Wargaming announces Steel Hunters, a free-to-play mech hero shooter

Wargaming has announced its latest new IP, Steel Hunters.

The next offering from the developer behind World of Tanks and World of Warships is described as a “free-to-play mech hero shooter that uniquely blends Battle Royale and Extraction mechanics”.

The game is set in a futuristic world, in the aftermath of a “catastrophic event”, and is based around the idea of human survival.

“To secure a rare extraterrestrial resource called Starfall, Hunters were created,” Wargaming’s description reads, referring to the game’s mechs.

“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.”

Each Hunter will have its own playstyle, ability kits and progression systems, and battles take place in PvPvE arenas with objectives to collect gear culminating in a final showdown at an extraction point.

Players can sign up for a 10-day closed playtest at the Wargaming Game Center.

“This is a massive moment for Wargaming,” CEO Victor Kislyi said in a statement. “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.”