Mechabellum, which has 84% positive reviews on Steam, has released a brand-new free version despite previously costing around $15. Paid games becoming free on Steam is one of the more overlooked ways to grab new titles at no cost, and Mechabellum could serve as an example of why more PC users might want to keep an eye out for these changes.
Mechabellum is a well-known PvP strategy game featuring futuristic turn-based battles with giant mechs and advanced warfare robots. It was initially released in May 2023 as part of Steam’s early access program, with the 1.0 version launching in September 2024. Now, two years after its full launch, Mechabellum has opened its doors to more players by offering almost the entire game for free.
Mechabellum Used to Cost $14.99, Now It Has a Free Edition
As of September 22, the strategic PvP mech game Mechabellum has introduced a new free edition that includes most of its paid content, including online battles and a new co-op mode. The free version has some restrictions compared to the paid one, but most are tied to progression speed and rewards. According to developer Game River, “Free Edition players have limited access to public chat, less Star Expedition warehouse capacity, a slower acquisition rate for cosmetic rewards, and reduced unlock speed for Tech Points.”
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Mechabellum Gameplay Features
- Turn-based combat
- PvP and PvE modes
- Survival Mode for solo progression
- A vast array of mechs and units
- Free and paid season passes (Battle Contracts)
- Rankings and leaderboards
The shift to a mostly free-to-play model comes as Mechabellum receives one of its largest updates yet. On September 21, Mechabellum 2.0 was released, introducing a plethora of new content, including the Star Expedition mode. With this new game mode, players can team up with friends to play Mechabellum as a co-op roguelike game. In Star Expedition, players fight against CPU-controlled enemies across nine planets. According to the developer, Star Expedition is the team’s response to players requesting a mode with “no time pressure, high replayability, and the option to team up with friends.”
Fans of mech games should note that Mechabellum also offers a couple of single-player modes that can keep them engaged for hours. For instance, Survival Mode has players face increasingly stronger enemies equipped with more advanced troops and mechs. The new Star Expedition mode is also playable solo, adding significant replay value to the now free Steam game. As for multiplayer, Mechabellum supports 1v1 and 2v2 matches, as well as a free-for-all mode that pits four players against each other.
The Full Version of Mechabellum Will Be Free on the Epic Games Store
Those who don’t want their Mechabellum experience to be limited can grab the full version for free on the Epic Games Store. Starting on September 24 and running through October 1, Mechabellum will be free to keep on the EGS for a very limited time. The offer allows fans to access the entire game at no cost, avoiding the progression and reward limits found in the free edition on Steam.
- Released
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September 26, 2024
- Developer(s)
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Game River
- Publisher(s)
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Paradox Arc
- Engine
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unity
- Multiplayer
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Online Multiplayer
