Heavy Metal & Highland Steel: Tears of Metal Reveals Ruadh Stonecrusher and Spring 2026 Release
Montreal-based indie studio Paper Cult has just cranked the volume on their medieval hack-and-slash roguelike, Tears of Metal. In a brand-new trailer released today, February 25, 2026, the team unveiled Ruadh Stonecrusher, a powerhouse new character who brings a literal hammer-down approach to the battlefield.
With the game currently boasting over 400,000 wishlists on Steam, the hype is reaching a fever pitch as Paper Cult confirms that Tears of Metal will officially enter Early Access in Spring 2026.
Meet Ruadh Stonecrusher: The Battalion’s Heavy Hitter
While the starting character offers a balanced approach to horde-slaying, Ruadh is all about devastation.
- The Giant Hammer: The trailer highlights Ruadh’s ability to carve through swathes of enemies with massive, wide-reaching swings. His playstyle emphasizes raw power and crowd control.
- Customization Tease: The reveal also gave fans a sneak peek at character customization, suggesting players will be able to tweak their heroes' appearances and loadouts to fit their specific "Scottish battalion" aesthetic.
Reconquer Your Island: Core Gameplay Features
Tears of Metal blends the massive scale of a "Musou" (Dynasty Warriors) game with the tactical depth and replayability of a roguelike.
- Lead the Charge: Fight through 45+ handcrafted environments alongside a persistent Scottish battalion. Your soldiers aren't just background noise; they gain experience and permanent upgrades, becoming essential assets—provided you keep them alive.
- The Dragon Stone Meteor: The invasion isn't just political; it’s supernatural. Discover over 100 artifacts and mighty powers mined from the mysterious Dragon Stone to create explosive builds.
- Co-op Mayhem: While perfectly playable solo, the game shines in 4-player online co-op, allowing you and your friends to coordinate upgrades and share the glory of reclaiming your home.
Try the Demo Now
If you can't wait until Spring, a robust demo is currently available on Steam. It allows you to:
- Play through Act I and face off against the boss, Gilles the Hog.
- Experiment with 4 clans of Emblems (power-ups).
- Test out the Challenge System to unlock skins and trinkets.
- Try out the "Warcry Button"—a community-requested feature that lets you rally your troops with a literal shout.
