Mainframe Defenders

Turn-based robot squad tactics with procedural missions and item builds

Synthetic Domain · Released Feb 25, 2020

Reviews: Very Positive; 88% of 795
Recent reviews: Not enough recent
Playing now: 3; right now
Steam Deck: Playable
Last update: 4 years ago; Jun 23, 2022

What is Mainframe Defenders?

A turn-based isometric tactics game set in a research complex where a computer virus has taken over its robotic units. You direct four prototype robots through procedurally assembled levels, fighting infected machines and completing missions to protect the mainframe. Items with different effects and drawbacks let you change how each robot fights.

For you if...

+you enjoy difficult battles that reward careful positioning
+you like choosing missions with different objectives
+you appreciate retro terminal visuals and synthwave music

Not for you if...

−you prefer real-time combat over turn-based squad commands
−you want a guided introduction to tactical systems

What players say

88% of 795 reviews are positive

Players praise the range of squad builds and the challenge of countering different enemies. Some find missions repetitive and enemy turns too slow.

Screenshots and trailer

Mainframe Defenders system requirements

As published by the developer.

Minimum

OS: Windows 7 or later
Processor: Intel Celeron
Memory: 2048 MB RAM
Storage: 200 MB available space
DirectX: Version 10
Notes: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system

PC version details

DRM, required accounts, controller support and Steam features.

DRM: None declared on Steam
Controller: Keyboard and mouse
Platforms: Windows, Linux
Achievements: 14
Steam features: Family Sharing, Trading cards

Steam Deck: Playable

Default controller config not fully functional
Sometimes shows mouse, keyboard or non-Deck controller icons
Some in-game text is small and may be hard to read
Default graphics settings perform well on Steam Deck

Multiplayer and co-op

Single-player

Languages

Text only: English, Russian, Hungarian, German, Portuguese - Portugal, French, Italian, Spanish - Spain, Polish, Simplified Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Portuguese - Brazil.