Tears of Metal Launches to Very Positive Steam Early Access
The strong early access reception and concurrent player numbers suggest that the game's blend of Dynasty Warriors-style combat and roguelike progression has found an audience beyond the typical niche for indie co-op action games.
Key Facts
- Tears of Metal launched in early access on Steam on July 22, 2026.
- The Steam price is 3,150 yen, with a 10% launch discount until August 6, 2026.
- Steam user reviews are 'Very Positive' with 92% of 327 reviews recommending the game as of July 23, 2026.
- The peak concurrent player count on SteamDB was around 4,000.
- The Xbox Series X|S version is scheduled for release within 2026.
Reporting from 2 sources: 4Gamer.net, Game Spark.
Paper Cult released the early access version of its co-op hack-and-slash roguelike Tears of Metal on Steam on July 22, 2026. The game supports up to four players and is set in medieval Scotland, where players lead a Scottish battalion to reclaim an island from invading hordes. It features roguelike upgrades and over 100 types of artifacts that combine with unique hero abilities. Players can recruit and permanently upgrade soldiers across campaigns. The Steam price is 3,150 yen, with a 10% launch discount until August 6. As of writing, Steam user reviews are 'Very Positive' with 92% of 327 reviews recommending the game. The peak concurrent player count on SteamDB was around 4,000. The Xbox Series X|S version is scheduled for release within 2026. Early access is planned to last 4 to 12 months, with ongoing content additions and balance adjustments based on player feedback.
Development on Tears of Metal began in 2020, according to a 2024 developer interview published by The Guardian. The game draws heavy influence from the Dynasty Warriors series but is said to have little reliance on button mashing.
The game's story involves a mysterious "Dragonstone Meteor" that summoned the occupier hordes. As players delve deeper into the island's trenches, the meteor's dangerous power is revealed.
Players can recruit Scottish soldiers, who gain experience and permanent upgrades that carry across campaigns. Repeated recruitment and strengthening makes them a key force on the battlefield. After each campaign, players can also expand their base to access new shops.
The early access version is available on both Steam and the Microsoft Store, with support for up to 4-player online co-op and Game Pass. The developer plans to add new heroes, emblems, charms, and other content during the early access period, along with balance adjustments and performance improvements.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 2 cited sources below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.