Free to play: Sandbox MMO with 1,000-player battles gets Steam demo, but only for a short time
Anvil Empires is the latest title from Siege Camp, the studio behind the war MMO Foxhole, which gained attention for its persistent world and deep logistics gameplay. Building on that foundation, Anvil Empires delivers a similarly large-scale, real-time multiplayer experience with up to 1,000 players. This time, however, the setting shifts to the Middle Ages – bringing massive castles, charging cavalry and powerful siege weapons into the mix.
Players choose one of three factions, build settlements, gather resources and create a complex logistics network. Fortresses are constructed piece by piece, featuring multiple levels and built to withstand – or fall to – siege weapons such as catapults, battering rams and towers. Success in battle depends not only on numbers or tactics, but also on how well supplies and provisions are managed. What sets Anvil Empires apart is that every role on the battlefield – from armored knights to supply cart drivers – is filled by real players. The official announcement trailer offers an early glimpse of what to expect from the gameplay:
Community reacts with cautious optimism
The initial response to the announcement trailer has been largely positive. Viewers are particularly impressed by the graphics and the way Foxhole’s real-time mass battle concept has been adapted to a medieval setting. Many fans of the earlier title are playfully referring to Anvil Empires as the “medieval Foxhole” – and they mean it as a compliment.
Despite the excitement, some players have voiced concerns. Veterans of Foxhole point to past issues with trolling and uncooperative behavior, and it's still unclear whether Anvil Empires will include effective tools to address these challenges. There's also some skepticism about the game’s ability to technically deliver on its promise of massive battles involving up to 1,000 players simultaneously.
Steam demo launches in June
Until now, Anvil Empires was only available through closed alpha tests, but for the first time, the MMO is opening its doors to the public. During Steam Next Fest from June 9 to 16, an open demo will be available, offering a focused look at one of the game’s core features: massive siege battles with hundreds of players. This test phase will not only gauge community interest but also serve as a stress test for the game’s server infrastructure. So far, no official price or release date has been announced.
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