Tactical shooter WARDOGS has officially launched on Steam Early Access, giving PC gamers their first hands-on experience with large-scale multiplayer battles. Developed by studio Bulkhead, the game supports matches with up to 100 players and introduces a unique three-team format that sets it apart from traditional two-sided shooters.
A New Twist on Team Shooters
Unlike most team-based shooters, WARDOGS pits three squads against each other in every match, all vying for control of a central objective. Battles unfold across expansive, destructible maps inspired by the industrial mountains of Eastern Europe. Vehicles, buildings, and environmental damage all influence the flow of combat, creating dynamic and unpredictable encounters.
The game also features a cash-based reward system that encourages teamwork. Players earn money through in-game actions, which they can then spend to support their squad. Adding to the chaos, proximity voice chat allows players from different teams to overhear each other mid-match, since anyone nearby can be heard.
Strong Momentum Before Launch
WARDOGS enters Early Access on the back of a successful closed beta. Bulkhead reports that nearly half a million unique players participated during the August test phase, and the final pre-launch test saw over 245,000 concurrent players on Steam. The studio has also confirmed that WARDOGS has already sold more than one million copies.
Currently, WARDOGS is available on Steam for USD 39.99 in the United States. Bulkhead expects the Early Access period to last one to two years, during which it plans to release new maps, weapons, vehicles, and progression systems.
Console Versions on the Horizon
Console versions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S are scheduled for 2028, though no exact release date has been shared. It remains unclear whether cross-platform play between PC and consoles will be supported. In the meantime, console players can add the game to their wishlists, while PC players can jump in immediately.
With a strong beta turnout and over a million sales already, WARDOGS appears poised to build a solid player base long before it reaches consoles in 2028.