Wargaming is stepping into new territory with Steel Hunters, a free-to-play mech hero shooter that blends Battle Royale and Extraction mechanics. After years of perfecting large-scale warfare with World of Tanks and World of Warships, the studio is taking its expertise into the world of towering battle mechs. First announced at The Game Awards last year, we now finally have a date: Steel Hunters is hitting Early Access on April 2.
This is more than just another test phase. Wargaming is pushing a “player-first” approach, meaning Early Access isn’t just about refining balance or squashing bugs but shaping the game’s future. The devs are looking for direct feedback to make sure Steel Hunters evolves into the best possible version of itself. You can pre-register over on the game’s official website to take part.
At its core, Steel Hunters is all about controlling powerful mechs (called Hunters) across massive battlegrounds like Crimson Ridge, Maryland Heights, and Stonecutter Keep. The gameplay is a mix of tactical survival and all-out destruction. Each Hunter has a unique playstyle, with distinct abilities and progression systems that let players tailor their approach. Some will favor brute force, while others will excel at flanking or ambushing enemies. It’s not just about wiping out opponents, though. Steel Hunters brings in Extraction mechanics, meaning you have to know when to fight and when to escape.
The mech roster already looks promising, with names like Razorside, Heartbreaker, Fenris, Ursus, Trenchwalker, Prophet, and Weaver. Each one offers something different, which means there’s likely a playstyle for everyone. And since the game is built on Unreal Engine 5, we can expect high-quality visuals, destructible environments, and the kind of grounded, weighty combat that makes piloting a giant war machine feel satisfying.
The world of Steel Hunters has a cool sci-fi hook, too. Set in the aftermath of a catastrophic event, humanity is battling over a rare extraterrestrial resource called Starfall. Corporate factions have turned Hunters into war machines, sending them into battle to claim what’s left of Earth’s ruins. It’s a solid setup for a game that already looks like it’ll be filled with high-stakes encounters and tense, last-minute escapes.
Wargaming has spent three years developing Steel Hunters, with teams in Guildford, Prague, and beyond working to bring it to life. Now, with Early Access around the corner, we’re about to see if their efforts pay off. More details on what to expect in this first version of the game are coming soon, but this is clearly a big swing for Wargaming, and I’m definitely paying attention.
