmetic choices, providing opportunities for personal expression within the game’s futuristic universe. The narrative follows humanity’s struggle for survival after a catastrophic event, with corporations and factions transforming Hunters into formidable war machines in their quest for the precious Starfall resource.
Wargaming is not discussing monetization at this time but has explained it is exploring what makes sense for the title. For now, the focus is on perfecting the Steel Hunters experience and creating the most enjoyable game possible. If the visuals and videos CGMagazine previewed before The Game Awards are any indication, the game is shaping up to be incredibly interesting. It marks a significant departure from past instalments while maintaining the pedigree players have come to expect from the company.
Wargaming, headquartered in Cyprus and operating since 1998, has established itself as a leading force in the gaming industry, with 15 offices worldwide. The company’s expansion into this new genre represents a significant evolution for a developer known primarily for its historical military combat games.
Starting today, PC players can sign up for an exclusive 10-day closed playtest through the official Steel Hunters website or the Steam platform. This limited-time event will give players their first opportunity to experience the tactical mech combat that Wargaming hopes will revolutionize the genre.
Coming to PC and console, the game’s release date has not yet been announced, but interested players can find more information and register for the playtest at steelhunters.com.
