A smoke grenade in Tactical Squad can do more than conceal an advance. In a developer-described match, a criminal unit used smoke to evade the AI sniper that normally prevents defenders from leaving the building, circled the exterior, and reentered behind the SWAT team. It is a concrete example of how the game’s visibility rules can create routes that initially appear unavailable.
Developed and self-published by Anarchy Corner, Tactical Squad pits six-unit SWAT and criminal squads against each other in 1v1 turn-based matches.
Destructible Maps, Limited Action Budget, and Classes
Walls and cover are destructible, allowing squads to alter the battlefield’s layout and establish new firing angles. The tactical implication is that defending an entrance is not necessarily enough to secure a room. An attacker can change the direction of an engagement instead of committing to the approach their opponent has prepared to defend.
Each turn has a finite time budget, with actions consuming that resource. Movement, attacks, and equipment use therefore compete for the available allowance. Starting positions are randomized. Frag grenades remove cover, flashbangs reduce enemy effectiveness, and explosives can breach walls or trap doors.
The Breacher detects enemies behind closed doors and uses explosives to create entrances. The Shotgunner specializes in close-range damage but struggles in open terrain and long-distance engagements. Their roles suggest a straightforward partnership: establish where the opposition is, open an approach, and bring the close-range specialist into effective range.
A single-player campaign against criminal forces is also planned, serving as an introduction to squad coordination, cover, breaching, firing lines, and equipment before competitive play.
Closed Beta Access and Release Status
The closed beta is now live and initially includes the Office map and two playable classes. According to the developer, this roughly represents the content intended for the public demo. Beta participants are also expected to receive additional maps, classes, and other additions as development progresses.
Access requires joining the game’s Discord and messaging the developer to request a Steam Playtest key. Each tester can invite up to three Steam friends. Participants are asked to complete an anonymous feedback form after several matches.
The full game remains listed as Coming soon on Steam, without a confirmed release date. Below is the announcement trailer.
