Kyiv, Ukraine — October 30, 2026. Starni Games and Palaye have released a 12-minute gameplay walkthrough of STEEL CORE, an upcoming turn-based mech strategy game, ahead of its first closed playtest.
The developer-led video offers an extended look at the game’s core loop, from managing an outpost and customizing mechs to fighting increasingly dangerous waves of alien creatures known as Xenoinsects in turn-based grid combat.
Developers have also released new screenshots showcasing the game’s biomes, enemies, and mech designs.
The first STEEL CORE playtest starts November 5. Players can request access through the game’s Steam page, with selected participants receiving further instructions before the test begins.
STEEL CORE is scheduled for release in Q1 2027. Wishlist STEEL CORE on Steam.
Links
- STEEL CORE on Steam
- STEEL CORE — Developer Walkthrough (YouTube)
- Twitter/X
- Discord
Key Features
- Build Your Mechs Piece by Piece. Chassis, arms, legs, shoulder mounts, internal cartridges, micro-modules, and up to four weapons per machine. Parts come in rarity grades and perks roll differently on every mech, so two squads built from the same parts bin rarely play the same.
- Fight Tactical Turn-Based Battles. Spend action points, work firing lines around terrain and your own units, arc grenades over cover, and lay down flame walls and toxic smoke. The strongest weapons are the ones that make you stand somewhere dangerous.
- Turn Mining Outposts Into Fortresses. Walls, gates, watchtowers your mechs can climb and fire from, automated turrets, power plants, drilling rigs. Every resource spent on defenses is a resource not spent on the squad.
- Build by Day, Fight by Night. Prepare while the sun is up, study the incoming attack at dusk, then hold the line until morning.
- Survive an Escalating Roguelite Campaign. Travel between hostile planets and moons where each environment brings deadlier enemies, new hazards, and a boss that changes how the fight works. Research carries over. So does the difficulty.
- Make the Budget Work. Resources are always short, and so is power — every night you decide which buildings stay online. Harvest Fibonite from dead aliens to make your machines stronger.
Factsheet
- Developer: Starni Games
- Publisher: Palaye
- Platforms: PC
- Genre: Tactical turn-based strategy / roguelite
- Planned Release Date: Q1 2027
About Starni Games
Starni Games is a game development studio founded in 2013, known for the Strategic Mind series of turn-based strategies. The team focuses on creating thought-provoking games with immersive gameplay experiences.
About Palaye
Palaye is a Ukraine-based communications and publishing agency that helps game developers reach and grow their audiences. We collaborate with developers on PR and marketing and organize industry initiatives including Indie Cup and Ukrainian Games Festival.
palaye.net