DARK MACHINE THE GAME has opened playtest invitations ahead of a limited time trial that runs from December 18 to December 25, 2026 on PC via Steam. The team based mecha action shooter ties directly into the upcoming cross media series DARK MACHINE THE ANIMATION, and this playtest marks the first chance for players to experience the game side of that shared story.
How the December Playtest Works
The playtest centers on Terminal Siege mode, where two teams of up to seven pilots fight to destroy the opposing base. The announcement outlines a roster of 27 distinct mechs for the trial, and competing over Anchor points unlocks fresh respawn locations that can shift pressure across the map. Commanders can request access through the DARK MACHINE THE GAME Steam page, and selected participants can earn special rewards for taking part. The structure will feel familiar to anyone who follows playtests like the recent Void Hunters trial on mobile and PC, where a focused mode and a limited window concentrate the player base into packed matches.
The Shift Up Evolution System
The signature mechanic is Shift Up, an evolution system that lets a machine transform between three combat classes in the middle of a fight. Pilots earn Palma Energy during battle and spend it to morph their mech to fit the moment. Agile small sized Workers dash in and out of danger, medium sized Ride Loaders rule the skies with high speed aerial combat, and colossal Gigant Loaders bring ground shaking firepower against fortified Terminals. The DARK MACHINE THE GAME Steam listing confirms the same three class structure, describing precision firefights as a Worker, high speed aerial combat as a Ride Loader, and overwhelming destruction as a Gigant Loader. Timing a transformation with squad coordination decides whether a push breaks through or collapses, which gives the 7v7 format a tactical layer beyond raw aim.
Customization and Destructible Battlefields
Small and medium machines accept interchangeable parts, so pilots can mix and match weapon combinations, tune performance with modular upgrades, and restyle machines with colors and decals. The Steam page adds that players can choose machines across all three classes and draw from an expanding arsenal of parts to assemble a custom loadout before each deployment into the realm known as The Dark. Battlefields themselves reshape as structures crumble, and knocking down key buildings reroutes enemy forces into choke points. Collapsing debris can also trap careless teammates, so demolition calls for the same care as trigger discipline. The emphasis on buildcraft and reactive terrain should appeal to shooter fans tracking projects like the fan made FPS Blue Frontline targeting a 2027 release.
A Cross Media Project With the Anime
DARK MACHINE is built as a cross media project where gameplay and animation tell intertwined sides of one story. DARK MACHINE THE ANIMATION names Goro Taniguchi as Creative Producer and Hidetaka Tenjin as Lead Mechanical Designer, pairing dramatic storytelling with the intensity of the game. Taniguchi says the game and the anime coexist as a single cross media experience, and that this playtest is the first hands on opportunity with the side of the story told through gameplay. The official DARK MACHINE website carries the same framing, describing a project where the player experience and the anime narrative resonate with each other. Fans can also join the Discord server and follow updates on X for community news between the playtest and launch.
Release Window and Platform Details
DARK MACHINE THE GAME is planned for a full release in 2027 on PC via Steam, developed and published by LIONA INTERACTIVE. Language support covers Japanese and English for the interface, with full Japanese audio and English subtitles. Wishlist numbers and playtest turnout will likely shape how LIONA paces post trial updates, a pattern seen across recent Steam Early Access launches such as Stormforge. For now the path is simple, request access on Steam, squad up, and spend the December 18 to 25 window learning which of the three machine classes fits each fight.
When does the DARK MACHINE playtest start and end
The playtest runs from Friday, December 18, 2026 until Friday, December 25, 2026 on PC via Steam.
How to join the DARK MACHINE playtest
Open the DARK MACHINE THE GAME Steam page and request access. Selected applicants receive an invitation, and participants can earn special rewards.
What modes and mechs are in the playtest
The trial features Terminal Siege mode with up to 7v7 battles, 27 distinct mechs, Anchor point respawns, and the Shift Up evolution system across Worker, Ride Loader, and Gigant Loader classes.
When does DARK MACHINE THE GAME fully release
The full game is planned for release in 2027 on PC via Steam, with Japanese and English interface support plus full Japanese audio.
Please note that when you make a purchase through our links at GameHaunt, we might earn a small commission. This helps us keep bringing you the free journalism you love on our site! And don't worry, our editorial content remains totally unbiased. If you'd like to show some support, you can do so here.
