An overview of all the exciting new Steam releases this week—and one shooter in particular stands out.
The upcoming week on Steam isn’t one for major blockbusters, but there are still a few exciting releases. Between an absurd return of Age of Empires to the PC and a new arena shooter featuring mechs à la Titanfall, one game in particular stands out.
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Highlight of the week: SAND: Raiders of Sophie
(Genre:Extraction shooter – Developers:Hologryph, TowerHaus – Release date:June 22, 2026 (Steam/ Early Access)
SAND: Raiders of Sophieis a PvPvE extraction shooter that doesn’t just aim to be another Tarkov clone.
Instead, the game sends you to the eponymous desert planet Sophie, where you control massive walking fortresses. These mechanical “Tramplers” serve as a base, vehicle, storage space, and weapon all at once—and that’s exactly what immediately sets the game apart from genre counterparts like Tarkov or Arena Breakout.
Of course, there are also battles against other players, loot raids through ruins, and a unique setting somewhere between “Wild Wild West” (does anyone still remember that?) and steampunk.
What’s the catch?The originally planned launch was anything but smooth in the run-up. First, the game was delayed; then, the planned full release was converted into an Early Access launch.
The reason:server issues, unpolished game balance, and other areas needing work—all of which became more apparent during the last public test than the developers would have liked. Anyone expecting a flawless release today should probably take it easy and wait for the first user reviews on Steam before buying.
More Exciting Steam Releases of the Week
Monday, June 22
- Cozy Cleaner – A relaxing tidying-up and cleaning game where you restore order to rooms ravaged by cat chaos.
- Pawsome Resort (Early Access) – A life simulation game centered around a pet hotel, farming, crafting, and village life. Very cozy, very cute.
Tuesday, June 23
- Deer & Boy– A poetic platformer about the relationship between a boy and a fawn– describes itself as a “playable animated film.”
- Age of Empires Mobile: PC Edition – Yes, this really is the PC version of the mobile spin-off of Age of Empires. Classic AoE fans are likely to remain skeptical—our review describes this Clash of Clans clone with an AoE veneer as a “greedy flop.”
- Dimhaven – The Lost Source– A first-person mystery set on a deserted island with a retro ’80s vibe, puzzle-solving elements, and a focus on atmosphere.
- Moldwasher– Another cleaning game where you play as a food hero battling mold, dirt, and annoying flies.
