The fog of war is lifting, and it’s time to report for duty. AREA 35 has officially announced that TINY METAL 2, the highly anticipated third instalment in their hit tactical wargame series, will host a limited, month-long Playtest from April 2 to April 29, 2026, on Steam.

After a long hiatus since 2019’s Full Metal Rumble, fans of the Advance Wars-inspired franchise finally have a chance to get their hands on the next evolution of grid-based combat. This isn’t just a quick weekend demo; it’s a deep-dive opportunity for the community to help shape the balance, pacing, and mechanics of a title currently slated for a Spring 2027 full release.

What’s New on the Battlefield?

While the series has always excelled at “toy soldier” land and air combat, TINY METAL 2 is expanding the theatre of war in a massive way.

1. Naval Warfare Debuts
   For the first time in the series, players can take to the high seas. The Playtest will showcase a robust naval system featuring battleships, destroyers, and stealthy submarines. Whether you’re protecting a transport or launching a surprise underwater strike, the maritime layer adds a completely new dimension to your strategic planning.
2. Focus Fire: Strength in Numbers
   Strategy is no longer just about which unit hits first. The new Focus Fire mechanic allows multiple allied units to coordinate and combine their attacks into a single, devastating simultaneous assault. This mechanic rewards clever positioning and unit synergy, allowing even smaller squads to take down heavy-duty threats if timed correctly.
3. Cooperative Command
   True to its “Strategy is Better Together” tagline, the game has been built from the ground up for local and online co-op. Every map in the campaign and many in the skirmish mode allow for shared resources and joint tactical decisions. In the Playtest, you can team up with friends for large-scale combined-arms battles for up to four players.

How to Join the Playtest

Spaces for the limited Playtest are expected to fill up quickly. Here is how you can secure your spot:

Platform: Steam (PC)

Registration: Head to the official TINY METAL 2 Steam Store Page and look for the “Join the TINY METAL 2 Playtest” button to request access.

Dates: April 2, 2026 – April 29, 2026.

Pro Tip: AREA 35 is looking for active feedback. Players who participate are encouraged to report bugs and balance issues via the official Steam community forums or Discord to help fine-tune the 15+ commanders and 100+ maps expected in the final game.

Beyond the Playtest: PAX East and More

If you happen to be in Boston this week, you don’t even have to wait until April. AREA 35 is showcasing TINY METAL 2 at PAX East (Booth #15043), marking its first-ever playable debut in North America. Visitors can also check out the studio’s other projects, including the music-rhythm game Felicity’s Door and a mysterious new multiplayer arcade project codenamed PROJECT BLITZ.

Whether you’re a veteran of the Artemisian Army or a newcomer to the genre, this April is your chance to prove your tactical mettle.

Find out more here on Steam – https://shorturl.at/JI05S

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