Steel Hunters Is Changing Up The Battle Royale Genre With Mechs

The Game Awards 2024 brought many surprises, but one of the biggest surprises was the world premiere of the next game from the developers behind World of Tanks called Steel Hunters.

Steel Hunters is a free-to-play shooter that blends elements of battle royale and third-person hero shooters. Developed using Unreal Engine 5, the game features skill trees, customizable gear, unique skins, and a diverse roster of hunters, which are kind of like the heroes you’d pick in a hero-shooter.

The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world where players compete for a valuable resource known as Starfall. This material is crucial for humanity’s survival, akin to oil in our world, and serves as the central focus of the game’s narrative.

Game Details and Features

The game will first be available on PC, with a beta test scheduled for late December. Console versions are planned for a later release. The December beta will introduce players to seven unique hunters, with additional content and features expected in 2025.

Steel Hunters is entirely free to play. While all content is accessible without cost, players have the option to purchase skips to accelerate progress but only if they choose.

The game will launch with seven distinct hunters, each offering unique abilities and playstyles. These hunters are giant mechs, not something we’ve seen yet in the battle royale space. For instance, one hunter resembles a spider, while another takes on a wolf-like form. A special hunter named Colossus, a massive bipedal mech, comes at the end of the match to level the playing field.

Steel Hunters features both PvP and PvE modes, with a strong emphasis on tactical combat. Players must carefully manage their resources, as ammunition is limited, encouraging strategic play over reckless shooting. The game rewards players who can effectively synergize different archetypes and playstyles.

Team Play, Maps, & Modes

Steel Hunters supports multiple teams battling against each other, with a focus on duo symbiosis and team play. Selecting the right combination of hunters and skills is essential for achieving victory. Players must work together to maximize their strengths and exploit their opponent’s weaknesses.

The game will feature three maps, each offering unique challenges and opportunities for strategic play. Alongside these maps, players can engage in several core game modes.

Keep an eye out for the Steel Hunters beta test in December and prepare to dive into the hunt for Starfall.