A new take on the MOBA genre has launched on Steam with Sirocco, a free-to-play game currently in early access. In this title, players become captains of auto-firing battleships. Drawing inspiration from the classic Warcraft III mod Battleships, Sirocco combines 5v5 team battles with roguelike elements and intense bullet-hell action—eliminating the need for lane management or last-hitting minions.
Since its release on May 2, Sirocco has received positive feedback for its quick matchmaking (often under two minutes), engaging map designs, and fast-paced combat that prioritizes positioning over precise timing. With weapons that automatically fire when enemies are within range,players can focus solely on movement and ability usage—transforming each encounter into a chaotic display of cannon fire and torpedoes.
The original Battleships mod gained a dedicated fanbase by replacing conventional heroes with upgradeable ships that exchanged cannon shots and special abilities.Sirocco updates this idea with sharp 3D graphics, responsive controls, and a diverse roster of “captains,” each offering unique skills. Developer Lunchbox Entertainment Inc. has improved balance based on player feedback while adding new ships and enhancing performance since the early days of Battleships.
Key Features & Why It Stands Out
- Auto-Firing Weapons: Long-range cannons attack enemies from afar while short-range “Death bomb” launchers become more powerful as your ship takes damage, encouraging bold maneuvers.
- Diverse Tactics: switch between various weapons instantly—hook foes using a Trench Maker grappling cannon or speed up cooldowns with an Over Clocker to unleash explosive shells during fights.
- Roguelike Upgrades: Gain permanent enhancements after matches to unlock new captains, talents, and ship types for future battles.
- Evolving Maps: Each match features different layouts—from twisting canals to hazardous whirlpools—requiring teams to adapt rather than rely on memorized paths.
- User-Friendly MOBA Design: Forget about last-hitting creeps; Sirocco immerses you in action right away without traditional roles or strict counters while still working towards balance improvements.
the initial response on Steam has been “Mostly Positive” (78% out of over 200 reviews),with players praising Sirocco’s innovative approach to naval combat. Some users have noted occasional frame drops during busy skirmishes; though, developers are actively working to enhance performance and matchmaking systems for smoother gameplay experiences.
Lunchbox Entertainment plans to introduce free content in the future—including new captains, weapons, and maps—all funded through optional cosmetic purchases only. This strategy mirrors popular live-service models but avoids gameplay restrictions tied to microtransactions. Looking forward, Sirocco aims to foster an eSports community around its “team-first” beliefs as tournaments begin forming via Discord and Twitch channels.
If you’re looking for a MOBA experience that skips tedious grinding while throwing you into exciting top-down naval chaos,Sirocco is worth trying out. Its mix of automatic attacks combined with roguelike upgrades offers fresh challenges—even for seasoned players familiar with Dota 2 or League of Legends. Plus it’s free on Steam so there’s no cost barrier preventing you from joining in!
