As Mechabellum approaches its second anniversary, we are thrilled to bring you our largest update since launch: Mechabellum 2.0, arriving on September 22nd!
We’ve essentially packed an entirely new game into this release, featuring:
- Star Expedition: A brand-new mode blending roguelite elements with asynchronous battles, playable solo or co-op.
- Centurion: A versatile new mech built to shake up the battlefield.
- Expanded Arsenal: New Reinforcement Cards, Techs, and Specialists.
- Mechabellum Free Edition: The perfect entry point for newcomers to jump into the action.
First, let's take a look at the Update 2.0 trailer:
New Mode: Star Expedition (Solo Or 2-Player Co-Op)
For a long time, many players have been asking for a mode with no time pressure, high replayability, and the option to team up with friends. Star Expedition is our answer to that call. In this brand-new mode, you will embark on a journey to conquer 9 planets, facing challenges in battles filled with random variables, taking on mirrored builds from real players worldwide, and unlocking rich Star Expedition rewards that can reshape your subsequent playthroughs — all while enjoying an immersive, pure strategic experience.
- Solo & 2-Player Co-op: You can embark on the Star Expedition solo, or team up with a friend. In co-op mode, both commanders will lead their own independent armies onto a shared battlefield, coordinating tactics and positioning together to take on the enemy.
- Dynamic Adventures: A vast pool of random variables ensures that no two expeditions are ever the same. Constantly shifting units, tech upgrades, reinforcements, and diverse player mirrors will thoroughly test your ability to adapt to the unexpected.
- Relaxed Asynchronous Combat: The asynchronous battle system imposes no round timer, giving you ample time to plan your deployments and execute strategies entirely at your own pace.
- Rich Expedition Rewards: Every run yields unique expedition rewards. Strategically leveraging these perks will set you up for even greater triumphs on your next run.
- Multi-dimensional Leaderboard: Climb global, regional, or friends-only rankings to test your skills against other commanders across your preferred dimension.
Free Edition
To let more players enjoy Mechabellum, the Free Edition will be available on Steam starting September 22 alongside the 2.0 launch.
- Free Edition Entry: Starting from September 22, a new "Play Mechabellum - Free Edition" button will appear on the Mechabellum Steam store page.
- Zero-Barrier Access: Free Edition players can enjoy the vast majority of the game's content for free, and upgrade to the full version whenever they like.
- Minor Feature Limitations: Free Edition players will have modest limitations on public chat, inventory capacity, and reward progression speed.
New Unit: Centurion
Equipped with a precision rifle, the Centurion can strike enemies from long range, dual-wield rifles for mid-range suppression, or even switch to Melee Mode and charge into enemy lines. With a host of exclusive Tech upgrades, the Centurion will play a truly unique role on the battlefield.
More Strategic Options
In addition to the new unit, this update introduces new Reinforcement Cards, Techs, and Specialists, alongside extensive balance adjustments. We will outline the specific changes in the detailed 2.0 Patch Notes.
Seasons & Rank Rework
Starting in Season 9, Seasonal Rewards will be completely decoupled from Combat Power:
- Purer Ladder Experience: Combat Power will strictly reflect your rank progress, no longer gating Seasonal Rewards.
- Reward Distribution: Seasonal and Cosmetic Rewards will now be distributed through the brand-new "Battle Contract" system.
New System: Battle Contract
Battle Contracts is a brand-new system introduced in the 2.0 version. Battle Contracts are divided into two types: the "Standard Battle Contract", which is completely free for all players, and the "Elite Battle Contract", which is purchasable.
Standard Battle Contract (Free)
Standard Battle Contracts are regularly distributed to All Players. The first Standard Battle Contract is the [2nd Anniversary Contract], which includes many 2nd Anniversary exclusive Cosmetics. Players can earn the various rewards listed in the contract simply by playing the game. Additionally, we add new rewards to the Standard Battle Contract every few weeks.
Elite Battle Contract (Purchasable)
The Elite Battle Contracts are purchasable DLCs. Upon purchase, players instantly receive 3 exclusive skins, and then they can unlock additional cosmetics within the contract by playing matches. Elite Battle Contracts do not expire.
Mechabellum: Golden Age Edition
We are also launching the new Golden Age Edition bundle for the 2.0 version, including Mechabellum: Premium Edition and the 4 brand-new Elite Battle Contracts introduced in this update.
That covers the main highlights of the 2.0 update. We hope you enjoy the game — see you on the battlefield, Commanders!
