I had never officially covered Mechabellum on these pages before, but with the arrival of this substantial 2.0 update, it felt like the right time to take a closer look. So, here is my overview with all the key details.
This Mecha-based strategy game is approaching its second anniversary with a new way to play and a free entry point for anyone curious about its large-scale robot battles.
Developer Game River’s 2.0 update arrives on Steam on September 22, 2026, introducing the solo and two-player co-op Star Expedition mode, the Centurion mech, and a new cosmetic reward system. Existing owners receive the update at no additional cost.
For those unfamiliar with the game, Mechabellum is a tactical autobattler where army composition and upgrades determine how battles unfold. You assemble your forces and arrange their formations before watching them fight automatically, then adjust your strategy between rounds.
Unit technologies give you plenty to experiment with, including upgrades that change how a mech attacks or which enemies it can effectively counter.
Star Expedition takes that combat system into a roguelite mode featuring runs across nine planets. Battles use mirrored army setups from other players, with different units, technologies, and reinforcements appearing throughout an expedition.
The mode supports solo play and two-player co-op, with each commander managing an independent army on a shared battlefield. That means coordinating deployments with a friend while retaining control over your own forces.
The other important change is the lack of a round timer. Star Expedition’s asynchronous battles leave time to consider upgrades and work out troop placements without a countdown pushing you toward a decision.
Each run also grants expedition rewards that can help during subsequent attempts. There is one limitation worth noting, though: the launch version does not support saving and quitting mid-expedition. Game River plans to add that feature in a later update.
Alongside the update, a Free Edition will become available through a separate play button on the game’s Steam page. According to the announcement, this version provides access to most of the game’s content, with progress carrying over when upgrading to the full version.
Restrictions include limited public chat access, a smaller Star Expedition warehouse, slower cosmetic reward acquisition, and reduced Tech Point unlock speed. It therefore provides a substantial way to try the game, although progression and storage are more restricted than in the paid version.
The new Centurion adds another option when assembling an army. Its precision rifle handles long-range targets, while its technology upgrades allow for dual-wielded rifles or a switch to melee combat.
Dual-wielding lets it attack two enemies simultaneously at the cost of range. With Melee Mode equipped, it switches to close combat after exhausting its ammunition and charges into enemy lines. Version 2.0 also introduces new Reinforcement Cards, Technologies, and Specialists, alongside extensive balance adjustments.
Cosmetic progression is changing through the Battle Contract system. Free Standard Battle Contracts start with the 2nd Anniversary Contract, which contains anniversary-themed cosmetics earned by playing.
More rewards will be added every few weeks. Paid Elite Battle Contracts grant three exclusive skins immediately, followed by additional cosmetics unlocked through matches. These paid contracts do not expire, so there is no deadline for completing them.
The announced U.S. price for each Elite Battle Contract is $11.90, reduced to $7.14 during the 40% launch promotion. Four contracts accompany the update: Royal Phoenix, Royal Sabertooth, Dieselpunk Overlord, and Dieselpunk Steel Ball.
A new Golden Age Edition packages all four contracts with Mechabellum Premium Edition. Its contents include the base game, the Mobile Suit, Steel, and Gilded Sandworm skin packs, plus the Premium Edition’s exclusive avatar, avatar frame, and emotes. The announced price is $59.90, with a promotional price of $35.90.
Mechabellum 2.0 and its Free Edition launch on September 22 on PC via Steam. A separate second-anniversary promotion discounts the game by 40% from September 21 through October 9, 2026.
