War Robots: Frontier – A Critical Evaluation of Its Gameplay, Progression, and Sustainability

[AlahPanda]

War Robots: Frontier – A Critical Evaluation of Its Gameplay, Progression, and Sustainability

I have been playing War Robots and following it for a few years now, whether on mobile or PC. However, the premise of this new game is entirely different, and I will share my experience as well as what I unfortunately and fortunately imagine it will be like when it launches later this year. My rating is negative, but I hope you understand my points and draw your own conclusions for your evaluations before playing it—especially for the developers.

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The reality of War Robots: Frontier is as follows:

Gameplay

The gameplay aspect is undeniable—new mechanics to explore, thousands of new combinations of robots and parts, smooth movement, and lots of fun. The game leaves nothing to be desired. However, based on the first War Robots, I fear that this mechanic will, unfortunately, be exploited, and that will kill the best part of this game.

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Progression

The game is a bit lacking in this area. The new unlockable content feels weak and even difficult to obtain, which makes it quite demotivating.

Battle Pass:

• The progression mechanic is interesting—the fact that we can select items according to our needs is a great idea.
  
• However, the progression is extremely slow for what it offers.
  
• Suggested improvements: Always available missions or a system where Battle Pass currency carries over to the next pass.

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Graphics

The graphics are undeniably beautiful but very demanding on lower-end devices. I recommend a mid-range PC or better.

Tested Hardware:

• i3 10100
  
• RTX 3060 Ti
  
• 16GB RAM

With max settings: 90 FPS average, 60 FPS minimum.

Optimization Recommendations:

• Optimize particle effects.
  
• Improve performance on lower-end devices.

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Maps

Maps feel large and empty, lacking life and personality, much like in the first game.

Suggestions for improvement:

• Interactive turrets: A turret in the map that automatically fires when a player steps into its activation circle.
  
• Environmental hazards:
  
  • Mountain battles where players risk falling.
    
  • Frontline war zones with constant bombardment.
    
  • Jungle areas with hidden turrets that can be captured by teams.
  
  
• Maps should encourage team cooperation and benefit different mech types.

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Matchmaking

Not much to say, but:

• Players should be able to choose game modes.
  
• Custom matches should be available, allowing hosts to configure:
  
  • Map selection
    
  • Player damage/armor adjustments
    
  • Other gameplay settings
  
  
• The current system is too simplistic and restrictive, especially when playing against bots.

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Pay-To-Win (P2W)

At the moment, in Early Access, the game does not seem P2W. However, the tendency is that it will become one because the devs mentioned it will be free-to-play in 2025.

Monetization Recommendations:

• Avoid loot boxes and paid advantages (e.g., rare items, upgrades).
  
• Focus monetization on cosmetics and customization.
  
• Keep fair pricing for a free-to-play model.

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Store

The current store is too simple and weak.

Suggested improvements:

• Two separate stores:
  
  • A fixed store with items available at full price anytime.
    
  • A rotating store with a 75% discount based on rarity.
  
  
• Example: If Orochi's body costs 3,000 in the main store, it could appear in the rotation store with a 75% discount.
  
• This would encourage grinding and reduce frustration.

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Premium Membership

One word: weak.

Suggested improvements:

• Premium badge next to player names in matches.
  
• More rewards per match.
  
• Faster Battle Pass progression.
  
• Exclusive premium store or discounts on cosmetics.

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Technical Issues

The game frequently crashes, especially during intense combat moments, leading to:

• Lost rewards.
  
• Performance instability.
  
• Reports from other players that the game won’t even launch properly.

This is a serious issue that must be addressed.

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Ideas for Improvement

Premium Level System

• 5 premium tiers: Level 1 (basic benefits) → Level 5 (maximum benefits).
  
• Progression system: Earn points through premium missions, XP, or daily logins.
  
• Only premium players can progress in this system.

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Menu Improvements

• A unified menu with:
  
  • News
    
  • Active mech display
    
  • Global chat
    
  • Alliances & Clans
  
  
• Easier access to social interactions and squad play with friends.

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Player Market

A player-driven economy would be a great addition.

How it would work:

• Trade items (weapons, torsos, chassis) using premium currency.
  
• Players set their own prices.
  
• Premium players get larger shop slots.
  
• Battle Pass and cosmetics remain non-tradeable.

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Profile Customization

• Custom profile backgrounds (earned from missions).
  
• Custom descriptions & layouts.
  
• Clan profiles with custom images.
  
• Display game stats (playtime, kills, titan kills, etc.).
  
• Premium perks: Custom themes and colors.

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Battle Pass Missions

10 missions always available:

• 3 daily (small rewards).
  
• 4 every 3 days (medium rewards).
  
• 3 weekly (large rewards).
  
• Missed missions carry over (only the most recent one).

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Final Thoughts: The game has a strong foundation but needs serious improvements in progression, monetization, and technical stability. Hopefully, the devs take this feedback into account before full release.

[The Gaming Master]

Yep, I definitely like this list. I played the playtest and yea, my game constantly crashed. The devs really need to take inspiration from this.

[[DE] Hicksrit]

Hi AlahPanda,

Thank you very much for your detailed feedback, absolutely appreciate it.
We're aware of the technical issues you've mentioned and are working on getting these all sorted out during Early Access.

As for your feedback in regards to all points of economy (between players, store, etc.):
We have recently published a news with a small dive into that specifically:
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1491000/view/498310804477575259?l=english

If you haven't done so yet, please give it a read!

Of course, if you have any further feedback, you are always welcome to share it either here on Steam or on or official Discord server.

Kindest regards,
CM Hicksrit