How to join Steel Hunters Beta on PC: Everything You Need to Know About the Mech-Based Shooter
Key Takeaways:
- Steel Hunters is a futuristic mech shooter blending PvPvE, battle royale, and hero shooter elements, now available in beta from December 12–22, 2024.
- Free-to-play with microtransactions, it offers an accessible but competitive experience reminiscent of Apex Legends and Horizon Zero Dawn.
- Despite its niche appeal, Steel Hunters could carve out a loyal player base by focusing on gameplay depth and avoiding pay-to-win pitfalls.
Steel Hunters has officially entered the spotlight following its Beta announcement during The Game Awards 2024. This third-person mech-based shooter has already generated significant buzz among fans of multiplayer games. Offering a unique mix of futuristic combat, PvPvE gameplay, and high-stakes action, Steel Hunters is poised to be a game that could redefine what we expect from the genre. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Steel Hunters Beta on PC, its gameplay mechanics, system requirements, and whether it has what it takes to stand out in a crowded market.
Steel Hunters Beta Access: Dates and How to Join
PC players itching to get their hands on Steel Hunters are in luck the beta is now live and runs from December 12 to December 22, 2024. Here’s a step-by-step guide to joining the action:
- Visit the Official Website
Start by heading to the Steel Hunters official website using your preferred web browser. - Sign Up for the Beta
Look for the “Join the PC Beta” button prominently displayed on the homepage. Create an account if you don’t already have one. - Request Access on Steam
Once your account is set up, navigate to the Steel Hunters page on Steam. Scroll down to find the “Request Access” option. Click it, and keep an eye on your email for the beta code. - Install and Play
After receiving your code, install the game via Steam, and dive into the fast-paced mech battles of Steel Hunters!
Whether you’re a casual player or a seasoned gamer, this beta offers a chance to experience a game that’s still in development and provide feedback to the devs.
System Requirements: Can Your PC Handle Steel Hunters?
Steel Hunters’ visuals and gameplay promise to be spectacular, but they do come at a cost. Make sure your PC meets these requirements to avoid disappointment:
Minimum Requirements:
- OS: Windows® 10 64-bit (latest Service Pack)
- Processor: Intel® Core™ i5 8400 or AMD Ryzen 5 2600
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce® RTX 2060 or AMD Radeon™ Vega 64
- DirectX: Version 12
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Storage: 32 GB available space
Recommended Requirements:
- OS: Windows® 10 64-bit (latest Service Pack)
- Processor: Intel® Core™ i5 9600 or AMD Ryzen 5 3600
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce® RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon™ RX 5600 XT
- DirectX: Version 12
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Storage: 32 GB available space
The game’s optimization is still being refined, so some bugs and performance issues are expected during this beta phase.
Gameplay Overview: How Does Steel Hunters Play?
Steel Hunters combines elements of battle royale, hero shooters, and extraction games. Here’s a breakdown of its gameplay:
PvPvE Combat
The core gameplay pits players against not only each other but also AI-controlled enemies scattered throughout the map. This dynamic PvPvE element keeps matches unpredictable and ensures there’s always something happening on the battlefield.
Hero-Based Mechanics
Players can choose from seven unique “Hunters” at launch, with each character offering distinct abilities, playstyles, and weapons. More Hunters are expected to be added in seasonal updates.
Battle Royale Meets Extraction Shooter
The gameplay blends the high-stakes tension of battle royale with the tactical depth of extraction shooters like Escape from Tarkov. Players must scavenge for loot, take down enemies, and complete objectives all while surviving against both human and AI threats.
Free-to-Play Model
Steel Hunters follows a free-to-play model, similar to World of Tanks, with optional microtransactions. These are primarily cosmetic or tied to skipping tiers in the battle pass. However, the developers have not finalized long-term monetization plans.
How Steel Hunters Stands Out
Steel Hunters draws inspiration from popular games like Apex Legends and Horizon Zero Dawn, blending them into a unique package. However, comparisons to less successful games like Exoprimal highlight the fine line Steel Hunters must walk.
Balancing Niche Appeal
By blending multiple genres, Steel Hunters risks alienating fans of more specialized games. However, its focus on polished mechanics and accessible gameplay could attract a loyal audience willing to embrace its hybrid approach.
Avoiding Pay-to-Win Pitfalls
World of Tanks players have criticized its gradual shift toward pay-to-win mechanics. Steel Hunters developers seem keenly aware of this risk and are committed to keeping premium Hunters and similar features out of the equation.
Why You Should Try the Beta
If you’re a fan of high-octane mech battles or curious about how PvPvE games are evolving, the Steel Hunters beta is a must-try. With its combination of futuristic combat, diverse gameplay modes, and free-to-play accessibility, it offers something for everyone. And remember it’s still early days. Participating in the beta gives you a chance to shape the game’s future through feedback.
FAQ
1. How long is the Steel Hunters Beta available?
The beta runs from December 12 to December 22, 2024, giving players a ten-day window to explore the game.
2. Is Steel Hunters free to play?
Yes, Steel Hunters is completely free to play. However, there are optional microtransactions for cosmetics and battle pass tiers.
3. What kind of game is Steel Hunters?
Steel Hunters is a third-person shooter that blends battle royale, hero shooter, and extraction shooter elements into a futuristic PvPvE mech combat experience.
4. Will my progress in the beta carry over to the full game?
The developers have not confirmed whether beta progress will carry over, so treat this as an opportunity to test the game and provide feedback.
5. Are there plans for a console release?
As of now, Steel Hunters is only available for PC. The developers have not announced any plans for console versions.