Steel Hunters introduces an exciting blend of early access extraction shooter and battle royale gameplay with a focus on mechs, crafted by the developers behind World of Tanks. Unlike traditional military shooters where players vie for loot during longer matches, this game features fast-paced mech encounters lasting just 10 to 15 minutes before the session concludes. Many of the mechs resemble designs from Transformers: Beast Wars, igniting anticipation for players eager to jump into the action.
In teams of two, players control mechs as they scavenge for loot and superior equipment, all while engaging in combat with rival factions to reach extraction points on a ravaged version of Earth. Fans of the battle royale and extraction genres will find this gameplay loop familiar, but it’s the mech-driven aspect that truly sets it apart.
The game has garnered a “mixed” rating from approximately 2,010 reviews on Steam. Reviews often sing praises for its combat system and mission layout. Dashed with a slower tempo compared to titles like Armored Core 6, players will notice the mechs here are hefty and deliberate rather than nimble and quick. Their ability to demolish buildings is visually impressive, making the destruction a remarkable experience.
“It does feel like I’m controlling a big, kinda clunky, heavy tank on two (or four) legs,” writes one player on Steam. “Moving around isn’t a completely seamless thing, it’s something you have to carefully consider. Knowing how good your position is, what your escape routes are, and how you can maneuver around cover better than your enemy.”– Steam Player
Players can choose from various mech types, including bipedal and tank-like designs, but the animal-inspired mechs catch my eye due to their nimble capabilities, providing a different gameplay experience.
However, numerous players have pointed out several challenges. Being a free-to-play title, many feel frustrated by the sluggish rate of unlockables unless they’re willing to make in-game purchases. Additionally, progression within the battle pass relies solely on completing weekly tasks; it doesn’t advance through regular gameplay like in Fortnite.
Common early access growing pains, such as login issues and server instability, have also been noted. Fortunately, one review mentions that developer Wargaming is already addressing these concerns, paving the way for anticipated enhancements.
If massive mechs don’t pique your interest, consider exploring some of the best free games currently available.