Dovetail Games is set to challenge its own genre conventions with the announcement of Metro Rivals: New York, a “genre-defying simcade game” that ditches traditional simulation for high-stakes competition and adrenaline-fueled action. The title is currently in development and is slated for an early 2026 release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
This announcement is a bold new chapter for Dovetail, known primarily for its detailed, authentic simulators. Metro Rivals promises a gritty, fast-paced experience described by Dovetail Co-CEO Gemma Brown as blending the attitude of New York with the thrill of competition—think Crazy Taxi meets Need for Speed: Underground.
The Underground World of Track Titans
Metro Rivals: New York plunges players into a near-future New York City where the subway system is not just public transit, but a battleground. The city’s rails are divided into ten fiercely contested districts, each ruled by one of five Track Titans—celebrity drivers who are underground royalty, dominating their lines with skill, reputation, and massive social media followings.
Players start with nothing more than a hand-me-down train and a dream of rising through the ranks. The core loop involves hustling: completing various jobs, earning cash fares, upgrading trains, building a social following, and earning the prestige required to challenge the Track Titans for their turf.
Unreal Engine 5 and Competitive Gameplay
This marks Dovetail Games’ first major foray into Unreal Engine 5 development. Co-CEO Rob O’Farrell confirmed that the studio is leveraging UE5 tools like Lumen, Nanite, and procedural generation to create an intensely alive and immersive experience. This technical upgrade promises to deliver a level of visual fidelity and immersion previously unseen in the developer’s titles.
The gameplay is a nuanced blend of strategy, light simulation, and action:
- Single-Player Campaign: Features a story-driven mode where players challenge the Titans and build their legacy.
- Fierce PvP Mode: Up to four players can clash head-to-head. Victory isn’t just about speed; players are scored on their ability to handle the train with precision and control under pressure, earning bragging rights on asynchronous leaderboards.
- Chill Exploration: For those who prefer a relaxed ride, the game includes a Free Roam mode to simply explore the unique take on New York City.
Adding to the immersive experience, Dovetail is collaborating with Reactional Music to introduce a procedural music engine. This means the soundtrack will be fully native and cinematically integrated, pulsing and changing in real-time with the intensity and rhythm of the player’s session.
Customization and Wishlist Details
Customization will play a major role, allowing players to upgrade performance and personalize their trains with unique skins and liveries. Dovetail has stressed that any in-game purchases will be entirely cosmetic, guaranteeing a fair, non-pay-to-win competitive environment.
Metro Rivals: New York is slated for release in early 2026. Players can wishlist the game now on Steam, the Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
