Morbid Metal: Everything You Need to Know About the New Sci-Fi Action RPG

Morbid Metal entered Early Access on Steam on April 8, 2026, marking the transition of a long-term solo project into a Ubisoft-published title. The game is a third-person, dark sci-fi action roguelite that combines hack-and-slash combat with shapeshifting mechanics, allowing players to switch between unique characters to execute powerful combos.

The development of the title began in 2017 when solo developer Felix Schade created the first playable prototype as a university project. According to reporting from TechRadar, the project was initially origami-themed before transforming into the gritty sci-fi action game available today. The prototype gained significant traction within the roguelite gaming community, which eventually attracted the attention of Ubisoft.

Following the initial success of the prototype, Schade founded the development studio Screen Juice and established a publishing partnership with Ubisoft to bring the game to market. The current Early Access release provides over 10 hours of content and includes full support for Xbox and PlayStation controllers, as well as compatibility with the Steam Deck.

Narrative and Setting

The game is set within a post-apocalyptic simulation where the player assumes the role of the last remaining AI. This AI was created by a mysterious figure known as the Operator. Throughout the experience, players are guided by a disembodied voice called Eden.

The primary objective is to defeat other AI kin and uncover the secrets surrounding the downfall of humanity. The narrative goal is for the player to become the next step in human evolution and work with Eden to repopulate Earth. While the Early Access version currently features incomplete and vague narrative elements, the story is revealed through voice-overs and gameplay hints as players progress toward transcendence.

Gameplay Systems and Mechanics

Morbid Metal utilizes a gameplay loop centered on Iterations, which is the term used for individual runs. Each run requires the player to start from the beginning upon death, though this loop allows for the refinement of strategies and the upgrading of a skill tree.

The central progression hub is a persistent area called the Void Hub. In this space, players spend credits on two primary types of upgrades:

• Corpora: Permanent upgrades for the player.
• Protocols: The acquisition of new skills.

During an Iteration, players can find temporary upgrades and consumables as pickups or purchase them from the Emporium, a safe zone that appears randomly mid-run. A distinguishing feature of the combat system is the ability to instantly switch between unlocked characters during a fight. Each character possesses their own specific set of weapons, skills, and upgrades.

Early Access Scope and Roadmap

The current version of Morbid Metal includes the first two biomes and a trio of playable characters. Ubisoft and Screen Juice have stated that a robust roadmap is in place to implement new content and general game improvements.

The developers have indicated that the game’s direction will be shaped by player feedback, including suggestions and experiences shared after the April 8 launch. All players who participate in the Early Access phase will receive all future updates and the final version of the game for free.