Mech shooter MetalCore is set to enter open beta on the Epic Games Store on September 12 with its first in-game season of content, “MetalPunk Rhapsody.” This milestone will see the Ethereum-based game, which is built on layer-2 scaling network Immutable zkEVM, upgraded to Unreal Engine 5 with a handful of new features added.

The shooter, which gave off a Titanfall-meets-Destiny vibe when we first played a preview build last year, has spent the last six months in various closed beta phases. Studio369, the developer behind the game, is now opening its doors for anyone to test the game out.

Alongside the open beta launch, the Ethereum shooter has upgraded to Unreal Engine 5, the latest version a powerful game engine that is widely used across the industry, including by some of the largest AAA studios. Previously running on Unreal Engine 4, MetalCore will reportedly run smoother thanks to the jump to the latest version.

MetalPunk Rhapsody will introduce the game’s new season format, with each expected to last about four weeks. In turn, seasonal rewards will be granted to players with limited-time prizes for those who climb the ranks.

In an attempt to bring MetalCore’s lore to the forefront of player’s experience, each season plans to focus on a different faction within the game’s universe. In the first season, the MetalPunk faction will be spotlighted through themed content, skins, and storylines. 

As for new in-game features, players will be able to try out new player-vs-environment (PvE) raids where up to 10 players from the same faction join forces to take down a deadly alien species to secure resources. This new game mode aims to test players’ teamwork within their factions.

Also, vehicles and mechs will benefit from new rarity and strength variables, while the game’s mission system has also received what the team describes as a “significant update.” Introductory missions have been improved for first-time players alongside fresh content for those who have already been playing MetalCore.

The open beta move comes after MetalCore’s native token MCG launched in June alongside a previous closed beta test. Players needed an Epic Games Store key or had to purchase one of five levels of Founders Packs in order to play the closed beta. But for the open beta starting September 12, anyone can download the game and hop in.

Edited by Andrew Hayward