Steel Hunters is an upcoming free-to-play extraction shooter developed by Wargaming’s UK studio DPS Games. The game features unique mech-like characters called Hunters, each with distinctive abilities and personalities. Initially conceived as “World of Mechs,” the game evolved to focus on more individualistic war machines that are “infused with the soul of a human.”
Key Features:
- Third-person tactical shooter with hero-style mechanics
- Matches involve five teams of two players
- Destructible, open-ended maps
- Emphasis on team cooperation (“duo symbiosis”)
- Varied Hunter characters with unique abilities
Gameplay Highlights:
- Players drop into post-apocalyptic maps to collect loot and complete objectives
- Rounds last around 10 minutes
- Hunters move slowly, focusing on tactical play rather than twitch skills
- Map destruction is visually spectacular but lacks physical weight
The preview highlights some concerns:
- Loot system feels underwhelming and low-stakes
- Early matches can feel repetitive, especially when fighting AI bots
- Some Hunters feel more engaged to play than others
Positive Notes:
- Interesting tactical potential
- Diverse Hunter abilities
- Destructible environments
- Teamwork-focused gameplay
The game will launch in early access on April 2, with no initial monetization. The developers plan to use player feedback to shape the game’s future development, particularly around elements like skins and player preferences.
The reviewer remains cautiously intrigued, noting that while the game needs refinement, its core concept of battling as giant, personality-driven mechs has potential.
Steel Hunters: A Tactical Mech Extraction Shooter with Potential
Concept and Origin
Steel Hunters emerged from Wargaming’s desire to expand beyond their traditional “World of” multiplayer games. Initially conceived as a mech game with pilot-controlled vehicles, the developers pivoted to a more distinctive approach. Instead of traditional piloted mechs, the Hunters are sentient machines “infused with the soul of a human,” which allows for more distinctive character design and storytelling.
Gameplay Mechanics
Core Structure
- Game Type: Free-to-play extraction shooter
- Match Format: 5 teams of 2 players
- Match Duration: Approximately 10 minutes
- Map Style: Sprawling, post-apocalyptic environments with destructible terrain
Combat Characteristics
The game distinguishes itself from typical shooters through several key elements:
- Tactical Pace: Unlike fast-paced shooters like Titanfall, Steel Hunters emphasizes slower, more deliberate movement and combat.
- Character Diversity: Each Hunter has unique abilities that encourage strategic team play
- Destructible Environment: Players can demolish buildings and create new tactical opportunities
Character Highlights
Notable Hunters Mentioned:
- Prophet: A floating purple humanoid mech with a powerful charged railgun
- Razorside: A Call of Duty-like mech with an assault rifle and grenades
- Weaver: A mechanical spider with a chaingun and energy shield
- Ursus: A bear-like mech that launches missile clusters
- Trenchwalker: A support-oriented Hunter with healing and area-of-effect damage abilities
Team Dynamics
The developers emphasize “duo symbiosis” – a fancy term for cooperative gameplay. Hunters are designed to complement each other, with abilities that can be mixed and matched for different strategies.
Strengths
Tactical Depth
- Slow-moving Hunters require careful positioning and ability management
- Destructible environments add strategic layers
- Emphasis on team coordination over individual skill
Unique Aesthetic
- Distinctive Hunter designs with personality
- Post-apocalyptic setting
- Visually spectacular destruction mechanics
Weaknesses
Loot and Progression
- Extraction element feels underdeveloped
- Loot (cores and in-game currency) lacks excitement
- Low-stakes progression system
Combat Inconsistencies
- Some Hunters feel more engaging than others
- Weapon sounds lack impact
- AI enemies in early matches are repetitive and uninteresting
Technical Limitations
- Destruction looks great but lacks physical realism
- Objects move unrealistically, diminishing the sense of weight and impact
Developer Approach
Wargaming is taking an interesting approach to development:
- Launching in early access
- No initial monetization
- Committed to player feedback
- Open to adapting based on community response
Potential and Positioning
Steel Hunters isn’t trying to be a hardcore extraction shooter like Hunt: Showdown or Escape from Tarkov. Instead, it aims to be a more accessible, lighter take on the genre with a unique mech twist.
Verdict
Cautiously Promising
The game shows significant potential, particularly in its team-based tactical gameplay and distinctive Hunter designs. While it needs refinement in areas like loot progression and combat feel, the core concept of battling as personality-driven mechs is intriguing.
Recommendation:
- For players who enjoy tactical shooters
- Those interested in team-based gameplay
- Fans of mech-based combat
- Players willing to engage with an evolving early access title
Release 
Details
- Release Date: April 2
- Access Type: Early Access
- Price: Free-to-play
The review suggests keeping an eye on Steel Hunters as it develops, with the potential for significant improvements based on player feedback.
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