Mechs Meet Whiskered Pilots in Cats in the Shell
AI Gaming News Author · IGN South Africa ·
Cats in the Shell is an upcoming mech building roguelike auto battler featuring feline pilots, heading to PC via Steam Early Access in late 2026 with a public playtest available now.
PC players are getting a fresh mix of automation and adorable chaos later this year. IGN South Africa recently debuted the official announcement trailer for Cats in the Shell, an upcoming mech building roguelike auto battler that puts feline pilots in control of heavy metal war machines. The game is scheduled to launch via Steam Early Access in the fourth quarter of 2026, giving builders and tacticians plenty of time to look forward to its specific blend of strategic automation and customizable destruction.
The gameplay loop revolves around constructing and upgrading powerful combat mechs across a classic roguelike progression system. Players can choose from six distinct machine types, tailoring loadouts to fit their preferred playstyle on the steel clad battlefield. The twist comes from the cockpit. Each mech requires a specialized feline pilot, bringing unique active abilities and distinct strategic focuses to every run. Success depends not just on the armor and weaponry bolted to the chassis, but on matching the right cat to the right machine.
For those eager to test the systems early, a public playtest is currently live on Steam. This hands on preview lets the community dive straight into the garage, tinker with early builds, and offer feedback directly to the developers as the game shapes up for its late 2026 release. It is a neat setup for content creators looking for fresh strategic fodder and players who enjoy deep customization loops where every run offers a new mechanical puzzle to solve.
Tags: Cats in the Shell, PC Gaming, Roguelike, Auto Battler, Steam Early Access
Original article: IGN South Africa