Out of nowhere, RIG Riot is off to a flying start on Steam. This roguelike shooting game developed by Sage Boatmanstill unknown to the general public, combines gameplay mechanics inspired by Hades, Risk of Rain 2 and mecha battles Armored Core.
And it’s not even a full game yet: it’s the playable demo, posted online in anticipation of a release planned for April 2026which displays a perfect score of 100% positive reviews. The feedback is unanimous and flattering comparisons are already pouring in.
Mechas, loot and nervous gameplay: the perfect recipe?
What made the immediate success of RIG Riotit’s its intelligent mix of genres: fast-paced, top-down combat, a random progression system typical of roguelikes, and an aesthetic that pays homage to the first games Armored Core on PS2.
Rather than choosing your improvements via a classic tree, the game relies on chance and variety. Each run is unique, and each session can spawn a new combination of modules, weapons and tactics. This is what captivates the first players. As one player on Steam sums it up: “This demo is incredible. It’s becoming one of the releases I’m most looking forward to.”
An old-school atmosphere, very modern sensations
With its universe of mercenaries at war against corporations, RIG Riot fully embraces its FromSoftware roots. Its frenetic rhythm, metallic music and retro-futuristic visual style appeal to Gundam and Souls-like fans alike.
Another player shares his enthusiastic sentiment: “The gameplay is addictive and captivating. I describe it to my friends as a cross between Armored Core 6, Risk of Rain 2, and Megabonk, and it does each of these aspects exceptionally well.” Randomness does not hinder, on the contrary: it encourages risk-taking, curiosity, and experimentation. And in a mecha game, that changes everything.
A promising future for nervous roguelike fans
Available for free download now, RIG Riot is still in the testing phase, but expectations are already enormous. “I love the demo, it’s awesome! It looks like a Rogue-like AC6! With regular updates, I can’t wait to see where it takes us!”
While waiting for April, the Steam community is expanding, sharing builds and tips on Reddit, and eagerly awaiting the next announcements from Sage Boatman.
In a saturated market, a game that knows how to surprise while ticking all the boxes of immediate pleasure does not go unnoticed. And this one may well be one of the independent hits of 2026.