In the game Menace, you might wonder what exactly the Menace is. At first, the game’s setting feels pretty standard—different factions in space competing for control, with a mildly futuristic military look. This seems to match the more horror-inspired logo design, which adds a bit of mystery.
That’s until you encounter the Menace faction. And yes, they are terrifying. They play very differently from the other factions, requiring you to use unique tactics to survive and prevent them from ruining your campaign.
Since Menace is still in Early Access, some of this information might change later.
When do you meet the Menace faction?
You first encounter the Menace after completing ten operations in a single campaign. These operations are sets of multiple missions on a planet. After finishing ten, you receive a distress signal from Backbone, one of the planets. Landing there and doing some quick investigation, you get ambushed by the Menace—bio-mechanical enemies that resemble both foot soldiers and vehicles.
You need to survive four full rounds during this mission. Focus on cover and staying alive, carefully studying these enemies—what weapons they use, what they’re resistant to.
Pro tip: Any squad leaders taken down during this mission can be rescued when you leave, so don’t risk more squads just to save everyone.
How do you fight the Menace?
Be prepared to change up your entire squad setup. Unlike other factions, like pirates, which mainly involve humanoids and vehicles, Menace demands a different approach. Most of their units are heavily armored, making standard weapons ineffective. For example, the Gun Crawler acts as a hybrid between infantry and vehicles, meaning most infantry weapons won’t do much. You’ll need armor-piercing weapons like RPGs, thermite grenades, or your own tanks. SMGs won’t be useful against them.
Tip: Some anti-vehicle weapons, like the EMP Rifle, work well against Menace enemies.
Another difference is how they react when suppressed. Instead of being pinned down, they overload and freeze for a turn. This provides a perfect opportunity to get closer and throw grenades. Using your vehicles can be very effective because many of their heavy weaponry can deal serious damage, even through armor. Just be cautious—Menace also have anti-vehicle weapons, so avoid leaving your vehicles fully exposed.
Here’s a quick overview of the main Menace units:
| Enemy | Description | HP | Armor | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construct Drone | Looks like regular humans, armed with simple weapons but in large groups. | 250 | 30 | Use weapons that penetrate armor effectively—these are more vulnerable than other enemies. |
| Construct Soldier | Main fighters, fewer in squad but with diverse, powerful weapons. | 360 | 45 | They have high armor; use weapons that cut through armor. Take cover as they attack aggressively. |
| Construct Floater | Small floating enemies that get close to explode when next to units. | 30 | 90 | Very tough to damage; grenade or anti-vehicle weapons are best. Watch out for explosions at death. |
| Shamblers | Human-shaped bombs that move toward your units and explode nearby. | 120 | 35 | Penetrate their low armor from a distance to take them out quickly. |
| Skirmisher | Tends to stay back and attack with autocannons, capable of destroying cover. | 300 | 35 | Use long-range weapons like rocket launchers or anti-materiel rifles. |
| Gun Crawler | Mobile turret that fights infantry and vehicles alike. | 250 | 130 | Target with high-power weapons like grenades, heavy turrets, or off-map artillery. Keep your distance. |
Defending the Star Map
Another new mechanic introduced with Menace is the threat to the star map. After your first encounter with Menace and escaping, part of Backbone gets shaded red, indicating Menace control. This control will grow as Menace operations continue across various planets, gradually spreading unless you intervene.
Completing these operations can push back their control. If you fail to stop them, Menace will eventually take full control of every planet, resulting in a game over. Currently, there’s no endgame—meaning, you’ll keep fighting the Menace indefinitely until the game develops further or an end is reached.
