Tears of Metal stands out as a medieval hack-and-slash co-op roguelike that blends intense combat with roguelike progression, set against a backdrop of Scottish warriors reclaiming their island from invaders.
Gameplay
In Tears of Metal, you lead a Scottish battalion through vast battlefields, slashing through hordes of enemies in fast-paced action sequences. The core loop revolves around advancing across the island, facing escalating challenges while collecting powerful upgrades and over 100 artifacts to build devastating combinations. Playable heroes offer unique abilities, allowing for explosive attacks that grow more lethal as you progress. Between runs, your soldiers accumulate permanent skills, becoming stronger allies in future battles. A key mechanic involves the Dragon Stone Meteor, which introduces mysterious powers tied to the enemy invasion, adding layers of strategy to your campaigns.
Settlement expansion plays a crucial role, letting you access new shops for permanent upgrades or tougher challenges that yield better rewards. Combat feels dynamic with its emphasis on rallying troops and uncovering secrets in war-torn environments, creating a mix of immediate action and long-term growth.
Game Modes
Tears of Metal supports solo play for those tackling the campaign alone, where you manage your battalion through procedurally influenced runs across more than 45 handcrafted environments. Each attempt brings unique scenarios and objectives, keeping the experience fresh.
The co-op mode allows you to team up with friends to share the campaign, coordinating attacks against occupiers and dividing tasks like upgrading soldiers or pursuing special objectives. This mode enhances the social aspect, making victories more rewarding as you collaborate on builds and strategies.
Upgrades and Progression
Progression in Tears of Metal hinges on combining upgrades with artifacts to craft specialized builds tailored to your playstyle. As you complete objectives, you unlock new playable characters, cosmetics, and combos that expand your options.
Soldiers evolve through experience, gaining skills that persist across campaigns, which encourages repeated play to strengthen your forces. The settlement system ties into this by offering ways to recruit and enhance your team, directly impacting battle outcomes.
Is It Worth Playing?
For fans of hack-and-slash action mixed with roguelike elements, Tears of Metal offers a compelling package, especially if you enjoy co-op experiences or building persistent armies. The demo received strong positive feedback during Steam Next Fest in October 2025, reaching #16 in player count among demos, with players praising its potential depth and combat feel reminiscent of large-scale battles.
If you prefer solo challenges or team-based reclamation campaigns, the game's mechanics provide solid replay value through upgrades and varied environments. However, as it's still building on its early reception, it suits those open to indie titles in active development. Overall, it holds promise for anyone seeking a fresh take on medieval warfare with strategic progression.
