Aether and Iron Reveals New Gameplay Ahead of 2026 Release

Seismic Squirrel has shared a new look at its upcoming tactical RPG Aether and Iron, providing more insight into the retro-futuristic adventure set in an alternate 1930s New York. First revealed in March 2025, the game is now confirmed for a 2026 release window, although a concrete launch date has not yet been announced. The fresh trailer offers a closer look at gameplay features, including ride customization, turn-based combat, and story-driven missions.

At the center of Aether and Iron is Gia Randazzo, a seasoned smuggler trying to make her mark in a version of New York shaped by anti-gravity technology powered by the mysterious element known as aether. This alternate-history backdrop mixes noir sensibilities with steampunk aesthetics, reimagining the city with floating vehicles and industrial skylines. The game’s premise follows Gia as she navigates deals, rivalries, and dangerous encounters in pursuit of her big break.

One of the trailer’s highlights is the ride customization system, which allows players to build and fine-tune their own vehicles. Six component slots are shown, covering engines, propulsion units called repulsors, and up to four weapon mounts. Choices here directly influence gameplay by affecting a car’s weight, storage capacity, available action points, and even “heat,” a stat that measures how suspicious the ride appears in the eyes of authorities. The emphasis on vehicular detail suggests that combat and smuggling missions will require both mechanical preparation and tactical foresight.

Recruiting and upgrading allies is another core mechanic, with players determining who carries out smuggling runs and what equipment they bring along. These decisions carry into the game’s turn-based combat, which borrows from genre traditions like environmental hazards and tactical positioning. The trailer also reveals varied mission objectives beyond simple elimination, including survival against waves of enemies and strict time-limited goals. This variety points to a design that encourages adaptation rather than relying on a single strategy.

Seismic Squirrel has placed strong emphasis on narrative, with the story written by developers who previously contributed to Mass Effect, Far Cry, and the 2024 indie RPG Sovereign Syndicate. The plot promises political themes, moral decision-making, and dialogue-driven gameplay, all set within the seedy underworld of an alternate 1930s New York. According to the project’s synopsis, choices will significantly influence the game’s direction and outcomes, ensuring replay value across multiple playthroughs.

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The mix of narrative ambition and tactical mechanics has led to comparisons with Disco Elysium. While Aether and Iron incorporate more traditional combat than ZA/UM’s critically acclaimed RPG, both games appear to prioritize complex storytelling, dialogue options, and political undercurrents. The presence of vehicular battles, however, sets Seismic Squirrel’s project apart, offering a hybrid of strategy and role-playing that is uncommon in the genre.

The visual style continues to lean into its retro-futuristic theme, with cityscapes presented in a golden, industrial palette, blending familiar 1930s design with imaginative technology. The Unity engine powers the project, allowing for a mix of isometric exploration and stylized combat encounters. From the snippets shown, the world is designed to feel both lived-in and experimental, balancing gritty noir with speculative science fiction.

While no firm release date has been announced, the current 2026 target suggests more details and expanded gameplay showcases will emerge over the coming year. For now, Aether and Iron is positioning itself as a narrative-heavy RPG with tactical gameplay, deep customization, and a unique retro-futuristic setting. With its mix of political intrigue, smuggler storylines, and vehicular combat, it aims to carve out a distinct space in the RPG landscape when it arrives.

Watch Aether and Iron Trailer 2 exclusively on GameRant.