Version 0.7.14 expands the alien wildlife faction with three stronger units designed to remain dangerous well into the middle of a campaign.
Alien wildlife has just become considerably more troublesome in MENACE. Overhype Studios has released the tactical RPG’s Alien Update, introducing three new enemy types alongside balance adjustments, audiovisual improvements, and a collection of bug fixes.
The main purpose of the update is to keep the alien faction relevant beyond the opening portion of a campaign. The new creatures start appearing after approximately eight to ten operations, so commanders should have time to assemble a capable strike force before encountering them.
Each unit also carries a higher army-point cost, allowing the game to construct dangerous enemy forces with fewer combatants. According to the studio, this should produce faster enemy turns and place less pressure on hardware. Existing save files remain compatible with the update.
First among the reinforcements is the Blaster Queen, an enlarged relative of the familiar Blaster Bug. Its main attack launches a ball of heated bioplasma across long distances before detonating on impact. The projectile can strip armor from vehicles, although heavily protected infantry appear to be its preferred targets. Dealing with one may require squads to spread out and avoid relying too heavily on armor as their primary defense.
The Harpy Queen presents a different problem. This oversized flying creature can rapidly close the distance before covering an area with corrosive liquid, damaging exposed troops and weakening armor. It also projects a discipline-enhancing aura that improves the resilience of nearby Xenos, making it a priority target whenever it enters the battlefield.
Long-range formations must also account for the Evolved Alien Warrior. This new variant has developed wings and can leap across considerable distances, landing beside isolated troops before attacking them with its claws.
Snipers and support units may no longer be safe simply because they are positioned behind the front line, giving close-range weapons and protective screening greater importance during later alien operations.
The update includes several smaller presentation upgrades as well. Stingers have received a revised skin intended to make them easier to identify, while Harpies now use a new attack animation. Blaster Bugs have updated weapon sounds, pirate vehicles gain additional backlighting, and some alien idle noises have been reduced in volume.
The Enhanced EM Assault Rifle, which can be constructed after acquiring the appropriate blueprints, now has its own 3D model.
Balance changes double morale recovery across all alien units, while the Alien Bombardier’s discipline has been lowered from 70 to 65. Version 0.7.14 also addresses problems involving mines, smoke screens, tank wreckage, Counterstrike attacks, mission reinforcements, map layouts, tooltips, localization, and several interface elements.
MENACE entered Steam Early Access on February 5, 2026. Developed by the studio behind Battle Brothers and published by Hooded Horse, it follows a strike force of marines, mercenaries, and criminals confronting unrest and an emerging alien threat across the isolated Wayback system. Battles involve infantry squads alongside heavier assets such as tanks and mechs, with each operation unfolding through a sequence of interconnected tactical missions.
