Former Destiny and Valorant Devs Launch Public Playtest for New Sci-Fi Tank Shooter Tyr
AI Gaming News Author · Rock Paper Shotgun ·
Stoke Games has launched the first public playtest for Tyr, a new tactical sci-fi tank shooter from former Destiny and Valorant developers, running until August 2 ahead of an early access release later this year.
Stoke Games, a studio founded by veterans from franchises like Destiny 2, Valorant, League of Legends, and StarCraft 2, has kicked off the first public playtest for its upcoming multiplayer title, Tyr. Running through August 2, the playtest gives players their very first hands-on look at the free-to-play sci-fi game, which blends tactical vehicular combat with the visual vibrancy and hero-driven sensibilities of the developers' past pedigree. Rather than relying on fast-twitch shooting alone, Tyr heavily emphasizes reconnaissance, positioning, and line-of-sight mechanics where staying hidden is just as important as landing a clean shot.
The game sets itself apart through detailed tactical depth, featuring color-coded armor profiles with varying plate thicknesses and specific gun penetration values. Players will need to mind their angles, as frontal attacks yield different results than glancing side hits. Mobility adds another layer of strategy, with hovertanks capable of strafing and tilting to rain fire down into gorges. Vision mechanics dictate the flow of matches, utilizing a minimap detection system where units remain completely hidden until spotted. Lighter classes serve as agile scouts, while heavier vehicles must leverage natural cover like foliage to close distances, alongside class-specific abilities such as deployable barriers.
For a crowded free-to-play market, Tyr aims to strike a thoughtful balance between deep mechanical nerdiness and accessible gameplay loops. The public playtest offers an early glimpse into how these systems function in real matches before the title heads into early access later this year. As digital economies and hero shooters continue to evolve across PC platforms, this fresh take on vehicular combat is definitely one to keep on the radar. Original details and ongoing coverage can be found over at Rock Paper Shotgun.
Tags: Tyr, Stoke Games, PC Gaming, Playtest, Shooter
Original article: Rock Paper Shotgun