Empulse Launches in Steam Early Access: 1047 Games’ Titanfall Successor

If you have been waiting for a spiritual successor to Titanfall, 1047 Games—the developer behind Splitgate—has officially launched its new multiplayer shooter, Empulse into Steam early access. The studio, which previously faced criticism for the rollout of Splitgate 2 is taking a different approach this time, promising a development process built in direct collaboration with the community.

CEO Ian Proulx has explicitly cited Titanfall and Black Ops 3 as the core inspirations for Empulse. The game centers on high-speed movement, utilizing wall-running and grappling hooks to navigate vertical environments. One of the standout features is the implementation of mechs; rather than being earned as individual killstreaks, two mechs spawn in the center of the map, designed as high-stakes objectives meant to turn the tide of a round.

A Fresh Start for 1047 Games

The studio is looking to regain momentum after the mixed reception of Splitgate 2. While the original Splitgate was a success, the studio's second outing was hampered by an overzealous marketing debut and controversial microtransaction pricing. With Empulse 1047 Games is keeping the monetization model nonexistent at launch to foster trust. The team has stated that the roadmap for new maps, modes, and weapons will be guided by player sentiment rather than a rigid, pre-planned schedule.

Early interest appears strong, with the game securing 250,000 wishlists following a successful Steam Next Fest. Feedback from the demo phase averaged an 8.1 out of 10, though the developers acknowledge there is still significant room for refinement.

What to Expect in Early Access

The early access build adds a variety of content that was not present in the initial demos. Players can now drop into the new 'Drainage' map, try out the VIP-style 'Mech Bounty' mode, and equip the Requiem sniper rifle. A ranked 4v4 playlist is also available for those looking for a competitive experience.

Looking ahead, the team is actively addressing player feedback regarding the game's visual identity. There are plans to release two larger maps in an experimental state in the coming weeks, and the developers are currently testing aim-down-sight functionality. Importantly, 1047 Games has promised that any changes to gunplay will not compromise the accurate hipfire mechanics that form the foundation of the game's movement system.

For those interested in jumping in, Empulse is available now on Steam. The introductory price of $14.99 is set to run through Wednesday, July 1.