Sleepwalkers. New gameplay footage discovered. Distance: 800 meters. Directly ahead.
Beijing (November 13, 2026) — Lock on target, Sleepwalkers. In a brand-new 15-minute gameplay demo, Alpha Channel and Kepler Interactive reveal previously undisclosed details about the highly anticipated tank action game, TankRat.
New Missions, New Mechanics
The centerpiece of this gameplay demo is the "Ironstrike" mission—a new level in TankRat that never appeared in its predecessor, TankHead. As protagonist Whittaker embarks on a journey to find the original copy of his now-digitized self—his "Persona Zero"—players get a fresh perspective on the world's lore. Guided only by a clue from the mysterious Cyril, Whittaker delves into the ruins of the neighboring city of Ironstrike, gradually uncovering the truth behind the fall of this once-glorious metropolis.
The gameplay demo also showcases one of the new ways TankRat lets players wreak havoc in the Event Containment Area (ECA) and tear other tanks apart—the "Remote Viewer." This new mechanic allows players to temporarily seize control of enemy units and turn their own weapons against them, ripping their allies to shreds.
A Formidable Foe Appears: The Cableworm
The climax of the "Ironstrike" mission features a boss battle against the "Cableworm." This terrifying mech-hybrid is formed from the terrain surrounding Ironstrike, capable of tearing metal from the ground and animating it. As it unleashes devastating firepower with its nine-pronged laser, your tank must be agile enough to dodge attacks or sturdy enough to withstand the explosive impact if you hope to survive. Throughout the fight, smaller TankRat units—Grabbers—will also attempt to overload your tank and core Needle with radiation.
The Willow Way
During Whittaker's journey, he will also encounter one of TankRat's new NPCs—a chilling creature named Willow. As an old friend of Cyril and one of the first Highpoint residents to upload her consciousness via "Teleprojection," Willow has been left alone in the ECA for far too long. Her sanity is stretched to its limit, and she reveals many truths about Whittaker's future that he may find hard to accept.
Sleepwalkers will officially launch on January 15 on PlayStation 5 and PC (Steam). Add it to your wishlist now.
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About Alpha Channel
Alpha Channel is an independent studio founded in 2018 by veteran AAA game developers, dedicated to creating emotionally resonant game worlds through player-emergent design. As part of the Kepler Interactive group, the team combines creative freedom with collaborative support to craft distinctive, atmospheric gaming experiences.
About Kepler Interactive
Kepler Interactive is a London-based video game company and creative studio. With titles such as Pacific Drive, Sifu, Rematch, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Kepler carefully partners with developers worldwide to showcase the sharpest and most outstanding creativity in the gaming industry, blending experimental game design with unique artistic direction.
Beyond its game portfolio, Kepler's creative studio is dedicated to bringing gaming into real life through lifestyle products and collaborations with artists like fashion designer Robyn Lynch, spanning art, fashion, music, architecture, and design. Kepler continuously explores creative spaces and the creators behind the scenes that inspire games—challenging established perspectives and elevating the medium of gaming to new heights.