Wargaming Announces New Mech Shooter – Steel Hunters

Wargaming, the award-winning online game developer and publisher behind the hit World of Tanks and World of Warships Franchises, announced at The Game Awards its new original IP – Steel Hunters – a free-to-play, mech hero shooter that uniquely blends Battle Royale and Extraction mechanics.

“This is a massive moment for Wargaming,” said Victor Kislyi, Wargaming CEO. “We are best known for creating immersive and sustainable digital hobbies for millions of gamers around the world. 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.”

“Steel Hunters is the result of incredible teamwork and dedication of our talented people in Guilford, Prague and our studios around the world,” said Mike McDonald, Product Director. “Over the past 3 years, 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. Today, we’re finally ready to show players what we’ve been building.”

What exactly is Steel Hunters?

Steel Hunters is an online, mech-hero shooter that seamlessly combines Battle Royale and Extraction mechanics. Players take command of formidable mechanical giants called Hunters, engaging in dynamic duo PvPvE battles on the Hunting Grounds. Fight to collect Starfall on an abandoned Earth and use combat tactics to turn rivals into scrap.

Set in a futuristic world, Steel Hunters tells the story of humanity’s fight for survival following a catastrophic event. Hunters were created to secure a rare extraterrestrial resource called Starfall. In their clash for domination, Corporations and Factions transformed Hunters into fearsome combat machines, used in the race to conquer the scarce resource across the ruins of a green but abandoned Earth.

The game offers an intense mech power fantasy where you control formidable mechanical giants – Hunters – and participate in action-packed battles, pursuing various objectives to level up and acquire gear. Each Hunter comes with its own distinct playstyle, unique ability kits, and progression systems that allow for a variety of strategies and tactics to outmatch opponents as they push toward the final showdown at the extraction point.

Key Features to Prepare for

With closed-testing about to begin, Wargaming has revealed the key features readily available within Steel Hunters. The emphasis is on gaming mechanics and how the game differs from other mech shooters, which should give players something to latch onto. Of interest will be the emphasis on tactics over reflexes in the gameplay. Definitely something to keep note of as players dive in.

Let’s get into the featured announced:

• A new take on Battle Royale & Extraction – The game combines mechanics from Hero Shooters, Battle Royal and Extraction. Players engage in battles with a unique Hunter within a PvPvE arena, pursuing various objectives to level up and acquire gear, ultimately culminating in a final showdown at the extraction point.
• Master distinct mechanical giants – The fun of Steel Hunters lies in learning and mastering individual Hunters and using their ability kits and progression systems in the most effective way.
• Tactics over reflexes – Unlike more traditional shooters, it’s not all about short reaction time but understanding your Hunter strengths, weaknesses, abilities, cooldowns, and synergies. The maps allow for meaningful tactical choices and offer opportunities for flanking or ambushing enemies.
• Duo Symbiosis – Cooperation is crucial to achieve victory. Whether you’re playing with a friend or matched with another Hunter, combining tactics and abilities with your duo partner is what will make the difference in the Hunting Grounds.
• Spectacular grounded gameplay – Built on the Unreal Engine 5, the game immerses the player in a highly realistic world and delivers a strong power fantasy, thanks to spectacular battle mechs. The destructible environment on the map reinforces this, while also allowing for more tactical gameplay.
• High level of customization – Players can customize their Hunters with distinct build options, allowing them to create unique gear combinations. Additionally, collectibles and cosmetics offer opportunities to express personal style and individuality.

The time has come to embrace the power of a mighty Steel Hunter and prepare to join the action! Don’t wait another minute and sign up for Wargaming’s exclusive 10-day closed playtest, available for PC players here.