Strategy fans do not have to wait much longer. For those refreshing their Steam wishlists or checking updates every few minutes, the date is now confirmed. MENACE is launching globally on February 5, 2026.
This is a true simultaneous release, not one of those staggered regional unlocks. Everyone around the world gets access at the same moment. Because of time zones, that “same moment” lands at different local times.
This guide breaks that down so you know exactly when to expect the Play button to activate.
MENACE – Understanding the Global Launch Format
Figuring out release times for global games can be a headache. In MENACE’s case, the developers went with a synchronized release. That means no one gets early access just because they live in a specific region.
For players in North America or Europe, the game becomes available on February 5. In places like Australia or New Zealand, local time will already have rolled over into February 6. It is not a delay. The launch is still simultaneous. The local time is just ahead of the global trigger point.
This approach removes the spoiler risk entirely. Everyone starts on equal footing. No watching others play half a day early while you are stuck waiting.
Exact Start Times by Region
SteamDB confirms that the unlock time is 6 AM Pacific Time on February 5. If you are not on the West Coast, the conversion looks like this:
Time Zone / Release Time
- Pacific Time (PT) – 6 AM on February 5
- Central Time (CT) – 8 AM on February 5
- Eastern Time (ET) – 9 AM on February 5
- Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) – 2 PM on February 5
- Australian Eastern Time – 1 AM on February 6
Players in the United States will be able to start sometime in the morning. Europe gets access early afternoon. Australia and nearby regions will need to stay up late or set an alarm. For anyone hoping to hit the campaign the moment it drops, this chart is your reference.
PC Only at Launch
Console players will have to sit this one out for now. MENACE is coming exclusively to PC at launch. There is no confirmed release window for PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X or Series S.
If you are looking to play on day one, Steam is the only option. For this kind of squad-based tactical strategy, the mouse and keyboard setup is a natural fit. That may be one reason the developers are prioritizing PC.
Why So Many Strategy Fans Are Watching MENACE
Hooded Horse is publishing MENACE, and that name carries weight with the strategy crowd. The game is already being compared to XCOM, and the community has responded.
Over fifty thousand users are following it on Steam. That number is unusually high for a game in this niche. It shows a clear appetite for turn-based tactics that reward planning and punish sloppy decisions.
Planning Your First Moves
Now that the exact times are locked in, the only question is what you will do with that first day. Some players are booking time off work. Others are clearing space on their drives and brushing up on tactical fundamentals.
Whether you are trying to beat the first mission before the spoilers hit or just planning to explore the systems slowly, the window opens soon.