After six months of closed beta tests, MetalCore, an Ethereum-based mech shooter, is moving to open beta on the Epic Games Store on September 12. Built on Immutable’s zkEVM layer-2 scaling network, the game’s first public release will coincide with the launch of its inaugural season, “MetalPunk Rhapsody.”
Developed by Studio369, *MetalCore* initially launched in closed beta and runs on Unreal Engine 5, the cutting-edge engine known for powering many AAA games. The upgrade from Unreal Engine 4 is expected to enhance the game’s performance, improving visuals and overall smoothness.
The open beta will also introduce a new seasonal format, with each season lasting about four weeks and offering unique rewards to players who climb the ranks. The first season will focus on the MetalPunk faction, highlighting themed content, skins, and new storylines.
Along with seasonal content, the open beta includes fresh gameplay features. A new player-vs-environment (PvE) mode allows up to 10 players from the same faction to team up and battle aliens for resources. Players will also notice updates to the game’s mission system, with enhanced introductory missions for newcomers and additional content for existing players. Vehicles and mechs have been tweaked with new rarity and strength variables, adding a layer of strategy.
This transition follows the June launch of MetalCore’s native token, MCG, which coincided with a previous closed beta test. During that phase, players needed an Epic Games Store key or a Founder’s Pack to participate. Now, with the open beta, the game will be free for all to download and play starting September 12.