How MENACE Became One of 2026’s Biggest Indie Success Stories – Hardcore Strategy Games Still Matter

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For the past few years, breaking through on Steam has become increasingly rare. Most releases struggle to gather a few hundred players, even with solid ideas and competent execution. That is what makes MENACE launch in early 2026 so remarkable. Developed by Overhype Studios, the creators of Battle Brothers, and published by Hooded Horse, MENACE didn’t just find an audience, it dominated the tactical RPG space within days of release.

The game entered Early Access on Steam last week, offering a sci-fi reimagining of Overhype’s signature hardcore tactics formula. Players take command of a desperate strike force made up of marines, mercenaries, and criminals, fighting through a sealed-off star system overrun by alien creatures, pirate factions, and corporations. From the start, MENACE promised unforgiving gameplay built around permadeath, procedural missions, and long-term campaign consequences.

During the weekend MENACE reached a peak of more than 20,600 concurrent players, climbing rapidly from just a few thousand on launch day. Even after the initial interest, the game stabilized at around 16,000 players, an impressive feat for an Early Access tactical RPG. At the same time, it secured an 87 percent “Very Positive” rating from over 3,182 Steam reviews.

The foundation for this success was laid months before launch. A public demo released in late 2025 attracted nearly 4,000 concurrent players and generated significant word-of-mouth. Interest snowballed, pushing MENACE’s wishlist count past 600,000 by the time Early Access launched. That massive pool of potential buyers converted into strong day-one sales and sustained momentum, helped by streamers and content creators who highlighted the game’s complexity and storytelling.

How did Hooded Horse help?

Behind the scenes, publisher Hooded Horse played a decisive role. Unlike many publishers, Hooded Horse has carved out a reputation as a specialist in strategy and simulation games. Their approach combines careful project selection with aggressive but targeted marketing.

Their experience shows. MENACE had already reached 250,000 wishlists more than a year before release, but Hooded Horse continued building interest through sustained promotion, eventually more than doubling that number.

This success fits neatly into Hooded Horse’s broader track record. Previous hits such as Manor Lords and Against the Storm demonstrated their ability to turn niche strategy projects into mainstream indie successes. Manor Lords alone reached over three million wishlists and sold more than a million copies on day one. Rather than chasing trends, the company focuses on long-term partnerships, fair revenue splits, and supporting developers through post-launch challenges.

MENACE’s launch matters because it challenges the idea that only casual or heavily monetized games can succeed today. It shows that demanding, systems-driven experiences still have a place, and a large audience, when executed with confidence and supported intelligently.