For many, September 1st, 2020 marks the end of summer and the beginning of the school year but for gamers it also signifies the long-awaited arrival of the Iron Harvest release date. Publisher Deep Silver and developer KING Art finally present their real-time strategy game inspired by such RTS classics like Men of War and Company of Heroes. However, what differentiates this game the most is its unique setting – Iron Harvest takes place in an alternate historical timeline that is defined by the presence of such sci-fi technologies like mechs.
Giant robots a.k.a. mechs comprise an entire genre of their own and the recent launch of Iron Harvest is a good opportunity to discuss the following question: what are the best mecha games PC to be enjoyed in 2020? Multiple Star Wars games allow you to temporarily control AT-AT or AT-ST walkers and NieR: Automata – a popular RPG from PlatinumGames – also features mecha segments but none of these games focus on mecha robots exclusively. Well, if you feel like seizing control of a heavily armored walking tank – here’s a list of PC games that will meet your needs.
Iron Harvest
Without a doubt, the first gaming starring on our list is the latest Iron Harvest game from KING Art. As already mentioned, the game is an RTS that takes place in an alternate history, specifically alternate Europe of 1920. Setting alone places Iron Harvest among the best mecha games PC has to offer – the world of the game was inspired by the art of a Polish artist Jakub Różalski a.k.a. Mr. Werewolf. His concept art is distinct for mixing motifs of 18th and 19th century paintings as well as sci-fi elements such as dieselpunk mechs.
Taking place in the aftermath of the First World War, Iron Harvest puts the players in command of forces from either of the three fictional nations: Saxony Empire, Polonia Republic, or Rusviet. Naturally, each country has its own campaign together with a unique set of infantry and mech units. Among many reasons why Iron Harvest appears on our best mecha games (PC) list, we have to point out the dynamic destructible environments that continually emphasize the combat potential of these diesel-powered mechanical beasts.
Titanfall 2
Right after Iron Harvest, we must immediately follow up with a game that has to be among the most recognizable and successful mecha video games not only on personal computers but in general as well. Unlike the Iron Harvest, Titanfall 2 throws you right into the action and provides a chance to control giant robots manually. The game is a first-person shooter – and a damn good one at that – as the title was developed by Respawn Entertainment, creators behind the original Titanfall, Apex Legends, and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.
Why is Titanfall 2 in our list of best mecha games (PC)? First of all, it’s an excellent entry point into the series. Unlike its predecessor, Titanfall 2 wasn’t a multiplayer-only shooter as it also presented a well-written single-player campaign. Playing through it is a great way to get familiarized with this expansive sci-fi universe that is defined by the prominent use of mechs called Titans. The game also features an interesting dynamic between the fast-paced gameplay of a nimble pilot Jack Cooper and the tank-like controls of a charismatic Titan BT-7274. This quality of Titanfall 2 translates into an engaging multiplayer mode as well, where Titans are summoned similarly to Call of Duty killstreak rewards.
BattleTech
You know it’s a good strategy game when Paradox Interactive is involved. The best mecha games PC players can get their hands on also include BattleTech, a 2018 turn-based strategy title based on the table-top game franchise of the same name. The original creator of the series Jordan Weisman has been working on the project with the Harebrained Schemes development team and the end result turned out to be a multilayered mech-themed experience with engaging turn-based combat, plenty of customization, and even management of your very own mercenary company!
The game is set in the year 3025. It’s an era of conflict and the regular infantry has long been replaced by advanced walking war machines. Players will take up various contracts and participate in turn-based mech battles, often set on maps with uneven terrain. BattleTech is among the best mecha games (PC) for its highly customizable mech composition and unique combat system based on targeting (as well as protecting) vital parts of robots. While the player controls a squad of four mechs, weapon aiming is manual with the camera shifting to a third-person perspective each time a particular mech deploys its weapon systems. Outcomes of battles often depend on positioning, and of course – a little bit of luck.
Daemon X Machina
If you want to try out a mecha game that centers solely around third-person shooting, then you should definitely choose one of the best mecha games’ PC titles of this kind – Daemon X Machina. Developer Marvelous Inc. offers an Armored Core-inspired mecha TPS with stylish visuals, combat on huge post-apocalyptic maps, and an abundance of customization options not only for your mechs (which are called “Arsenals” in this game) but also for their human pilots – the Outers.
The game is set in a post-apocalyptic future which was devastated by a cataclysmic event known as the Moonfall. Humanity is struggling to deal not only with the consequences of the disaster but also with an aggressive AI uprising that followed it. What places Daemon X Machina among the best mecha games’ PC titles is its aforementioned customization menu, a ridiculous amount of weaponry, and the ability to bring up 6 weapons into battle at once. Daemon X Machina features both areal, and ground combat so there are a lot of play styles to explore. It’s possible to use powerful long-range weapons while hovering in the air or alternatively – rely solely on melee combat and become a heavily armored 16-ton swordsman!
SD Gundam G Generation Cross Rays
How can we talk about mecha video games without mentioning the iconic Gundams? The entire mecha genre would simply be unimaginable without the nearly indestructible Mobile Suits forged from gundanium alloy. Last year, publisher Bandai Namco Entertainment finally brought the Western audiences one of the best mecha games (PC) featuring Gundams – SD Gundam G Generation Cross Rays. The game is a stylized turn-based strategy title with RPG elements and features characters as well as Mobile Suits from four well-known Gundam anime.
As this is a strategy title, the player will command a squad of Gundams and play through four campaigns based on respective anime series: Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, Gundam SEED, Gundam 00, and Mobile Suit Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans. One cool feature – Gundam squads can consist of Mobile Suits from entirely different series. At the same time, each character can be developed in RPG fashion either through fighting or acquiring parts and upgrades from fallen enemies. The abundance of content and immersive progression undoubtedly place SD Gundam G Generation Cross Rays among the most elaborate Gundam games PC players got to enjoy in years.
Best mecha games – PC title offers on Eneba!
As always, each of the discussed games can be found on the Eneba store for a significantly reduced price, alongside multiple similar offers. Be sure to check out the deals for the original Titanfall game from Respawn Entertainment, together with Star Wars: Battlefront and NieR: Automata deals as all of these games feature segments that put you in control of mecha robots from respective sci-fi universes. Of course, the latest Iron Harvest option is hard to beat – it’s unique alternate history theme brings a breath of fresh air and a new perspective on the genre.
