It looks like Studio 369 is looking to expand its MetalCore IP, originally a large-scale PvPvE sci-fi shooter, into its own blockchain gaming franchise with the latest announcement of a new project: MetalCore Arena.

What Is MetalCore Arena?

MetalCore Arena is described as being an ‘immersive’ free to play idle battler in which players will compete in league-based matches using customizable teams of mechanized units and infantry squads. It will be possible to join and even create your own leagues of up to 20 players, using trainable units with unique abilities in real-time battles featuring live commentary. League participants will also be able to challenge each other up to 3 times a day in friendly skirmishes, which can be a great way to try out various tactics ahead of a ranked match. Compete in various leaderboards while winning daily battles to increase your rating as you upgrade your base and attempt to qualify for various tournaments.

There will be different types of leagues added over time throughout updates for players to join, with the main game mode available on launch being Capture the Flag. In this mode, teams attempt to capture the opponent’s flag while defending their own, requiring you to tactically set up a team ready for both offensive and defensive situations. Live commentary will accompany each match in this mode to take you into the strategic action.

As you play, you will be able to analyze your opponent’s squad through what is referred to as the Intelligence Command Center, helping you better prepare against your opponent. It will also be possible to view detailed data of each match you play to help you improve your strategic ideas.

Based on the early two images given, players will use unit and vehicle cards to set up a team formation. It looks like you’ll be able to specifically set up a formation for attack, and a formation for defense, with various team tactics set to be available, including the ability to adjust team aggression, giving players numerous strategic possibilities. Over time, your units and vehicles will get injured and damaged, requiring you to use certain resources to repair vehicles and heal units. Players will be able to utilize a variety of infantry combat units that each are set to have their own unique abilities and attributes, with new mechanized units and customization options to be added through updates.

Units can be improved by giving them training sessions. Training units will make them more effective as the process improves their physical fitness, strategic abilities and combat skills, making it likely important to continuously enhance your existing roster while adding new ones that suit your strategy. The training feature however won’t be available on launch, but added in a later update. Next to training units, players will be able to customize their squads by giving them certain formations and roles to play – specific details on unit roles have not been revealed at the time of writing.

When Will It Launch?

A release date for MetalCore Arena has not yet been announced, and all currently available info on the in-development title can be found in the official Discord server, which was initially only used for the flagship shooter that runs on Immutable zkEVM. The new project is probably set to use the same blockchain.

On launch, you can expect the core league-based gameplay to be included alongside leaderboards, friendly matches amongst league competitors, enemy squad data, match history info, formations, tactics and the ability to repair your units. Next to adding different league types in future updates, the FAQ section for this game in the Discord server also mentions plans to add ‘simulations’, an in-game transfer market, garage improvements, ‘foundational’ training for new recruits and a more detailed profile displaying owned assets.

Details on how the game will implement play to earn features have not yet been revealed, but based on the above features, we can probably expect token ($MCG?) and NFT prizes as rewards for the top players in leagues, leaderboards and tournaments.

Players will be able to download the game for free on Windows PCs, with the FAQ notes stating that a “mid-range device with a stable internet connection” is generally recommended for the best gameplay experience.

The minimum and recommended requirements are the following: