MENACE Storms Early Access with 20,000 Concurrent Players

Overhype Studios just proved that demanding, systems-driven strategy games still have a massive audience. MENACE, the studio’s follow-up to Battle Brothers, launched into Early Access on February 5 and hit over 20,600 concurrent players during its first weekend. That makes it publisher Hooded Horse’s second highest concurrent player count ever, trailing only Manor Lords. It also more than doubled Battle Brothers’ own peak of 8,060.

The game currently holds a Very Positive rating on Steam, with around 90% of its 3,500+ reviews recommending it.

What Is MENACE?

MENACE is a turn-based tactical RPG set in the lawless Wayback system, a distant star system cut off from the rest of humanity. You command a Republic Marine Corps strike force aboard the TCRN Impetus, responding to distress calls across multiple worlds. What starts as a routine pacification mission quickly escalates into something far more dangerous.

If you played Battle Brothers, the DNA is obvious. Permanent consequences. Detailed, punishing combat. Characters with names and stories who can die forever. But MENACE scales things up significantly. Instead of medieval mercenaries on a hex grid, you are fielding infantry squads alongside tanks, mechs, mortars, and air support.

What’s in Early Access?

The day one Early Access build is substantial. Over 50 mission types across three distinct biomes, four enemy factions that each require different tactical approaches, and a full strategic layer for upgrading your mobile HQ, hiring new squad leaders, and managing logistics.

Overhype Studios plans to stay in Early Access for approximately one year, though that timeline may shift based on player feedback. The studio has a strong track record here. Battle Brothers spent about two years in Early Access and came out the other side as one of the best regarded tactical games on the platform.

Where to Play

MENACE is available on Steam, GOG, the Epic Games Store, and the Microsoft Store for $39.99 (25% launch discount until February 19). It is also available on PC Game Pass as a Game Preview title, which makes it an easy way to try it if you are already subscribed.

The wishlists tell the story of how much anticipation this game built. Over 600,000 wishlists had accumulated before the Early Access launch, an enormous number for a niche tactical RPG.

Why It Matters

The success of MENACE sits alongside other recent indie breakouts like Balatro, which proved that a poker roguelike could become one of the year’s biggest games. Different genre, same lesson: when a small team executes on a clear vision, players show up in force.

It also validates the model that publisher Hooded Horse has been building. The company focuses on complex strategy and simulation games, trusting their developers to make the games they want to make rather than chasing trends. Manor Lords, Battle Brothers, and now MENACE are the results.

For fans of XCOM, Jagged Alliance, or Battle Brothers, MENACE is worth watching. The Early Access launch is strong, the player numbers are healthy, and Overhype Studios has already proven it can deliver on a long development roadmap.