Steel Hunters is a free-to-play mech-hero shooter that combines battle royale and extraction mechanics.

Players control powerful mechanical giants called Hunters in duo PvPvE battles, with extensive customization options.

Set in a world ravaged by a cataclysm, Hunters are tasked with protecting "Starfall," a rare alien resource crucial for human survival. Each battle, whether solo or in a tram, is a chance to demonstrate tactical skill on an abandoned Earth.

The time has come to embrace the power of a mighty Steel Hunter and prepare to join the action!

Wargaming unveiled that Steel Hunters is now available through Steam Early Access.

Guided by a player-first philosophy, this Early Access phase empowers the community to actively shape and evolve the game through their feedback until its full release, ensuring it becomes the most engaging and satisfying mech-shooter experience.

As Steel Hunters enters Early Access, the development team will focus on gathering player feedback, fine-tuning gameplay mechanics, and enhancing overall polish. This phase is crucial for refining the experience, balancing combat, and ensuring the game reaches its full potential before the official launch. In addition to performance and stability improvements, the team will introduce new content and features, shaping the game with direct input from the community. 

"We’re incredibly excited to bring Steel Hunters to our players today," said Mike McDonald, Product Director. "This phase is all about working alongside our community, refining the game, and ensuring its long-term success. Guided by player-first philosophy, we’re starting the first season of Steel Hunters Early Access without monetization, allowing all players to fully immerse themselves in the core gameplay experience."

The Early Access will include the following:

• Hunters: Players can control and customize seven Hunters, each with unique abilities: Razorside, Heartbreaker, Fenris, Ursus, Trenchwalker, Prophet, and Weaver. A new Hunter will enter the fray during the Early Access.
• Dynamic Battlegrounds: Jump into action across three maps featuring destructible environments — Crimson Ridge, Maryland Heights, and Stonecutter Keep.
• Game mode & Progression: The Last Stand mode has been added instead of Starfall Harvest as the main game mode, and a completely revamped System Tree replaces the old four-path progression — now streamlined into a single, powerful skill tree with progressive upgrades. 
• No progress reset: As of April 2, game servers will remain permanently live, meaning no more progress wipes. Players will retain all in-game items and progress they have earned from Early Access and previous tests, giving them a head start with the full game launch.
• Battle Pass: Steel Hunters’ first-ever Battle Pass launches with Early Access, running through April 29, 2025. This free Battle Pass allows players to level up their Hunters, unlock exclusive skins, and earn various rewards, boosters, and credits.

Key Features

• A new take on Battle Royale & Extraction: The game combines mechanics from Hero Shooters, Battle Royale, 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: The game immerses the player into a highly realistic world and delivers a strong power fantasy thanks to spectacular battle mechs. Destructible environments on the map reinforce 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.
• Maps and Modes: Steel Hunters maps feature both natural and urban environments, with dynamic, destructible terrain that encourages tactical gameplay.
  • 12 Players: Teams of two compete across a PvPvE map, completing diverse objectives and engaging in both combat and exploration.
  • Dynamic Objectives: Players must balance looting, progression, and survival, culminating in a final extraction showdown.

Steel Hunters is coming to PC (Steam) in late 2025. Consoles may be considered in the future.