STRATEGY IS BETTER TOGETHER: TINY METAL 2 OPENS CO-OP PLAYTEST APRIL 2 ON STEAM
Up to 4 players can jump into the fray with large-scale land, air and sea battles with single-player and local co-op
TOKYO – March 25, 2026 – AREA 35 announced today that TINY METAL 2, the next entry in the hit tactical wargame series, is hosting a limited, month-long Playtest from April 2-29 on Steam – and you’re invited! This Playtest will be fans’ first chance to jump back into the TINY METAL franchise since 2019’s FULL METAL RUMBLE. Make your presence known on the battlefield with explosive, strategic action, and give feedback to help shape the balance, pacing and overall systems of TINY METAL 2. Spaces are limited so register now on Steam!
April's Playtest features single-player and local co-op multiplayer action, expanding the theater of war across dynamic battlefields where each decision can affect the battle’s outcome. Try all-new factions in combination with classic, returning factions, and lead mixed-unit loadouts into war, utilizing dynamic, new combat mechanics like Focus Fire, which lets multiple allied units combine attacks into one devastating, simultaneous assault.
Team up with friends in the Playtest to engage in large-scale battles for up to four players across maps designed for combat on land, in the air and, for the first time in the series, on the high seas. Unleash fleets of massive battleships, agile destroyers, stealthy submarines and more to turn the tide of war in high-powered naval battles. Millions of combinations are possible – What kind of military force will you create?
Find out for yourself at AREA 35’s PAX EAST booth (#Booth 15043) and play TINY METAL 2 for the first time in North America, alongside the charming character driven music-rhythm game Felicity’s Door for Apple Arcade. Also making its debut at PAX EAST is AREA 35’s exciting new multiplayer arcade game, codenamed PROJECT BLITZ.
Early Access is always a gamble. Sometimes you’re buying into a vision. Other times... you’re stepping into a world that’s already found its footing but still has room to grow. PIONER sits firmly in the latter category — an atmospheric, systems-driven survival shooter that feels confident in what it wants to be, even as it continues to evolve on the road to full release. Hop in and lets roll!
Set in a haunting, post-apocalyptic open world that blends Eastern European grit with sci-fi mystery, PIONER doesn’t rush to explain itself. Instead, it lets tension, exploration, and... player choice do the talking. The result is an experience that rewards patience, curiosity, and preparedness — and with recent refinements under the hood, that experience is becoming smoother, smarter, and more inviting for long-term players.
This gameplay footage was recorded before the most recent major update. While visuals, performance, and systems have since improved, this video gives you a grounded look at the core gameplay loop, tone, and early-game pacing that define the PIONER experience.
A World That Wants You to Learn It, Not Conquer It
PIONER’s strength lies in how it balances danger with discovery. Every zone feels intentional — not just as a combat space, but as an ecosystem. You’re scavenging, managing resources, navigating hostile factions, and deciding when to engage or disengage. This isn’t a run-and-gun power fantasy... even if it's tempting to do so; it’s a survival-focused experience where awareness matters just as much as firepower.
As you move through areas like the Rogue Wasteland, Mushroom Valley, and the Midlands, you’ll notice how the game subtly teaches you its rules. Enemy placement, environmental hazards, and loot distribution all push you to slow down and think. That design philosophy carries into raids, PvP encounters, and global events, making progression feel earned rather than handed out.
Depths of Tartarus: What the Update Improves (Without Breaking the Vision)
Rather than reinventing the wheel, the Depths of Tartarus update reinforces PIONER’s foundation by tightening systems that matter most during long play sessions.
🔧 Performance & Optimization
This is where the update shines. Improved RAM usage, faster world map loading, reduced draw calls, and a new data precaching system significantly reduce stuttering and performance hiccups. Cutscenes run smoother, environments load more cleanly, and traversal feels less interrupted — especially in larger zones.
Lighting and character model optimizations also make the world feel more cohesive without dramatically altering its visual identity.
New Content That Adds Variety, Not Noise
New PvP Map: “Dawn” (6v6 Brawl)
A tighter, more controlled PvP space that emphasizes positioning and teamwork.
New Raid Quest: “Crab Island”
A welcome addition for PvE-focused players looking for structured challenges with meaningful rewards.
Steam Achievements
Small addition, big motivation — especially for completionists.
These additions expand the game without overwhelming it, which is exactly what Early Access content should do.
Smarter Economy, Better Balance
The update also addresses progression pacing:
Adjusted drop rates for key materials
Improved merchant pricing logic
Increased chances of rare weapon workpieces from minibosses
Rebalanced repair costs and requirements
Combat tuning brings noticeable changes as well, particularly for assault rifles, crossbows, and throwable weapons. Nothing feels wildly overpowered, but several tools now feel more viable across different playstyles.
(And yes — Vodka stats were fixed, which somehow feels very on-brand.)
Quality-of-Life Changes That Quietly Matter
Some of the most impactful improvements aren’t flashy:
Faster and more reliable raid matchmaking
Improved climbing and collision across all maps
Better NPC navigation and quest flow
Increased resource stack limits
Headgear visibility toggles via the Skin Workbench
These are the kinds of refinements that don’t always make headlines but dramatically improve day-to-day play.
Early Access Verdict (So Far)
PIONER feels like a game that understands patience — both in how it’s played and how it’s being developed. The Depths of Tartarus update doesn’t try to sell hype; it builds trust. Performance improvements, meaningful balance tweaks, and focused content additions all point toward a team committed to long-term stability rather than short-term spikes.
If you’re the type of player who enjoys watching a world take shape — learning its systems, adapting to its dangers, and growing alongside it — PIONER is... already worth keeping on your radar.
The descent is just beginning.
To celebrate the update, PIONER is available on Steam at a 20% discount until February 16.
Kylyk Games has crafted something truly cozy with Urban Jungle. This charming, point-and-click strategy game invites players into a world where the power of greenery meets clever puzzle-solving. With its vibrant art style, thoughtful mechanics, and heartwarming narrative, Urban Jungle is already a joy to experience on PC—but it feels like one of those games that would truly shine on a tablet.
If you’ve had the pleasure of playing Urban Jungle, you know it’s the kind of game that makes you want to kick back and relax to maximize your coziness. Strategically placing plants to meet various conditions like light, moisture, and placement proximity creates a gameplay rhythm that’s soothing yet engaging. Imagine enjoying this cozy experience while lounging in bed or curled up on the couch—no desk, chair, or mouse required.
Let's Link your tablet or phone!
Before you get all sad on me, you don't have to wait for Urban Jungle to be released on the App Store or Google Play! You can literally enjoy the game right now on Steam Deck or tablet. You can jump in and play on your Steam Deck... immediately after purchase and use the tablet screen, while on the flip side you can use Steam Link to enjoy it on your tablet. Here's how:
Download Steam Link: Install the Steam Link app from your device's app store (available for Android and iOS).
Connect to Your PC: Open the app and connect it to your PC running Steam. Make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Start Streaming: Once connected by way of a strong Wi-Fi connection, you can stream your Steam games directly to your tablet and play them as if you were on your PC.
In addition to the Steam Deck & Steam Link, this game would also be right at home on the Nintendo Switch. The tactile nature of touchscreen controls would only add to the charm of the experience.
One of the standout features of Urban Jungle is its soundtrack. The sound effects are pretty nice too. The gentle melodies and soothing ambient sounds create an atmosphere perfect for unwinding. As you progress through the levels, each stage introduces subtle shifts in music and effects that tie beautifully into the evolving environments and challenges. This isn't something I want to sit at a desk and play.
The storyline is another highlight, weaving a tale that is both relatable and heartfelt. The main character’s love for plants is rooted in fond childhood memories with her grandmother—a bond that blossomed as they cared for plants together before her mother moved away to pursue her career. This narrative adds layers of depth and emotional resonance to the gameplay, sparking reflections on family, connection, and the beauty of finding joy in simple things.
Kylyk Games has already nailed the formula for a cozy, thought-provoking game, but expanding its reach would be nice for iPad, Android, and Fire tablet owners. Not everyone has a Steam account, but it's the teams call to go beyond PC.
Until then, Urban Jungle remains an excellent title on PC—a hidden gem that promises hours of serene, plant-filled gameplay. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a strategy enthusiast, it delivers a peaceful and rewarding experience that lingers in your thoughts long after you’ve stepped away. I give credit to the storyline for this. Rated E for Everyone, Urban Jungle shines as a calming choice for a child's screen time—perfect for those who enjoy cozy games or those moments when you'd prefer to steer away from fast-paced action.
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