Empulse (early access) delivers a fast-paced 6v6 movement shooter experience

4

On June 24, 2026, the fast-paced shooter EMPULSE officially launched its early access version on Steam. It is a 6v6 team-based movement shooter where mobility is designed as a core combat weapon, set across the vertical streets of Freehold’s near-future setting.

Empulse (source: Steam)
Empulse (source: Steam)

Free movement system as a core foundation

In EMPULSE, every area of the Freehold map is designed to maximize player movement chaining. The game provides a diverse set of tools to maintain constant match pacing:

  • Wall-running: The ability to run forward or backward across most vertical surfaces and combine seamlessly with other movement mechanics.
  • Grapple hook: A traversal tool that builds momentum, allowing faster movement around obstacles compared to standard traversal, or pulling enemies closer for melee finishers.
  • Holojumps and jetpacks: Launch-based mobility options that help maintain continuous aerial movement chains.
  • P.A.I.N.T. Bombs: Special explosives that reshape terrain properties into Jump, Speed, Explosive, Heal, and Sticky states, creating tactical advantages in combat.
Grapple hook movement tool (source: Steam)
Grapple hook movement tool (source: Steam)

Battle for mech control

Mechs are the most important contested objectives in each match, spawning at the center of the map midway through the round to create powerful momentum swings for teams. Once captured, these massive machines provide a full combat loadout:

  • Chaingun: A rapid-fire weapon that increases firing speed the longer the trigger is held.
  • Rockets: Heat-seeking missiles that deal heavy damage to targets within line of sight.
  • Melee: Close-range attacks that deal high damage and knock back opponents.
  • Bubble shield: A deployable dome shield used for defense or providing cover for teammates.
  • Charge jump: A leap ability that launches the mech into the air and slams it down, creating a wide-area shockwave.
  • Dash: A fast burst movement ability that allows the mech to quickly reposition.
The key objective is controlling mechs (source: Steam)
The key objective is controlling mechs (source: Steam)

Notably, at early access launch, EMPULSE confirms it will not include an in-game store, battle pass, or any form of microtransactions. All cosmetic items are unlocked through completing Gigs, the internal progression system, or via external events such as Twitch Drops and wishlist reward campaigns.