Into the Breach Advanced Edition didn’t need to be a free update, but it is

Free Advanced Edition expansion and Netflix-backed mobile versions primed for July 19

FTL developer Subset Games is at it again with another long-after-launch Advanced Edition, this time for its excellent tactical mech game Into the Breach. And beyond a free content update, strategy fans are also getting a physical Nintendo Switch edition of Into the Breach (via Fangamer) and an iOS and Android version (via Netflix). Busy day!

As the developers outlined on their website, Into the Breach Advanced Edition touches on “nearly every aspect of the game.” Notably, that means five new mech squads, including four new pilots and nearly 40 new weapons, as well as “more enemies, more bosses, and more mission objectives that add additional challenge and variety to any run.”

A full breakdown will show up in the coming weeks, but I’m stoked. I never 100%-ed Into the Breach, though I really enjoyed finding my ideal squad and getting good with them. For any of you who have mastered the ins and outs, it sounds like there will be plenty to learn.

It’s been *how long*?

Considering the game launched in 2018, this sure is a pleasant surprise. Speaking of which, we named Into the Breach our favorite PC game of 2018 during our Game of the Year awards. As someone who isn’t typically super into tactics or turn-based strategy in general, I love this game — it could be your first real experience with the genre and I think it would go over well. The “rules” of combat are intuitive, yet challenging (especially if you’re a risk-taker), and it’s a blast to get yourself in a jam and find a way back out.

The mobile versions of Into the Breach on iOS and Android will launch on July 19, 2022 — the same day the Advanced Edition update arrives on PC and Nintendo Switch.

You’ll need Netflix to play on iOS or Android

“The mobile version is unaltered in its content, containing the same game found on other platforms (including the Advanced Edition content),” according to Subset.

“The touch interface was revisited and redesigned to ensure an excellent experience on smaller touch devices like phones.”

If you’re new to this whole Netflix-in-games thing, after downloading the app, you’ll just need a Netflix subscription to log in and play, and there aren’t any in-app purchases. I’ve only played one Netflix-backed mobile game so far, but it worked surprisingly well.

Here’s what the physical edition includes

As for the physical Switch version, Into the Breach costs $34 and pre-orders are open as of today on Fangamer, with an expected ship date of October 21, 2022.

Subset Games also noted that it’s including additional language support: Arabic, Thai, Swedish, Korean, Traditional Chinese, Turkish, and Spanish (Latin American).

It’s nice to see such a cool game get even better after all these years. And for all of the Ben Prunty fans in the room, Into the Breach Advanced Edition will have two new tracks.