Tears of Metal will enter Early Access on July 22 through PC Game Pass, Steam, and the Microsoft Store, bringing its Scottish inspired co op action to Xbox players on PC. The game will also arrive on Xbox consoles later in 2026, although a firm date for that version has not been announced.
Developed by Paper Cult, Tears of Metal is a medieval hack and slash roguelike where players lead a Scottish battalion against invading forces. The game mixes large scale battles, character upgrades, settlement building, and repeated runs through dangerous areas as players attempt to reclaim their island.
The setting gives Tears of Metal a distinct identity. Its soldiers wear tartan and armour, while the story revolves around a mysterious Dragon Meteor and an enemy invasion that has pushed the island into war. The game has drawn comparisons to Dynasty Warriors because of its large enemy groups and fast combat, but its roguelike structure should make each campaign feel different.
Tears of Metal Combines Hack and Slash Combat With Roguelike Progression
The main goal in Tears of Metal is to fight through enemy forces while improving your character and battalion over time. Players can take on the game alone or join others in co op, giving the action a more social option for people who want to build their squad with friends.
Each run is expected to bring new upgrades, skills, and choices. Those systems should allow players to create different builds rather than relying on one fixed combat style. The game also includes army upgrades and settlement development between campaigns, which may give progression a longer term purpose beyond surviving a single battle.
| Feature | What it adds |
|---|---|
| Genre | Medieval hack and slash roguelike |
| Setting | Scottish inspired island under invasion |
| Play options | Solo and cooperative play |
| Combat | Large battles against enemy groups |
| Progression | Upgrades, builds, and skills for your forces |
| Hub development | Settlement expansion between campaigns |
| PC Early Access date | July 22, 2026 |
| Xbox console release | Planned for later in 2026 |
A Strong Steam Wishlist Count Shows Early Interest
Tears of Metal has already gained more than 400,000 wishlists on Steam since it was revealed during Summer Game Fest in 2024. That is a notable early sign of interest for an independent action game, particularly one that has not yet reached Early Access.
The game’s visual style and theme have likely helped it stand out. Medieval action games are common, but the Scottish setting, co op focus, and battalion management give Tears of Metal a different direction from many fantasy roguelikes.
Early Access will be important for Paper Cult. The developer will need to show that the combat remains satisfying after many runs, while also giving players enough variety in missions, upgrades, enemy types, and cooperative options.
Xbox Game Pass Gives PC Players an Easy Way to Try It
The PC Game Pass launch means subscribers will be able to try Tears of Metal without buying it separately at the start of Early Access. That could help the game build an active player base quickly, especially for its cooperative modes.
The Xbox console release will come later, so console players will need to wait longer. Still, the July launch gives the developer time to gather feedback, improve balance, and expand the game before it reaches a wider audience.
Tears of Metal looks like a promising addition to PC Game Pass for players who enjoy fast action, repeated runs, and cooperative games. Its Scottish setting gives it personality, but its long term success will depend on whether its combat and progression remain engaging after the first few battles.
Discussion (0)
Be the first to comment.