Paper Cult will release the medieval hack-and-slash action roguelike Tears of Metal in Early Access on July 22, 2026 [1].

The launch allows the developer to refine game mechanics through player feedback before the full release. This phase is critical for roguelikes, where balance and progression systems often require extensive community testing to ensure long-term viability.

The game will be available on PC through Steam and the Microsoft Store [2]. Some reports also indicate the title will be accessible via Xbox Cloud and Xbox on PC [1].

In the game's storyline, players must advance to the front lines to aid a Scottish battalion. The primary objective involves reclaiming the island through combat and strategic progression [1].

Paper Cult has positioned the title as a high-action experience. By utilizing the Early Access model, the studio can iterate on the combat systems and environmental design based on real-time data from the initial player base [2].

The distribution strategy focuses on the PC ecosystem, though the inclusion of cloud services may expand the initial reach. This approach allows the developer to scale the infrastructure as the player count grows following the July 22 launch [1], [2].

“Tears of Metal will launch in Early Access on July 22, 2026.”

The decision to launch in Early Access reflects a broader industry trend toward iterative development, reducing the risk of a poorly received full launch. By targeting PC and potentially cloud platforms, Paper Cult is maximizing its initial footprint while maintaining the flexibility to patch the game based on community feedback.