Steel Hunters Review (PC)

Mech combat games have always had a certain appeal: massive robots, explosive battles, and that perfect mix of strategy and firepower. Steel Hunters takes that formula and adds a fresh twist, blending PvP and PvE in a way that keeps every match unpredictable. It’s still in Early Access, but it already feels like a solid contender in the genre. The action is fast, the mechs have unique designs, and the fights can get downright intense. But does it have what it takes to stand out in a crowded mech world? Let’s break it down in this review and find out.

The Story Behind the War

The world of Steel Hunters is a mess, torn apart by greedy megacorporations fighting over what’s left. Instead of nations going to war, these powerful factions send in elite mech pilots – Hunters – to do their dirty work. These battles aren’t just about survival; they’re about proving who’s the best, landing contracts, and securing valuable tech.

Players take the role of a Hunter, a mercenary hired to take out rivals and reclaim lost assets. The game doesn’t throw a deep, cinematic story at players, but the narrative is there for those who pay attention. Abandoned research labs, battle-scarred landscapes, and scattered data logs tell the story of a world where some factions want order while others want chaos. Every mission is more than just a fight; it’s a chance to shape what comes next.

Battles

Steel Hunters throws players into a fast-paced battlefield filled with massive, animal-like mechs. It’s a fresh take on the genre, mixing PvP and PvE elements in a way that makes every match unpredictable. The movement feels smooth, and the combat is intense. While it’s not the best-looking mech game out there, it does enough to impress where it matters.

The game blends open-ended exploration with high-stakes battles. Each match starts with squads of two, dropping into a large map filled with AI enemies, objectives, and rival squads. Notably, the pacing is well thought out. Players gather resources early on, upgrade their mechs, and decide whether to focus on PvE or take the fight to other teams. As the match progresses, things heat up fast, leading to chaotic battles near the extraction zone. It’s a simple but effective structure that keeps every round exciting.

The real star of the show is the mech design. These aren’t just your standard, clunky robots; they have personality. Some take inspiration from animals, moving with an organic, beast-like speed. For instance, one has an insect-like frame, while another feels like a mechanical predator straight out of a sci-fi thriller. Of course, if that’s not your thing, there’s also a more traditional, soldier-style mech for players who prefer classic designs.

To make things more interesting, each mech is unique, not just in looks but in functionality. One might favor speed and agility, using hit-and-run tactics. On the flip side, another relies on brute force and heavy armor. One has a triple cannon setup paired with a minigun and energy barriers. Another acts as a long-range sniper but has a painfully slow reload. Then there’s the tanky behemoth, built like a mini-boss, equipped with a Sentinel drone for extra firepower. It’s all about choosing the right mech.

How the Matches Play Out

The match structure is simple but engaging. Each game features twelve players split into six squads of two. Compared to some battle royale-style games, that’s not a huge number, but it works well for the more tactical, mech-based combat. Players start by scavenging for supplies, fighting off AI-controlled enemies, and upgrading their mechs. As the match moves forward, the focus shifts toward direct PvP game combat. The final phase is about the extraction point, where surviving teams battle it for a shot at victory.

This structure creates a natural tension curve. It’s all about resource management, grabbing upgrades, deciding when to engage enemies, and scouting the battlefield. By the time the extraction phase rolls around, everything turns into a high-stakes showdown. Teams are forced into tight quarters, forcing aggressive plays, clever use of abilities, and quick decision-making.

For instance, in one match, a squad might spend most of its time avoiding fights, quietly collecting resources, and upgrading its mech for the final phase. In another, a team could go in aggressively, taking out rivals early and establishing dominance over the battlefield. Since each squad has different priorities, matches can play out in wildly different ways. Ultimately, the unpredictability makes every game feel fresh and rewarding.

Additionally, to keep things from getting too predictable, this action game throws in random elements. That includes different weather conditions, surprise enemy reinforcements, and shifting extraction points. One match might see players fighting through a blinding sandstorm, while another could have them dealing with a rogue AI mech that’s hunting everyone down. Ultimately, it’s a satisfying progression that keeps every match from feeling repetitive.

Making the Mech

Customization plays a massive role in Steel Hunters. Players can tweak and upgrade their mechs in several ways, adjusting weapons, shields, and even core systems. This allows for a decent level of strategic depth. Notably, choosing the right loadout can completely change how a mech performs in battle.

Weapons start off feeling a little weak, but as players unlock better gear, the combat really comes to life. The minigun, for example, is decent at first but becomes a complete monster after a few upgrades. Shields regenerate over time, but repair kits and strategic movement are essential for survival. Additionally, players can change their perks before battle, tailoring their playstyle for different situations. Want to be a high-speed hit-and-run attacker? There’s a perk for that. Prefer to tank damage and control the battlefield? That’s an option too.

One of the best parts of this system is that no two matches feel the same. Depending on what upgrades and perks a player chooses, their mech can feel completely different from one game to the next. It adds a lot of replayability and encourages players to experiment with different strategies in this mech shooter game.

Fight Like a Boss

The shooting mechanics in Steel Hunters are one of its strong points. While some weapons feel better than others, overall, the gunplay is satisfying. The minigun shreds enemies at close range, the triple cannon delivers strong mid-range firepower, and melee attacks, while situational, can be devastating if timed right. Every weapon has a distinct feel, which makes switching between them mid-match interesting.

Abilities add another layer to combat. Shields provide essential protection but can be broken under focused fire. Some mechs can deploy drones for extra firepower, while others have unique power-ups that boost effectiveness in combat. One of the most exciting abilities is Colossus Mode, which temporarily turns a mech into an unstoppable powerhouse. Activating it at the right moment can completely change the tide of battle, making for some epic moments.

One issue players will note is the number of bots filling PvP lobbies. While the game shines in human-vs-human combat, some matches feel a little too easy when AI enemies are involved. Bots go down quickly and don’t always react the way a real player would, which takes some of the intensity out of fights. Hopefully, as the player base grows, more matches will be filled with actual people rather than AI stand-ins.

That being said, AI enemies still serve a purpose. They drop valuable loot, which can be a great way to practice different weapons and abilities before jumping into the real action. Furthermore, they give lower-skilled players a chance to contribute without getting wiped out immediately by veteran opponents.

The Bad

While Steel Hunters shows a lot of promise, it’s not without its rough edges. Balancing is still a work in progress. Some mechs feel noticeably stronger than others, which can make certain matchups frustrating. Weapon balance also needs some tweaks, as a few loadouts feel underwhelming compared to others.

Additionally, the game’s progression system could also use some refinement. Unlocking new upgrades can feel a bit tough, especially in matches where players don’t perform well. There’s a fine line between rewarding persistence and making progression feel like a lot of work, and the game isn’t quite there yet.

On the other hand, there’s the matchmaking. Since it’s still in Early Access, lobbies aren’t always filled with human players. This is understandable for now, but if the developers want Steel Hunters to thrive long-term, they must ensure full PvP matches are the standard. More matchmaking options, like separate modes for casual and ranked play, could help with this.

Verdict

Steel Hunters has the potential to be something special. The mech designs are fantastic, the mix of PvE and PvP keeps matches dynamic, and the combat feels satisfying. Of course, there are some balancing issues and matchmaking concerns, but those are things that can be fixed. If the developers keep refining the game, this could be a solid entry in the mech combat genre.

For fans of mech battles, it’s definitely worth keeping an eye on. The foundation is strong, and with a little more polish, Steel Hunters could end up being a standout title in its genre. It’s already fun, and it could become even better with the right updates.