An alternate-history New York rises skyward in Aether & Iron, a narrative-driven RPG from Seismic Squirrel set to launch on PC via Steam in Spring 2026. Blending story-rich role-playing with turn-based vehicular combat, the game drops players into a decopunk 1930s city shaped by corruption, conspiracy, and anti-gravity technology powered by a mysterious substance known as aether.
With narrative talent behind acclaimed franchises like Mass Effect, Far Cry, and Sovereign Syndicate, Aether & Iron aims to deliver a character-focused RPG where every choice matters—and survival depends on how well you drive, scheme, and adapt.
An Alternate 1930s New York Built on Aether
In the world of Aether & Iron, the discovery of aether has transformed New York City into a vertical metropolis, with floating roadways, airborne districts, and criminal empires ruling from the shadows. Players take on the role of Gia, a street-smart smuggler navigating this dangerous underworld while trying to stay one step ahead of rival gangs, powerful elites, and citywide conspiracies.
What begins as a routine job soon spirals into a plot that could reshape the city’s future. Along the way, players will reconnect with old allies, make new enemies, and decide whether New York’s citizens will find hope—or sink deeper into corruption.
Turn-Based Vehicular Combat With Tactical Depth
Combat in Aether & Iron takes a unique approach, replacing traditional party battles with turn-based vehicular combat. Players build and customize a fleet of aether-powered vehicles, equipping them with weapons, armor, and specialized gadgets to suit different playstyles.
Each encounter emphasizes positioning, ability synergy, and smart upgrades, offering a fresh spin on tactical RPG combat. Vehicles can be enhanced with hidden compartments, smoke dispensers, flamethrowers, and other tools pulled straight from a smuggler’s playbook.
Companions, Choices, and Consequences
No smuggler survives alone. Throughout the campaign, players recruit distinct companions, each with their own abilities, personalities, and story arcs. These allies don’t just help in combat—they react to your decisions and influence how the narrative unfolds.
Player choice is central to Aether & Iron. Decisions shape relationships, alter story outcomes, and ultimately determine the fate of New York itself. Even with high skills, success is never guaranteed—every critical moment comes down to risk, chance, and consequence.
RPG Progression Rooted in Street Smarts
Instead of traditional stats, Aether & Iron revolves around three core attributes:
- Hustle – Street savvy and adaptability
- Smarts – Intelligence, perception, and problem-solving
- Brass – Confidence, intimidation, and bold action
These attributes influence combat effectiveness, dialogue options, and social encounters, reinforcing the game’s emphasis on role-playing and replayability.
A Striking Decopunk Presentation
Visually, Aether & Iron draws inspiration from 1930s detective comics and art deco design, creating a bold decopunk aesthetic that sets it apart from traditional fantasy or sci-fi RPGs. The experience is further enhanced by full voice acting, bringing the city’s inhabitants to life through performances that range from humorous to tragic.
Release Details and Demo Availability
Aether & Iron launches on Steam in Spring 2026, with support for multiple languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Polish, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, and Simplified Chinese. Players can already experience the world firsthand with a free demo available now on Steam.
