Raven Studio and publisher Infini Fun announced the upcoming mech-building roguelike auto-battler Cats in the Shell via an official trailer on Thursday [1, 2].

The announcement marks a significant entry into the niche auto-battler genre, combining deep customization with roguelike elements. By leveraging a team of former Tencent and NetEase developers, Raven Studio aims to bring high-production value to the independent PC gaming market [1].

The game will launch in Steam Early Access during the fourth quarter of 2026 [1, 2]. This window allows the developers to refine gameplay mechanics and balance the combat systems based on user feedback before a full commercial release.

According to the announcement trailer, players will have access to six distinct mech types to customize [2]. These machines serve as the core of the gameplay, where players build and optimize their robotic forces to survive various encounters in a roguelike structure.

To prepare for the official launch, the developers have opened a public playtest on Steam [1, 2]. This phase is intended to gather early data on player behavior and technical performance. The playtest provides a first look at the interaction between the auto-battle combat and the strategic building phase.

Raven Studio said the title is a blend of strategic planning and chaotic combat. The focus on mech customization suggests a heavy emphasis on synergy, and build-crafting, which are staples of the roguelike experience [1].

“Cats in the Shell will launch in Steam Early Access during the fourth quarter of 2026.”

The project represents a trend of experienced developers from major Chinese gaming firms like Tencent and NetEase forming smaller, specialized studios to target global PC audiences. By utilizing a Steam Early Access model and public playtests, Raven Studio is mitigating the risk associated with the complex balancing required for auto-battlers and roguelikes.