DuneCrawl: Giant Crab Mechs in a Hand-Drawn Desert RPG

GAMING NEWS I_hate_league_of_legends - Jan 2, 2026, 5:39 PM

Can you imagine a crab or a beetle as a walking tank, serving as your mobile base and primary weapon? If you are a pirate RPG fan but looking for a game with a twist, DuneCrawl might be the perfect game for you.

Navigating the Dust Seas in Alientrap's Swashbuckling Mech Adventure

Dunecrawl is an upcoming open-world action-adventure RPG that was developed by Alientrap (the studio behind Wytchwood and Apotheon). The game blends "swashbuckling" combat with a unique mechanic: piloting a massive customizable mechanical crustacean across a vast desert. The game is officially scheduled to release on the 5th of January, 2026, on PC (Steam).

As mentioned earlier, the game's main feature is the Dune Crawler, a mechanic crab or beetle walking tank, serving as your mobile base and primary weapon. On DuneCrawl, the players don't have to walk across the desert; you control a massive mechanic crab (or beetle) across the desert, which means that you will need to load cannons, repair damaged legs mid-battle, and use "boarding actions" by launching yourself through the air to land on enemy crawlers.

The game is designed for 1-4 players, divided into different roles, such as steering, aiming cannons, and repairs. Playing solo is also available, where the solo player will be accompanied by a "ghostly companion," who can act as your fellow on the Dune Crawler, as well as hire mercenaries to help manage the ship.

The "Dust Sea" is filled with oasis islands, secret dungeons, and towns to defend; the players will interact with NPC pilgrims (the Polloi) and fight off the "Ceramicist's" invasion force. Did I also mention that besides the massive crawlers, you can find a smaller "arthropodic locomotion"? The game also includes smaller "arthropodic locomotion," such as multi-saddle beetles, nymphs (prioritize speed), and armored scorpions (prioritize in combat).

And finally, DuneCrawl features a deep customization for the players' vehicle. The players will unlock abilities and weapons by collecting items (such as masks, tunics, and talismans). Not only that, the players' giant crab can be upgraded with spike-armored legs, guided torpedoes, or even cosmetic "sporty paint jobs" and hats.

Overall, DuneCrawl is a RPG with pirate vibes that will completely blow your mind. Please make sure to check out the game and use our comparison tool to purchase DuneCrawl at the best price.

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I’m all about motorcycles, retro gaming, and the golden handheld era of the PSP and PS Vita. I love the thrill of the ride just as much as the nostalgia of classic games. I believe games can bring people together, spark creativity, and make the world a little brighter—one adventure at a time.