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Press release:
Munich, Germany – October 7th, 2026 – Independent developer Armative Studios today announced that Steel Aces, the free-to-play tank MMO focused on skill-based, historically authentic armoured warfare, will launch in full on Steam on October 30th, 2026. The news follows a successful Open Play Weekend held from September 25th to 28th, giving players an early look at the game ahead of its full release.

During the Open Play Weekend, players took to the battlefield getting the full Steel Aces experience, with every core feature unlocked and no monetisation enabled. Everything players earned during the event was kept and that progress will carry forward into the October 36th launch.

“Having so many players take Steel Aces into battle during the Open Play Weekend gave us exactly the insight and data we needed,” said Michael Schmotz, CEO at Armative Studios.

“It was great to see players enjoying the game, and our focus now is on making the experience as smooth and polished as possible ahead of the launch. The feedback we received is helping us identify where we can make those improvements and ensure Steel Aces is in the best possible shape for release”.

About Steel Aces
Steel Aces puts skill over spending, with fair tank-on-tank combat where tactics and player ability decide the outcome of each battle. There are no player-controlled artillery or aircraft, keeping the focus firmly on direct ground combat. With no premium ammunition, pay-to-win mechanics or unfair RNG, players can rely on their own decisions rather than paid advantages or random outcomes. At launch, Steel Aces features a genuine ballistics simulation and component-based damage system, where shots can damage individual parts rather than simply depleting a health bar and shot placement matters far more than in similar games.

Built around more than 100 years of armoured warfare, Steel Aces launches with a roster of over 150 historically authentic vehicles, spanning from the Interwar Period and World War II through to the early Cold War. Developed in collaboration with military museums and partners with hands-on tank experience, the game focuses on realistic line-of-sight combat, where positioning, vehicle knowledge and decisive action are key. Players progress through the game’s ranks, unlocking new vehicles as their skills develop.

Key Features:

No Pay to Win – Every vehicle is earned through play. Monetisation is cosmetic-only, keeping battles decided by skill, not spending
Pure Line-of-Sight Combat – No artillery, no aircraft – just tanks, terrain and tactics
Genuine Ballistics Simulation – A component-based damage system means shot placement and vehicle knowledge matter more than in comparable tank games
100+ Years of Armoured History – Over 150 historically authentic vehicles spanning the Interwar Period, World War II, and the early Cold War
Museum-Informed Authenticity – Developed in partnership with military museums and hands-on tank experts
Rank-Based Progression – 19 ranks and fair, skill-matched battles for new and veteran commanders alike

About Armative Studios
Steel Aces is proudly developed in Germany by a team of just three developers with a background in engineering, automotive and games. This gives a new perspective on a long-established franchise with a commitment to authenticity, technical excellence, and innovative gameplay. We are committed to “the tank game that never was”, with fair gameplay and monetisation aimed at long-term sustainability rather than short-term profits and gambling mechanics.