How to Play MetalCore

MetalCore is a free-to-play mechanized combat game developed by Studio 369, featuring large-scale PvPvE battles with mechs, tanks, and aircraft. Built on Unreal Engine, the game combines first-person mech combat with open-world territory control and blockchain-based asset ownership. MetalCore launched in early access and is built on the Immutable zkEVM chain for its NFT and economy layer.

Getting Started

MetalCore is a PC game that requires a download and offers both free-to-play and NFT-enhanced modes.

What you need:

• A PC running Windows 10/11 (minimum: 16GB RAM, GTX 1060 or equivalent GPU, SSD recommended)
• A MetalCore account (register at metalcore.gg)
• The MetalCore game client (downloaded through the website or Epic Games Store)
• Optional: MetalCore NFT vehicles and Immutable Passport for blockchain features
• Stable internet connection for online multiplayer

Current status (2026): MetalCore has been in various stages of early access and open beta. The game has shown genuine promise with its vehicular combat mechanics, but has faced the typical blockchain gaming challenge of building and maintaining a player base. Development continues, with regular patches and content updates. Check the official website for current access status.

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Register an Account at metalcore.gg.
2. Download the Game Client from the MetalCore website or find it on Epic Games Store.
3. Install the Game, expect a multi-gigabyte download. An SSD is strongly recommended for load times.
4. Connect Immutable Passport (optional): If you want to use NFT vehicles and participate in the blockchain economy, link your Immutable Passport.
5. Complete Training: The game offers training missions that cover movement, combat, and vehicle switching.
6. Choose Your Faction: MetalCore features multiple factions competing for territory. Your faction choice affects who you fight alongside.
7. Deploy into Battle: Queue into matches or explore the open world.

Core Gameplay Loop

MetalCore is a large-scale vehicular combat game with territory control elements:

Vehicle Types

• Mechs: Bipedal war machines that are the backbone of most engagements. Versatile and heavily armed. Different mech classes range from light scouts to heavy assault units.
• Tanks: Ground vehicles offering heavy armor and firepower. Slower but devastating in defensive positions.
• Aircraft: VTOL and fixed-wing craft for air superiority and ground attack runs. High skill ceiling but vulnerable when grounded.

Game Modes

• Open World PvPvE: The primary mode. Deploy into a persistent map where you fight both AI enemies and other players. Control territory, complete objectives, and secure resources.
• Missions: PvE missions against AI opponents with escalating difficulty and rewards.
• Territory Wars: Faction-based battles for control of map zones. Controlling territory provides faction-wide benefits and resources.
• Fabrication: Collect resources from battles and the open world to craft and upgrade vehicles.

Match Flow

1. Select your vehicle loadout (or spawn in a default vehicle).
2. Deploy into the open world or a specific mission.
3. Complete objectives, fight enemies (AI and players), and collect resources.
4. Return to base to fabricate new equipment and vehicles.
5. Repeat with upgraded loadouts.

Earning Mechanics

• NFT Vehicles: Premium vehicles exist as NFTs on Immutable zkEVM. These can be earned through gameplay (rare) or purchased on the marketplace.
• Resource Collection: In-game resources gathered during missions and open-world play can be used for crafting.
• Territorial Rewards: Factions controlling territory earn collective rewards distributed to participants.
• Marketplace Trading: NFT vehicles and components can be traded on the Immutable marketplace (TokenTrove and in-game).
• Seasonal Rewards: Competitive seasons and events offer reward pools.

Honest take on earnings: MetalCore is designed as a game first with blockchain ownership as an enhancement. Do not expect to earn meaningful income. The value proposition is owning your vehicles as NFTs and potentially trading valuable gear, not generating a salary from gameplay.

Beginner Tips & Strategy

1. Start with mechs. They are the most forgiving vehicle type. Learn movement and combat basics before trying aircraft.
2. Use cover constantly. MetalCore's combat is punishing if you stand in the open. Terrain, buildings, and natural cover are essential.
3. Learn vehicle weaknesses. Mechs have weak rear armor. Tanks are vulnerable to air attacks. Aircraft are fragile when slow. Exploit these.
4. Do not ignore PvE missions. They are a safe way to earn resources and learn combat without the pressure of PvP encounters.
5. Stick with your faction. Open world PvP is faction-based. Lone wolves get picked off. Move with allies and coordinate through voice chat.
6. Manage your vehicle inventory. Losing a vehicle in combat means losing that loadout for the session (unless you have spares). Do not deploy your best gear carelessly.
7. Master vehicle switching. Some situations call for switching from mech to aircraft. Learning when to change vehicles is a key skill.
8. Lower your graphics if needed. MetalCore can be demanding. Smooth framerate is more important than visual fidelity in PvP combat.

Common Issues & Solutions

Issue	Solution
Poor performance/FPS	Lower graphics settings, especially shadows and draw distance. Update GPU drivers. Use an SSD.
Cannot find other players	Check server population. Play during peak hours. The open world is large, head to contested territories.
NFTs not appearing in-game	Ensure Immutable Passport is connected. NFT sync can take a few minutes after purchase.
Frequent disconnects	Check internet stability. MetalCore requires a consistent connection. Try wired instead of WiFi.
Confusing map/objectives	Open the full map (M key typically). Objectives and territory zones are marked. Follow waypoints.
Losing vehicles too quickly	Stick to PvE until comfortable. Use cover. Deploy lower-value vehicles while learning.

FAQ

Is MetalCore free to play? Yes. The base game is free with default vehicles and full access to gameplay. NFT vehicles provide additional options and potential blockchain ownership benefits but are not required to play.

What blockchain does MetalCore use? MetalCore uses Immutable zkEVM for its NFT and marketplace layer. You need an Immutable Passport to interact with blockchain features, but it is not required for basic gameplay.

Is MetalCore a battle royale? No. It is an open-world PvPvE game with territory control elements. While there is combat between players, it is not a shrinking-circle battle royale format.

Can I play solo? You can play solo in PvE missions and explore the open world alone. However, PvP engagements heavily favor coordinated groups. Solo play is viable but harder.

How does MetalCore compare to other mech games? MetalCore draws comparisons to games like MechWarrior and Hawken. It is more arcade-oriented than MechWarrior but has more depth than simple arena shooters. The blockchain integration is the main differentiator, along with the PvPvE open-world structure.

Is the game still in development? As of 2026, MetalCore continues to receive updates and content additions. It is technically in live service but still evolving. Expect bugs, balance changes, and feature additions. The development team is active and responsive to community feedback.