WARDOGS Launches in Steam Early Access with 100-Player Battles, Economy, and Vehicles
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10.09.2026 20:24
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2 min read
UK studio BULKHEAD and publisher Team17 have launched WARDOGS, a large-scale military shooter, in Steam Early Access. The title offers a fresh take on all-out warfare, featuring 100-player battles split across three competing factions on massive destructible maps.
2×2 km Sector Battles and In-Game Economy
The main competitive mode is a spin on classic King of the Hill. On a map measuring up to 256 km², the server randomly selects a 2×2 km combat zone for players to fight over. Every 30 seconds, the team with the majority of players inside the sector earns one point, and the first side to reach 100 points wins.
As highlighted on the official Team17 website, gameplay revolves around an in-game economy:
- Every player starts with $10,000 in capital;
- Weapons, attachments, gear, heavy armored vehicles, and helicopters are purchased using personal funds before each respawn;
- Cash and XP are awarded for all team actions, including capturing objectives, delivering ammunition, healing wounded teammates, and building fortifications;
- Earned funds and unlocked attachments carry over between matches.
Strong Test Demand and Plans for Fighter Jets
Interest in the shooter was high well before launch. In August, the developers recorded over one million Steam wishlists, while a recent closed playtest reached a peak of around 245,000 concurrent players, according to SteamDB data.
WARDOGS EARLY ACCESS IS NOW LIVE!
— WARDOGS (@WARDOGS) September 10, 2026
🔗https://t.co/bXo2yinV6e pic.twitter.com/kjC2Qfhg1s
At the Early Access launch, the WARDOGS Steam page features 100-player battles, proximity voice chat (Proximity VOIP), a meta-progression system, and support for the GeForce NOW cloud gaming service.
The Standard Edition is priced at $39.99, while the Supporter Edition costs $49.99. The developers plan to keep the game in Early Access for one to two years, with a roadmap that includes new maps, an expanded arsenal, and jet aviation with full-fledged fighter jets.
