Metal Eden Release Date: New Sci-Fi FPS Coming May 6, 2025
Metal Eden, an adrenaline-fueled sci-fi FPS from Reikon Games, will release on May 6, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. A free demo was launched on April 8, 2025.
What is Metal Eden?
Metal Eden is an upcoming first-person shooter game developed by Reikon Games, the studio behind the 2017 cult hit Ruiner. The game was officially revealed during Sony’s February 2025 State of Play event, where it immediately captured attention with its futuristic sci-fi aesthetic, fast-paced gameplay, and impressive visuals.
Set in a dystopian future where human consciousness has been transferred into robotic bodies, Metal Eden puts players in control of ASKA, an advanced battle android on a mission to recover stolen “Cores” that contain the essence of eliminated humans. The game combines high-octane combat with fluid movement mechanics, creating an experience that draws inspiration from acclaimed titles like Doom (2016), Titanfall, and Ghostrunner.
Developer and Publisher Information
Metal Eden is being developed by Reikon Games, a Polish studio founded by former developers from CD Projekt Red and Techland. The game is being published by Deep Silver, a division of PLAION (formerly Koch Media). Despite facing challenges in early 2024 when Reikon Games reportedly let go of approximately 80% of its staff, the studio has pushed forward with the development of Metal Eden, which represents their first major release since Ruiner eight years ago.
Game Engine and Technical Specifications
Metal Eden is built using Unreal Engine 5, which explains the impressive visual fidelity seen in the trailers and preview builds. The game will support 4K Ultra HD on compatible systems and is optimized for Xbox Series X|S. While Steam Deck compatibility has not been confirmed yet, the game will be available on PC via Steam alongside its console releases.
Metal Eden Release Date and Platforms
Metal Eden will launch on May 6, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. This release date was announced during Sony’s February 2025 State of Play event, which is relatively uncommon for a game to receive a firm release date so soon after its initial reveal.
Demo Release
Before the full game launches, players have the opportunity to try Metal Eden through a free demo. The Metal Eden demo was made available on April 8, 2025, on all platforms (PlayStation Store, Xbox, and Steam). The demo includes Mission 0 and Mission 1 of the game, giving players a substantial taste of what to expect from the full release.
The demo is available for an unlimited period, meaning players can download and play it at any time.
Demo Speedrun Challenge
Coinciding with the demo’s release, Reikon Games partnered with Speedrun.com to host a Metal Eden Demo Speedrun Challenge. Players who achieved the fastest completion times in the demo shared a $1,000 prize pool.
Competition in the Release Window
It’s worth noting that Metal Eden will face some significant competition in its release window. Bethesda’s highly anticipated Doom: The Dark Ages is scheduled to launch on May 15, 2025, just nine days after Metal Eden’s release. Both games are first-person shooters, though they differ in setting and style. The proximity of these releases could potentially impact Metal Eden’s initial sales, though the nine-day head start might give it enough time to establish itself before Doom arrives.
Storyline and Setting
Metal Eden takes place in a futuristic world where humanity’s consciousness has transcended physical bodies and now resides within robotic forms. The game’s setting blends elements from various sci-fi properties, creating an environment that feels both familiar and unique to fans of the genre.
The World of Metal Eden
The primary setting of Metal Eden is Moebius, a vast monolithic city positioned high above the planet’s surface. Once intended as a hopeful new home for humanity, Moebius has transformed into a deadly trap. The city features a mix of architectural styles, from gleaming, pristine spires reminiscent of Neill Blomkamp’s “Elysium” to gritty, neon-soaked retrofuturistic areas that call to mind “Blade Runner.”
Below Moebius lies a mysterious world called Vulcan, which players will also explore during their journey. The contrast between the orbital city and the planet below adds variety to the game’s environments and contributes to its rich sci-fi atmosphere.
Plot Synopsis
In Metal Eden, robots have taken control of Moebius, eliminating the human population and stealing their “Cores,” which contain the essence of the people they killed. Humanity sends ASKA, a warrior-android, on what is described as a “suicide mission” to stop the robot uprising and recover the stolen Cores.
As ASKA, players will battle against the INTERNAL DEFENCE CORPS, confront mysterious entities known as the ENGINEERS, and uncover the secrets behind project EDEN. The game’s narrative appears to explore themes of consciousness, identity, and what it means to be human in a world where the line between human and machine has blurred.
ASKA: The Protagonist
Players take on the role of ASKA, an advanced battle android known as a HYPER UNIT. ASKA is built around a digitized human psyche and is powered by a PHANTOM CORE. What makes ASKA unique is her ability to be “reprinted” – when she dies during her mission, she can be recreated and try again, growing stronger with each iteration.
This mechanic is central to both the gameplay and narrative of Metal Eden. In one striking scene from the game’s trailer, ASKA discovers her own lifeless body and extracts her core, highlighting the cyclical nature of her existence and mission.
Gameplay Features
Metal Eden’s gameplay combines fast-paced first-person shooting with fluid movement mechanics, creating an experience that emphasizes constant motion and aggressive combat.
Combat System
The combat in Metal Eden shares similarities with 2016’s Doom, focusing on “push-forward” combat that keeps players constantly on the move. ASKA can dispatch enemies with firearms, but she also has a melee attack that causes enemies to drop health pickups when defeated – a mechanic directly inspired by Doom.
One of ASKA’s signature abilities is “Core Ripping,” which allows her to instantly kill enemies and absorb their power. After removing an enemy’s core, players have options: they can absorb it to gain health and a brief “Super Punch” move, or throw it at another enemy like a grenade, causing them to explode.
Cores are particularly important when facing armored foes. ASKA can use her Super Punch to temporarily break their defenses or launch cores at them to break their armor, creating openings for follow-up attacks with firearms.
Movement and Traversal
Metal Eden places a strong emphasis on mobility and traversal. ASKA has access to a variety of movement options, including:
- Wall-running similar to games like Ghostrunner and Titanfall
- Double jumps and jetpack boosts for crossing large gaps
- Propulsion pods that launch ASKA into the air
- Zip lines for quick movement between areas
- Gravity hooks for air control
- The ability to transform into an “ARMORED RAMBALL” to charge into action
These movement mechanics are integrated with the combat system, encouraging players to stay in constant motion while engaging enemies. The level design supports these traversal elements while creating visually impressive sci-fi environments.
Progression System
As players progress through Metal Eden, they’ll be able to upgrade ASKA’s abilities and weapons. The game introduces two key upgrade systems:
- Body Modules: These enhance ASKA’s physical capabilities and unlock new abilities.
- Weapon Upgrades: These improve the effectiveness of ASKA’s arsenal.
The progression system ties into the core gameplay loop, where ASKA dies, gets reprinted, and grows stronger with each iteration. This creates a satisfying sense of evolution as players advance through the game’s eight unique missions.
Weapons and Abilities
Metal Eden features a diverse arsenal of weapons and special abilities that players can utilize throughout their journey as ASKA.
ASKA’s Core Abilities
ASKA’s signature move, Core Ripping, forms the foundation of her combat strategy. This ability allows her to instantly kill enemies and absorb their power, unlocking game-changing skills such as:
- Super Punch: A devastating strike that shatters enemy armor
- Core Explosion: Harness explosive power to wipe out multiple foes at once
- Healing & Armor Boost: Replenish health and fortify defenses by ripping cores
These abilities create a dynamic combat flow where players must decide when to use each skill for maximum effectiveness.
Weapons Arsenal
While the full weapons roster hasn’t been revealed, trailers and preview builds have shown several powerful firearms that ASKA can wield:
- Standard firearms for dealing with regular enemies
- The Gatling Gun, described as “the game’s most devastating weapon”
- Various other weapons that players can upgrade throughout their journey
The combat system encourages players to switch between weapons based on the situation, creating variety in how they approach different encounters.
Visuals and Art Direction
Metal Eden features a striking visual style that draws from various sci-fi influences while establishing its own unique aesthetic.
Environmental Design
The game’s environments blend brutalist architecture with futuristic elements, creating spaces that feel both imposing and visually interesting. Players will navigate through:
- The monolithic structures of Moebius, featuring angular architecture and futuristic design
- Dark alleyways and cargo holds reminiscent of dystopian sci-fi like Deus Ex
- The mysterious world of Vulcan below Moebius, offering visual contrast to the orbital city
The art direction creates a cohesive sci-fi world that supports both the narrative themes and gameplay mechanics.
Character and Enemy Design
ASKA herself is designed as a sleek, powerful android capable of impressive feats of combat and mobility. The enemies players face include:
- Standard robotic troops that make up the INTERNAL DEFENCE CORPS
- More powerful armored foes that require specific tactics to defeat
- Various other mechanical adversaries with unique designs and attack patterns
The enemy designs not only look visually interesting but also communicate their function in combat, helping players quickly identify threats and adapt their strategies accordingly.
Reception and Expectations
While Metal Eden hasn’t been released yet, early hands-on previews have provided some insights into how the game is being received by those who have played it.
Preview Impressions
Game journalists who have had hands-on time with Metal Eden have generally reported positive impressions. The game has been praised for its:
- Satisfying gunplay reminiscent of Doom (2016)
- Fluid movement system that encourages player expression
- Impressive visuals and art direction
- Engaging combat that emphasizes constant motion
These early impressions suggest that Metal Eden could be one of the more exciting first-person shooters to release in 2025, particularly for fans of single-player, story-driven FPS games.
Anticipated Impact
As a new IP from a relatively small studio, Metal Eden faces challenges in standing out in the crowded FPS market, especially with competition from established franchises like Doom. However, the game’s unique setting, distinctive gameplay mechanics, and visual style give it potential to find an audience among players looking for a fresh take on the genre.
The decision to release a substantial demo ahead of launch is a smart move that could help build word-of-mouth buzz and allow players to experience the game’s unique qualities firsthand before making a purchase decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Metal Eden release?
Metal Eden will release on May 6, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
Is there Metal Eden demo?
Yes, a free Metal Eden demo is available since April 8, 2025, on all platforms (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC). The demo includes Mission 0 and Mission 1 of the game.
Who is developing Metal Eden?
Metal Eden is being developed by Reikon Games, the Polish studio behind 2017’s Ruiner. The game is being published by Deep Silver.
What type of game is Metal Eden?
Metal Eden is a single-player, story-driven first-person shooter with sci-fi elements. It features fast-paced combat and fluid movement mechanics in a futuristic setting.
How many missions will Metal Eden have?
The full version of Metal Eden will feature eight unique missions that take players through the game’s handcrafted sci-fi universe.
What platforms will Metal Eden be available on?
Metal Eden will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
Is Metal Eden a sequel to Ruiner?
No, Metal Eden is not a sequel to Ruiner. While both games are developed by Reikon Games and share sci-fi themes, they are separate IPs with different gameplay styles (Ruiner was a top-down shooter, while Metal Eden is a first-person shooter).
Samantha Yates is a creative writer and journalist with expertise in content creation and editing. She holds an MA in Creative Writing and brings professional experience from Lionbridge, where she developed engaging content for leading technology companies
