Metal Slug Tactics launches on November 5, new playable characters confirmed including Leona Heidern

Publisher Dotemu and developer Leikir Studio just announced that Metal Slug Tactics will launch on November 5 worldwide for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC platforms. A new release date trailer also reveals three additional playable characters originally from the Ikari Warriors series including Leona Heidern. 

A physical release for Metal Slug Tactics is also confirmed with pre-order details to be revealed at a later date. Metal Slug Tactics' soundtrack has been composed by Tee Lopes, and it will be released digitally through Steam and with a vinyl release through Kid Katana Records. 

Metal Slug Tactics release date trailer

Publisher Dotemu (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, Streets of Rage 4) and developer Leikir Studio (Rogue Lords, Synergy) today announced Metal Slug Tactics, the grid-based tactical adaptation of the iconic run-and-gun METAL SLUG series, will launch Nov. 5 on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.

The release date trailer debuts three additional playable characters in hard-hitting gameplay, each bringing a unique set of abilities into battle:

  • Clark Still: Originally hailing from the Ikari Warriors series and previously playable in Metal Slug 6, Clark’s immense strength and wrestling experience allows this tanklike ally to relocate enemies on the map and dish out wide-reaching, status-inflicting damage.
  • Ralf Jones: Also returning for battle from the Ikari Warriors series and Metal Slug 6, Ralf is a master of short-range combat, packing devastating punches and the ability to charge at enemies head-on like a raging bull.
  • Leona Heidern: A newer addition to the Ikari Warriors, Leona is a revered fighter capable of replacing fallen enemies with decoy allies; she can distract and overwhelm enemy forces in her distinct approach to dominating the combat zone.

Plans for a physical release for Metal Slug Tactics were also confirmed today; tacticians can expect to receive full intel on where to secure their copy at a later date. Metal Slug Tactics’ original soundtrack, composed in full by Tee Lopes (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, Sonic Mania, Streets of Rage 4’s Mr. X Nightmare DLC), was also confirmed as of today for launch availability, both digitally through Steam and as a physical vinyl release through Kid Katana Records.

Metal Slug Tactics is both a respectful homage to an all-time classic and an imaginative new way to celebrate the renowned series, channeling METAL SLUG’s timeless aesthetic through gorgeous pixel art and fluid animation. The game’s highly replayable battlefields pair shuffled layouts from hand-crafted sectors of terrain with subtle roguelite elements, pushing players to adapt and overcome unpredictable clashes as they master dynamic, strategic combat.

Wield classic METAL SLUG weaponry, leveraging skill trees, perks, and a super attack-fueling adrenaline system to outwit and demolish the flanks of the series’ signature villains. Metal Slug Tactics is wholly developed by Leikir Studio with support from Dotemu and access supplied by IP owner SNK.

Metal Slug Tactics Ikari Warriors Screenshots