Crucible, the free-to-play team-based shooter from Relentless Studios, an Amazon Games development studio, is now available to download for PC.

In Crucible, players work with teammates to hunt their opponents and take down hostile creatures on a lush rogue planet in pursuit of Essence, a valuable resource that amplifies hunters’ powers.

At launch, players can choose from a roster of 10 hunters, including Earl, an interstellar trucker, Summer, a dual-flame-thrower-wielding former welder, and Bugg, a robot botanist. Each hunter in Crucible has their own unique weapons and abilities, and as they defeat opponents and the planet’s flora and fauna, they level up, gaining strength and enhancing their abilities.

Though Amazon Games, Amazon plans to create new gaming experiences that foster community in and around games. The company's team of game industry veterans is building within the sandbox of Amazon Web Services (AWS), Twitch, and more. Current Amazon Games projects include New World, an MMO set on a supernatural continent in the 17th century, multiplayer shooter Crucible, and the forthcoming The Lord of the Rings MMO.

"One thing that separates Crucible is the diversity in its characters,” said Twitch creator Bartonologist. “There's something there for everyone. Each character approaches the game differently and matches up against the other hunters in a unique way. Brings a whole new level of strategy and competition to this world.”

“The three game modes in Crucible represent three completely different kinds of teamwork required to come out on top,” said Twitch creator Stevo. “There's unlimited ways you can strategize and compose your team to win, but of course, you never know what your opposition will do either!”

Crucible begins an 8-week Pre-Season today. During this period, players can learn the game, discover and build skill playing their favorite hunters, and begin honing their strategy before Season 1 kicks off. Players who log into Crucible by June 2 will get an early adopter gift of 1,000 Credits deposited into their in-game account. Credits can be redeemed for cosmetic in-game items like skins and emotes, as well as a Pre-Season Battle Pass, available for 950 Credits. The Pre-Season Battle Pass offers players a series of challenges and rewards, including hunter and account customization options.

Crucible launches with three game modes:

• Heart of the Hives: A 4 vs. 4 battle against giant boss Hives that spawn throughout the world. Each Hive contains a valuable Heart, and the first team to capture three Hearts wins, making each match a dangerous balance between racing the opposing team and surviving the powerful Hives.
  
• Alpha Hunters: Eight teams of two take the battlefield and fight to be the final team standing.
• Harvester Command: Two eight-person teams battle to capture and hold Harvesters spread across the map, vying for control of the Essence that drew them all to the planet. Teams earn points by controlling Harvesters and defeating opponents, and the first team to 100 points wins.

Crucible is available for free on PC via Steam. Founder’s Pack bundles, featuring exclusive skins, customization items like in-game decals, and in-game currency, are available for purchase at Amazon or on Steam.

Crucible was developed by Relentless Studios, an Amazon Games development studio located in Seattle. The studio is led by Louis Castle, co-founder of Westwood Studios, and includes industry veterans with previous experience at companies including Activision Blizzard, ArenaNet, and Electronic Arts. The launch of Crucible will be followed by the release of New World from Amazon Games on August 25, 2020.