Ethan Crossfield 
Mechabellum is now easier to try on PC. The previously paid strategy game has added a free Steam edition with online battles and the new Star Expedition co-op mode. Players who want the complete experience should also watch the Epic Games Store, where the full version will be available to keep for a limited period.
What changed in Mechabellum?
As of September 22, Mechabellum has a free edition on Steam. The game previously sold for $14.99, while its new no-cost version retains most of the paid release, including PvP matches, PvE content, and online play. The main limitations affect progression and rewards rather than removing the core strategy experience. Free players receive less public chat access, smaller Star Expedition warehouse capacity, slower cosmetic reward acquisition, and a reduced rate for unlocking Tech Points. Mechabellum has an 84% positive review score on Steam, making the free edition a low-risk way to assess its turn-based mech battles.
Who should try the free edition?
Mechabellum is built around futuristic warfare, with players deploying giant mechs and other units before watching battles unfold. Competitive players can enter 1v1, 2v2, and four-player free-for-all matches, while solo users can progress through Survival Mode against increasingly powerful enemy forces. The game also includes rankings and leaderboards, along with free and paid Battle Contracts. Its broad selection of units and multiple formats make the Steam edition suitable for players who want either competitive matches or a longer solo strategy challenge.
What comes next for Mechabellum players?
The free-edition launch follows the September 21 release of Mechabellum 2.0, one of the game's largest updates. Its headline addition is Star Expedition, a co-op roguelike mode in which players fight CPU-controlled enemies across nine planets. It supports solo play as well as teaming up with friends, giving the game another route for players who prefer cooperative progression over direct PvP. The full Mechabellum experience will be free to keep on the Epic Games Store from September 24 through October 1. That offer removes the Steam free edition's progression and reward restrictions, but it is only available during that window.
What players should know
- The Steam free edition includes most of the paid game's content, including online battles and Star Expedition.
- Progression speed, cosmetic rewards, Tech Point unlocks, chat access, and warehouse capacity are restricted on Steam's free version.
- Star Expedition can be played solo or cooperatively against CPU-controlled enemies across nine planets.
- The complete version will be free to keep on the Epic Games Store from September 24 to October 1.
Expert View
Mechabellum's Steam edition is a strong entry point for curious strategy fans because it preserves the central battles and adds the game's newest co-op feature. The progression limits may matter to players planning a long-term competitive investment, but the Epic Games Store promotion is the better option for anyone who wants unrestricted access and can claim it during the limited offer.
