Operation: Harsh Doorstop

Shooter· Free to Play· Military· Realistic

Early access since Feb 2023

Operation: Harsh Doorstop is the ultimate, free to play, tactical shooter sandbox. Play singleplayer, multiplayer, or co-op modes and explore thousands of community-created maps, weapons, and vehicles via the Steam Workshop. Created by developers of the cancelled Project Reality 2 project.

77% positive · 21K reviews

Not yet

In early access, content still planned

High confidence

Content Planned

Not yet

In early access, content still planned

High confidence

Content Planned

Where to get it

Free on Steam

Steam Free

Evaluation

Operation: Harsh Doorstop is a free-to-play tactical shooter that has been in Steam Early Access since February 15, 2023, developed by Drakeling Labs — a team of part-time and volunteer developers who support themselves through careers outside the games industry. The previous evaluation flagged concern about extended silence following a February 8, 2026 teaser for an "Armored Warfare" update. That concern has now been resolved: on October 5, 2026, the game's founder posted a detailed development status update explaining the silence. He had been completing basic military training for the United States Air Force and was prohibited from accessing personal electronic devices during that period. The rest of the development team continued working throughout his absence. That same October 5, 2026 post serves as a comprehensive preview of the upcoming major update, showcasing 29 new weapons (shown in YouTube videos), new vehicles, new maps, and a large list of features already available in the multiplayer playtest build — including overhauled UI, laser-guided missiles, night and thermal vision, vehicle bot support, constructible emplacements, and a campaign storyline and progression system. The developer explicitly states: "I still have barely scratched the surface of all the features we've already implemented for this upcoming update... I'm excited to continue showing off all our team's work in the coming months." He also reaffirms: "We're still only getting started." The game's major update history includes v0.13.0.0 (December 20, 2023), v0.14.0.0 (February 28, 2025), v0.14.1.0 (March 26, 2025), the Summer Relief Update v0.14.2.0 (July 4, 2025), and a hotfix on August 8, 2025. The upcoming Armored Warfare update represents the next major release in this pattern and has not yet shipped to all players. The developer also references a "World War" mode planned for release before the game exits Early Access, described in the February 8, 2026 announcement. The game remains firmly in Early Access with a clear roadmap toward a full 1.0 release, substantial content in active development, and a team that — despite unconventional circumstances — has demonstrated consistent commitment to the project.

Evidence

Founder explains three-month absence due to U.S. Air Force basic training, then previews the upcoming major 'Armored Warfare' update with 29+ new weapons, new vehicles, new maps, and a large feature list already in the multiplayer playtest build. States the team has been working every day and that 'we're still only getting started.'

news post · Oct 5, 2026 source content planned

high

Armored Warfare update teaser trailer released. Developer confirms the update is in closed community playtest. References an upcoming 'World War' mode to be released before full launch out of Early Access.

news post · Feb 8, 2026 source content planned

high

Content

6 of 6 released · no outstanding content

Released

Operation: Hyrcania (Eastern European Conflict) Campaign

Mar 2025

Released

Operation: Gothic Serpent (Somali Civil War) Campaign

Mar 2025

Media

Details

Developer

Drakeling Labs

Publisher

—

Achievements

—

Platform

Windows

Controller

—

Steam Deck

Playable

Players

Single-player · Multiplayer · Co-op · PvP

Free to Play Military Realistic FPS Shooter Tactical Action War Simulation Strategy First-Person Wargame Casual Early Access Moddable

About this game

What is Operation: Harsh Doorstop?

Operation: Harsh Doorstop is the ultimate tactical sandbox that merges intense military combat with limitless creative potential. Taking inspiration from both classic military simulation and mod-friendly sandbox games, OHD creates a unique experience where authentic warfare meets community-driven content creation. Whether you're engaging in tactical combat or exploring player-created modifications, every session offers something new.

Combined arms warfare in Operation: Harsh Doorstop.

Tactical Combat

Experience warfare where strategy and teamwork define victory. Coordinate with your squad, utilize vehicles effectively, and engage in intense firefights across diverse battlefields. The combat system rewards tactical thinking and team coordination, creating intense moments where every decision impacts the flow of battle.

Deployed M240B laying down suppressing fire.

Fortification & Supply Systems

Adapt to the evolving battlefield with our dynamic fortification system. Establish defensive positions, create supply lines, and reinforce strategic locations with sandbags and tactical barriers. Your team's ability to secure and fortify key positions can turn the tide of battle.

Operation: Harsh Doorstop's dynamic construction system.

Battlefield Communication

Success depends on clear communication and coordination. Our integrated voice system enables:

Local voice chat for close-quarters coordination
Squad communications for tactical planning
Command channels for strategic operations

Unlimited Modding Potential

At its heart, Operation: Harsh Doorstop is a platform for creativity. Through comprehensive mod support and Steam Workshop integration, creators can build:

Custom factions and equipment
New vehicles and weapons
Original game modes
Total conversion mods
Unique worlds and scenarios

American armored logistics convoy.

Key Features

Authentic tactical combat with infantry and vehicle warfare
Dynamic fortification system
Integrated team communication tools
Multiplayer, co-op, and single-player modes
Comprehensive Steam Workshop support
Expansive battlefields
Community-driven content creation
Regular game updates

Step into the future of tactical gaming. Operation: Harsh Doorstop combines authentic military action with unlimited creative possibilities, offering an experience that grows with its community.