Metalstorm News

Side note: We have some minor backend maintenance incoming February 25, 2025. This will not require a new client download.

Black Market Event Update:
BREAKING NEWS! Reports of roaring cannons, and a new aircraft too fast to handle expected to arrive in Metalstorm on February 26, 2025 12:00 PM PST. Time to put things into a new gear as the JF-17 Thunder is set to push pilots beyond their limits.

[h2]NEW PLANE: JF-17 Thunder[/h2]
While the Black Market event is active, you can unlock this plane at Hangar Level 8, afterwards it will return to its normal Hangar Level of 13. Role Type: Light Fighter (Max scaling in parenthesis)

Base Stats
- 100(200) hp
- Top Speed: 1,299km/h
- Acceleration: 55m/s²
- Turn Rate: 38°/s
- Ideal Turning Speed: 648km/h
- Afterburner Fuel: 13s

Traits
- Expert Cannons
These guns require more precise aim but make up for it with effectiveness!

Loadout
- 2x Short Range IR Missiles
Range: 2.9km
Damage: 75(150)
Speed: 3,240km/h
Turn Rate: 15°/s
Lock Angle: 8°
Lock Time: 1.3s

- 2x Medium Range Radar Missiles
Range: 7.0km
Damage: 80(160)
Speed: 3,960km/h
Turn Rate: 15°/s
Lock Angle: 6°
Lock Time: 1.4s

- Internal Precision Cannons
Max Damage: 226(452)dps
Ideal Range: < 0.6km
Reticle Range: < 0.9km
Spin Up Time: n/a
Spread: Very Low
Overheat Time: 2.5s
Ammo: ∞
Armor Piercing: Medium

- 3 Flares

Special Ability: Edge Boost
A brief burst of acceleration and speed and a slightly longer boost to maneuverability. The base cooldown is 30 seconds, but is shorter based on how close to terrain you are when you activate the ability, so skillful users can chain boosts together.
Max Speed: +80/100/120m/s and Acceleration: +60/70/90m/s²


I feel the need..

[h3]Balance Updates[/h3]
Missile Improvements:
Don’t let this deceptively small change fool you, this will impact every single aircraft in Metalstorm. Missile Turn-Rate Build Up Time determined how long it would take a missile to get from their Starting to Ending Turn Rates. With this value back down to 0, this means your missiles will once again turn at their maximum rate immediately after launch.

• Missile Build Up Times returned to 0.

Now that we are back to normal, we look forward to bringing you exciting new planes, maps, and modes, and balance updates that will be smaller and more frequent, to help keep combat both fair and dynamic.

Speaking of, this is also your general PSA to work on your flaring. You have been warned pilots, good luck out there.

Plane Balance: J-10 Firebird

There was an unintentional error previously that we are correcting. We’re also sprinkling in a slight range increase to add some potential spicy capabilities with the “Look and Shoot” trait.

• Short Range IRs
  • Lock Range increased from 2.8 to 3km.
  • Turn Rate increased from 37 to 45°/s.

Su-47 Berkut

The Su-47 is a dangerous plane on paper. Its faster rate of fire on radar missiles is reason enough for their additional tracking delay. We are now removing this and bringing them up to par with similar missiles.

• Medium Range Radar Missiles
  • These missiles now have no delay before they start tracking targets.

[h3]General Updates[/h3]“Reject and Mute” Invites: Tired when someone can’t get a clue? When this update goes out, you’ll now be able to reject an invite and put someone on mute for 15 minutes in a single button press.

High Quality Match Replays: Channel your inner-Spielberg in Match Replays with a new “Force HQ Animations” button. We’re looking forward to seeing what kinds of content you can come up with, and we’ll continue to put in work in enabling your creativity within Metalstorm.

Bug Fixes

• Art
  • Fixed an issue with one of the MiG-19 paints.
  • Fixed an issue with decal application on the Su-47.

• Matchmaking
  • Fixed an exploit with matchmaking. Note: You will no longer be able to change mods or plane levels while match searching. They will only apply upon re-queue or after that match has ended.

Last, but certainly not least..

[h3]Aircraft Mastery[/h3]Teased in our roadmap last year, Aircraft Mastery is finally here! This is a massive new feature to help you progress, celebrate, and show off your favorite aircraft in Metalstorm. There’s a good bit to unpack here, so strap in and check out the details below.

What is Mastery?
Mastery lets you earn rewards as you fly and refine your skills with each aircraft. Winning matchmade games earns you Mastery XP for the aircraft you are flying, with bonuses for performance and playing with friends. Each aircraft has 24 Mastery Levels full of rewards to unlock! Progress through a Mastery Pass and unlock exclusive cosmetics and valuable resources!

What kinds of rewards are available in the Mastery Pass?
Each plane in the game has their own individual Mastery Pass featuring both FREE + GOLD TIER rewards. These include:

FREE Mastery Rewards

• Unlocked through Mastery Levels
  • 4,400 Silver
  • 2,200 Parts
  • 2 Canopy Tints
  • 2 Mastery Decals

GOLD TIER Mastery Rewards

• Unlocked Immediately
  • Nose Decal Slot
  • Permanent 50% Mastery Bonus for Base Victories XP

• Unlocked through Mastery Levels
  • 12,500 Silver
  • 3,000 Parts
  • Tintable Mastery Decal
  • 2 Exclusive Canopy Tints
  • Empyrean Mastery Paint
  • Erebus Mastery Paint

How much does the Gold Tier cost?
To help you unlock the Gold Tier for your favorite plane, your first Gold Tier Mastery Unlock is 50% off! Every unlock after your first one will be the standard 269 Gold.

What happens if I unlock the Gold Tier after I’ve already completed all 24 Mastery Levels?
You will be able to unlock and claim the Mastery Rewards up to whatever point you’re currently at in the Mastery Pass. Note: These rewards and passes will remain forever.

Can I use any of these rewards for other planes?
Outside of Silver since it is a universal currency, no. These passes and their rewards are catered on an individual level of accomplishment with that plane. Any parts or cosmetics will only be applied to that specific plane you are working on.

What happens if I already have maximum parts for a plane I claim more parts for?
Any parts that go beyond what’s needed to reach Plane Level 20 will be converted into Silver.

Is there any limit to how many Mastery Passes I can work on at a time?
Nope! You will naturally be earning Mastery XP as you rotate and play all the aircraft you own in your hangar. Mastery XP is calculated at the end of match depending on the following:

• Match Victory
  • Gold Tier 50% Bonus
  • Party Size

• Placement
  • 1st
  • 2nd
  • 3rd

Trophy Scores affect the base value(s). The higher the risk, the greater the reward as you climb. Note: You can still earn Mastery XP in losses if you manage to get a Top 3 placement!

Which plane will you choose to master first, pilot?

[h3]Stay Tuned[/h3]
We know there’s a good bit to take in with this update, and we’re excited to get these changes and new features into your hands. I wish I could say that’s all for now, but the truth is we’re just getting started. More inbound this month, so be sure to keep an eye out for more updates later this week.
Love &

Steam family, we’re excited to have you join us in the skies! Whether you’ve been waiting for this glorious moment from the beginning, or just discovered us–we welcome you to the beautiful chaos that is Metalstorm.

[h3]🛩️UNLOCK Multiple Generations of Your Favorite Aircraft[/h3]As you earn your stripes, you’ll be unlock aircraft ranging from the classics like the F-100 or MiG-19, up to more modern stealthy jets like the American F-22, the Russian Su-57 and the Chinese J-20. Who knows, maybe you’ll even come across some prototypes.

[h3]🔧EQUIP Your Loadout With a Variety of Unique Options[/h3]Each aircraft is equipped with unique loadouts and armament fit to their role. As you upgrade your aircraft, you’ll be given access to game-changing modifiers like Special Abilities and Mods that allow you to customize to your flight style. Change your paint and equip some decals for bonus style points.

[h3]💥COMPETE Against the Best of the Best[/h3]Join over 5 million players across PC + Mobile platforms, with full cross play supported, from all over the world in exhilarating and competitive combat experiences. Each season you’re provided the opportunity to rise through the ranks all the way up to Grand Master for each plane! How far will you push yourself, pilot?



Metalstorm is the hard work of a small passionate team based in Seattle, WA. From everyone here at Starform, we want to truly say thank you for giving us a chance, and for your support. Stay tuned to this page for more information and updates, and as always–we’ll see you in the skies!

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Join the rest of our pilots:
discord.gg/metalstorm