On December 18, 2025, legendary publisher MicroProse—the studio behind classics like MechWarrior 2—officially announced Steel Bounty. Developed by indie studio Apoc, this new title is being hailed as a spiritual successor to the golden age of first-person mecha simulations.
If you are a fan of “crunchy” simulation mechanics, deep logistics, and the raw feeling of piloting a multi-ton war machine, Steel Bounty looks to be a significant addition to the genre.
Unlike many modern “hero-shooter” style mech games, Steel Bounty places a heavy emphasis on the mercenary lifestyle. Players aren’t just pilots; they are the commanders of a private military company operating across a dynamic star system.
The game is played entirely from detailed, interactive 3D cockpits. Forget HUD overlays; you’ll be looking at actual instrumentation and screens within your machine. The goal is “tactical immersion”—the feeling that you are sitting inside a heavy, vibrating piece of military hardware rather than controlling a fast-moving character.
According to Apoc, the customization goes beyond just picking weapons. You can construct mechs from the ground up using a wide array of parts and chassis, balance power consumption, heat management, and weight and source rare components across the star system to give your mercenary lance an edge.
Success is determined as much by your ledger as your aim. You must manage:
- Finances and Resources: Repairs and ammunition aren’t free.
- Pilot Recruitment: Hire, train, and manage the morale of your pilots.
- Dynamic Campaign: The world reacts to your choices. Mission outcomes can shift the local economy, unlock new trade routes, or alter the balance of power between warring factions.
Interestingly, Steel Bounty has opted for a retro-inspired, low-poly aesthetic. While the game features modern effects like fully destructible environments (allowing you to level entire city blocks), the art style is a clear love letter to the 90s era of simulation gaming. This choice has already sparked nostalgia among veteran players who grew up on the original MechWarrior and Heavy Gear titles.
The game is currently in active development, with no release date set, however, you can check out the Announcement Trailer below.
