title image

SteamWorld Heist

Strategy

Ratings

Age

9+

Category

Strategy

Languages

English

In SteamWorld Heist, you command a robotic squad in a series of tactical shootouts. It’s turn-based strategy with a twist: you manually aim the weapons of your crew, allowing for insane trick shots and ricochet action. As Captain Piper Faraday, you will recruit a rag-tag team of steam-driven robots, customize them with unique abilities and weapons, and even collect hundreds of different hats while looting your way across the galaxy.

Dinsun Expert Review

Our Expert Score

94/100

SteamWorld Heist is a brilliant departure from the typical tactical RPG. By switching the perspective to a 2D side-scroller and making the 'shooting' skill-based (you actually have to aim your gun), it removes the frustration of '95% chance to hit' misses found in other games. The ricochet mechanic is a game-changer; bouncing a bullet off three walls to headshot an enemy hiding behind a shield feels incredibly rewarding.

The steampunk world is dripping with personality, and the soundtrack by Steam Powered Giraffe is the perfect accompaniment to the clanking of robot boots. It’s a deep, strategic, and polished experience that feels right at home on a mobile screen.

Dinsun reviewed on: Tue Feb 24 2026

Features

1

Skill-based tactical combat instead of RNG-based hits.

2

Procedurally generated levels for endless variety.

3

Over 100 hats to collect and equip.

4

Soundtrack by the world-famous Steam Powered Giraffe.

5

Deep character customization and upgrade trees.

Tips & Walkthrough

Gameplays

Screenshot

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Q&A

It is set in the same universe but features completely different gameplay (tactical strategy vs. platforming).

Ratings & Reviews

SteamWorld Heist
Tue Nov 15 2016 syntheticvoid

I wound up picking this up the minute I saw it, blindly, because of the developers previous RTS/TD game, Anthill. It was one of the first games I purchased all of the IAP for, and have been hoping they'd bring more titles over to the AppStore eventually. I'm just incredibly lucky it happened to be a title on many a gamer's GOTY lists a few years back. And all of the praise is very deserved. 5 difficulty levels, no IAP (ATM, dunno if the expansion will be free or not, either way, this is a PREMIUM title), redesigned for controller-less touch screens... The graphics and production values are outstanding, and there's tons of attention paid to little details everywhere throughout the game. Loads of loot to collect, quite a few pirates to hire, replay able levels, difficulty that can be changed before every stage... And once you get about an hour in, the difficulty hits a nice spot and keeps good pace (so long as you don't go back and grind too much), and the NG+ is always a nice addition. I really can not recommend this game enough. It's not gonna knock anything off my own GOTY list, but I try to keep any ports over a year old off my lists. But I can definitely see why it wound up on so many game of the year lists...

quite fantastic
Thu Mar 02 2017 the big nütrino

Indeed those of you in need of turn-based games will find this a fantastic gem, those of you which enjoy subtle humor, excellent U.I., polished graphics, catchy & unique game-only songs- really will find this a fantastic game. In my gaming life, seldom do I see a 10$ cost in the App Store. though when I do, I would expect less, and more... In this game, you are under the command of a robot of whom will also be with you on missions, or not. Unless she is leveled as high or higher than the other (way, way too many) bots you will "meet" along your journeys, the default choice is by highest HP, XP etc. Though, each bot has their own unique skill sets (some able to carry heavy weapons, other "sniper-only") that allow for an interesting need to choose which armaments to purchase, sell, and equip to which bot. As I said, the price is too high for a game which has too much busy work and side quests which often prove exhausting upon trying to finish. Personally I became close to ending due to boredom in the attempt to "3-star" missions. Needing better weapons, or the need to have other bots leveled to utilize their talents is not something you know prior to needing that specific talent, and to explain this full circle: to level them up would, in my opinion, simply be playing boring-rehashed levels (though they do slightly change each time you play them again, a nice feature) and time consuming as nothing more can be gained after receiving the "best goodies" beside the XP & HP needed to level said bots. Regarless of the few negatives, 5 stars goes to "Epic" Apps. And this comes close to that, but no half stars here, hence, a solid 4.

Turn Based Action Strategy RPG
Wed Nov 16 2016 AmesMoore

Taking cues from games like XCom and Borderlands, Steamworld Heist is a sure winner. The developers were able to take what we love from from these influences and simplified the gameplay. Beloved characters who die in missions come back when you return to your ship, weapons have special abilities (which provides for more angles on strategy), and there is loot, loot, and more loot in the form of treasure, hats, and perk-like items that gives your favorite character an edge on baddies. Missions become evermore challenging and when the game is completed, you are offered another go around with the plus mode (allowing you to keep what you've earned on your previous journey). The game is flawless, which makes it absurd for me to possibly ask for more without feeling guilty. However, I would GLADLY pay more money to see the DLC's ported to IOS! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! PS- I would also purchase Steamworld Dig in a heartbeat if was available on this platform. If you love games, strategy, or just a fan of developers who will actually listen, you'll want to follow Image and Form Games. Check out Steam if you're like me and just CANNOT wait for more!

This game is a gem.
Sun Oct 29 2017 E=ME2

This game definitely is one of the best games in App Store. The experience is great, I judge that by if I would play a game through nonstop. I spent seven hours to finish the game, nonstop. It reminds me Jagged Alliance a lot. They are all great turn based tactical games. But compare to JA, Steamworld Heist’s system is much less sophisticated. For one thing the dev chose side view, it makes the game completely 2 dimensional. And since units can not stay at ladders, the game space is shrunken too much. But JA uses 30 degree view, and units can go up to roofs, that makes JA 3 dimensional. So strategy part is much wider. JA also uses a well designed motion point system. In this system, shooting costs motion points just like walking and other actions. Spending more points makes aiming more accurate. This is greatest system I’ve ever seen. But STeamworld Heist uses an oversimplified system, which makes the strategy much less variable. I don’t know if there are certain reasons why iOS games could not reach the same height of PC games. I just don’t want to give any iOS game 5 stars. They are not worth it yet.

I wish I bought this a long time ago
Tue Apr 25 2017 Faithor

The price always drove me away. There was no way I would pay $9.99 for an iPhone game. I even have a hard time considering $4.99 for a mobile game. Mainly because the games these days are such lower quality than the early 2000s. Now days it's common to pay $40 for a game that is only entertaining for a couple days. Where-as console games back in the day like Nintendo 64, GameCube, ps2 would last for months, sometimes years. Anyway, it wasn't until I lost the use of my left hand due to cancer that I needed to find one handed games. And when this went on sale I just got desperate for a game so I bought it & surprisingly, if I knew how much fun this game was I would have gladly paid full price a long time ago for it. I've been playing for days and it keeps getting better. Now I'm just hoping it lasts a long time because I dont want it to end. But yea, if you are debating to get it based on price, it's totally worth it. High quality, no bugs, really fun.

Completely Addicting!
Mon Oct 05 2020 Fanty & Mingo

Don’t let the 2-D scrolling platform dissuade you: This is a rich and fun turn-based romp thru a robot-space-pirate-steam-punk world with an awesome soundtrack (available on Apple Music: Yay!). Procedurally generated levels, reactive enemy AI, and a seemingly endless loot table of “rare” weapons and gear make it infinitely replayable. And then there’s the hats. When a rare, as yet uncollected hat adorns the head of an enemy, you will risk everything to spend a turn shooting it off rather than deliver max damage. I’ve played thru on “experienced” “veteran” and “elite” difficulties, and still want more. Elite is ruthless. But in a good way. There are just enough RPG elements to let you invest your imagination without option paralysis. The shared inventory size doesn’t allow for nostalgia over your early gear. While loading-out for a mission, each crew member gets to equip only 4 things. Each has their own ability progression, but no choices to leave you pondering options. The variety comes from which members you develop by taking them on missions. The only technical glitch I’ve encountered is that sometimes after playing a good while (an hour or 3), the sound effects track goes silent. Restarting the app restores it. Otherwise rock-solid. Can’t wait for the sequel! [Devs: Please please PLEASE port the “Outsider” DLC to iOS!]

Dungeons and Dragons Robot Strategy
Mon Jun 10 2019 RedX321

To people thinking that this game is about a proper cowboy action game, well, they probably don’t look to Apple mobile store anyway. This is actually a perfect example of how the marketplace (not just apple store) is littered with literally 100% “you can’t use this weapon because you are playing this X class” games, and the ones that allow it are all PvP games only. Real cowboys just do whatever they want, so the nerd hypocrisy and worship as a cult religion is written all over the place, while being triggered when asking for more of a moderate balance (which is why it is a bad thing, not a good thing). That’s why this game only gets a three, but most people won’t know this! because yes it’s very well done for yet another dungeons and dragons strategy rpg (when has that not yet been done before?). Will continue to rate low and people should do so until the market for all games reaches more of a fifty fifty balance so that everyone can be happy. Can’t please everyone with just DND. With that said, this game manages to have a nice balance of action, after the fact that players will be faced with mostly female robot characters crafted by mostly developers with foreign European names. It’s bizarre to say the least, but at least aiming guns is sort of intuitive, until characters shake their hands (even being robots) which will throw off some players’ aim that are seeking weapons without laser sights and the four slot inventory also has some weird failings like not being able to equip armor if people want grenades and a medpak. However the gunshots, explosions, robotic parts gibs (hats and all), remains to be satisfying, and the cowboy theme with steam and water actually picks the game off the otherwise incredibly massive list of problems with the game weighing it down to the floor. With the world so flocking to DND, can see why this game gets a five or four, but not from the rest of us. 🤠

Beautiful.
Sun Nov 27 2016 xXGamerXx05

The game boasts a very in-depth fun tactical side scrolling turn based shooter! Gameplay is like X-com but sideways with its own little twists. There's one thing that some games these days I feel lack, and it's style. The game feels and looks wonderful, runs very smoothly on my iPhone 6s. (no battery draining here, doesn't feel like it anyways). Last but not least the music is great, it weaves everything together and really immerses you into the world. The game has released on most consoles already, and has been greatly reviewed by multiple sites, so to have a taste of this gem on mobile is quite the treat. Support the developers! We don't get premium games like this often with our oversaturated f2p games. Here's to hoping they port the dlc content somehow, would gladly pay more for that should it come around! 🍺

Some Youtube Videos found!

News found!

Friday's best iOS app deals and freebies: SteamWorld Heist LEGO Bricktales, Fantasy Chronicle, more - 9to5Toys

Friday's best iOS app deals and freebies: SteamWorld Heist LEGO Bricktales, Fantasy Chronicle, more  9to5Toys

9to5Toys Fri May 29 2026

SteamWorld Essentials Collection Review - Game Critix

SteamWorld Essentials Collection Review  Game Critix

Game Critix Mon Dec 01 2025

SteamWorld Heist II (Playstation 5) – Review - MKAU Gaming

SteamWorld Heist II (Playstation 5) – Review  MKAU Gaming

MKAU Gaming Thu Apr 24 2025

SteamWorld Heist II ReviewSteamWorld Heist II Review

SteamWorld Heist II is an excellent turn-based strategy RPG, as long as you can put up with the lackluster naval combat.

RPGFan Thu Mar 13 2025

‘SteamWorld Heist II’ Review: A Fun, Well-Oiled Machine in a Class of Its Own‘SteamWorld Heist II’ Review: A Fun, Well-Oiled Machine in a Class of Its Own

Despite spanning multiple genres, the SteamWorld games, from Swedish video game developer Image & Form, have remained remarkably consistent...

Slant Magazine Thu Mar 13 2025

SteamWorld Heist 2 Nintendo Switch physical release happening, pre-orders open - nintendoeverything.com

SteamWorld Heist 2 Nintendo Switch physical release happening, pre-orders open  nintendoeverything.com

nintendoeverything.com Tue Feb 25 2025

One of 2024’s Most Exciting Indie Games Shows Off Robots on the High Seas In A New TrailerOne of 2024’s Most Exciting Indie Games Shows Off Robots on the High Seas In A New Trailer

'SteamWorld Heist II' is shaping up to be one of the most exciting indie games of the year, as a new trailer shows off its aquatic open...

Inverse Thu Feb 13 2025

Music From SteamWorld Heist II (2024)Music From SteamWorld Heist II (2024)

Music From SteamWorld Heist II (2024) by Steam Powered Giraffe, released 08 August 2024 1. Heist Ahoy! (SteamWorld Heist II Theme) 2. Sparks Will Fly 3.

Bandcamp Mon Jan 13 2025

Don’t Sleep On 2024’s Most Underrated Tactics RPG - Kotaku

Don’t Sleep On 2024’s Most Underrated Tactics RPG  Kotaku

Kotaku Fri Jan 03 2025

The SteamWorld Heist 2 Reveal Is Another Reminder That There's Nothing Like SteamWorldThe SteamWorld Heist 2 Reveal Is Another Reminder That There's Nothing Like SteamWorld

I was both delighted and shocked to see the announcement of SteamWorld Heist 2 at this week's Nintendo Indie World showcase.

TheGamer Fri Dec 13 2024

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