Menace - Hooded Horse’s Next Big Tactical Frontier
The creators of Battle Brothers are back with a new, ambitious project, Menace. Published by Hooded Horse and developed by Overhype Studios, this upcoming tactical RPG lands in Early Access on February 5, 2026, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting strategy launches of the year. Think of it as the perfect blend of squad-based combat, grim sci-fi storytelling, and brutal decision-making, all set in a galaxy where survival isn’t guaranteed.
War on the Edge of the Galaxy
The game drops you deep into the Wayback System, a remote and fractured region filled with danger, mystery, and political tension. You command a strike force of marines, mercenaries, and specialists sent to respond to a rising threat — one that seems far more intelligent and coordinated than anyone expected. Every operation matters: the missions you take, the factions you support, and the soldiers you lead all shape how your campaign unfolds. Overhype’s world-building shines here, harsh environments, eerie alien biomes, and unpredictable encounters that constantly keep you on edge.
Turn-Based Combat with Real Consequences
If you’ve played Battle Brothers, you’ll recognize the studio’s signature style, tactical depth and no easy victories. In Menace, that formula evolves. Each unit has its own skills, gear, and morale, and your success depends on reading the battlefield and thinking several moves ahead. Terrain, weather, and positioning can turn the tide of battle in seconds, and one mistake can cost you your best fighters. It’s punishing, yes, but that’s also what makes every victory so satisfying.
Early Access Is Just the Beginning
Launching in Early Access on February 5, Menace invites strategy fans to help shape the experience as it grows. Overhype Studios plans to expand its campaign, factions, and unit types over time, with direct input from players driving much of the development. If you’re into tactical RPGs that don’t hold your hand, Menace is a must-watch. Gritty, intelligent, and refreshingly old-school in its challenge, it’s a game built for players who crave mastery and consequence.