Steel Core reveals 12 minutes of gameplay ahead of its November 5 closed playtest

A remote mining colony on a hostile planet, a squad of giant robots and an overwhelming swarm of alien creatures waiting for nightfall.

Steel Core presents a battlefield where every weapon and every resource can matter.

Ukrainian developer Starni Games published a 12-minute gameplay walkthrough on October 30, 2026.

The presentation shows an extended look at the game's main loop, from preparing defenses to surviving nighttime attacks.

Steel Core is scheduled for PC in the first quarter of 2027.

Before release, its first closed playtest will begin November 5, with access requests available on Steam.

Prepare by day, survive by night

Steel Core uses a cycle divided into several phases.

During the day, players develop their mining outpost, upgrade their robots and prepare defensive positions.

Available resources can be invested in several different areas.

Building walls, installing turrets and improving mechs all compete for the same limited supplies.

As dusk approaches, players receive information about the likely direction of incoming attacks.

They can then position their units to respond to those threats.

Nightfall brings the actual battle.

Hostile alien creatures known as Xenoinsects advance toward the installation.

Their objective is not simply to destroy the player's robots.

They are trying to destroy the mining outpost itself.

A surviving squad does not necessarily mean victory if the essential infrastructure has been lost.

Build modular mechs piece by piece

The robots are naturally one of the game's main attractions.

Starni Games allows players to assemble them from interchangeable components.

Chassis, arms, legs, shoulder mounts and internal modules can be modified.

Micro-modules offer further customization possibilities.

Each mech can carry up to four weapons.

Players can therefore create heavily equipped close-range machines or configurations better suited to attacking from a distance.

Components have different rarity levels and variable perks.

Two robots assembled from similar basic equipment may not provide identical advantages.

Customization goes beyond visual appearance.

It is intended to let players adapt their machines to different battlefield conditions.

Grid-based tactical combat

Battles take place on tactical grids using turn-based mechanics.

Units have action points that limit movement and available combat actions.

Positioning plays an essential role.

Players must consider obstacles, firing lines and the positions of their other robots.

A mech carrying a powerful weapon may become vulnerable if it has to leave cover to use it effectively.

Grenades can travel over certain obstacles.

Flamethrowers create walls of fire that can help slow alien advances.

Toxic smoke provides another method of controlling dangerous areas.

The developers want tactical decisions to matter more than simply accumulating firepower.

Players may sometimes need to accept a dangerous position to eliminate a particularly serious threat.

Turn mining outposts into fortresses

Steel Core combines combat with base construction.

Mining installations initially contain infrastructure designed for resource extraction.

The player's task is to transform them into fortified defensive positions.

Available structures include walls, gates, watchtowers and automated turrets.

Some towers allow mechs to occupy elevated positions and improve their firing lines.

Power plants and drilling rigs support the outpost's economy.

However, resources are limited.

Building additional defenses may prevent players from upgrading their robots.

Keeping every building operational can also become impossible when power generation is insufficient.

Players must decide which systems remain active.

This creates a broader strategic dimension beyond individual battles.

Poor investment decisions during the day can make the following night considerably more difficult.

A roguelite campaign across multiple worlds

Steel Core will not take place in a single environment.

Its campaign travels between different planets and moons.

Each destination introduces distinct hazards.

The developers mention jungles, frozen regions, lava lakes and areas filled with acidic pools.

These environments can change the conditions in which the player's robots operate.

Alien enemies will become increasingly dangerous as the campaign progresses.

New species and powerful bosses will create additional challenges.

The overall structure is roguelite.

Research progress can carry over between different stages of the campaign.

However, the difficulty will also increase.

Players will therefore need to continue adapting their equipment and tactics.

Fibonite provides additional upgrade resources

Xenoinsects are not only a threat.

Their remains can provide a valuable resource called Fibonite.

This material can be used to strengthen the player's machines.

It is also associated with the evolution of the alien creatures themselves.

The system creates a direct connection between successful battles and future upgrades.

Surviving an attack can provide the materials needed to prepare for subsequent encounters.

The developer has not yet revealed every crafting requirement or the quantities needed for individual upgrades.

The central resource system is nevertheless confirmed.

The closed playtest begins November 5

Interested players will soon have an opportunity to try Steel Core.

Starni Games and Palaye have announced that the first closed playtest will begin November 5, 2026.

Applications are open through the game's Steam page.

Players can use the Request Access option to apply.

However, submitting an application does not guarantee an invitation.

The developers will select participants and provide instructions to those accepted.

The announcement does not specify the total number of available places or the complete duration of the test.

It should therefore not be confused with an unrestricted public beta.

PC release planned for early 2027

Steel Core is developed by Starni Games, a studio known for its Strategic Mind series of strategy games.

The project is published by Palaye.

Both companies are based in Ukraine.

The game is currently scheduled for release on PC through Steam in Q1 2027.

No more precise launch date has been announced.

The official Steam listing already confirms several interface and subtitle languages, including French.

No console versions have been announced.

The game is listed as a single-player experience.

With its 12-minute walkthrough, Starni Games provides a clearer look at the intended balance between construction, resource management and tactical combat.

The November 5 playtest will provide the next opportunity to experience that combination before the game's planned commercial release in early 2027.