Knifing Mantis has unveiled Split Circuit Arena, an early-stage physics-driven co-op arena combat game coming to PC via Steam, with Steam Deck support also planned as a target.
In Split Circuit Arena, two players attempt to pilot a single combat robot together. One player controls the left side of the machine, including its wheel and weapons, while the other controls the right side. Even driving in a straight line can become a negotiation… and lining up an attack while enemy machines close in is where the real chaos begins.
The game is built around split-control co-op, physics-based movement, and bot-vs-bot arena combat. Players must coordinate in real time to drive, turn, jump, ram, weaponize the arena, and survive escalating PvE encounters against AI-controlled rival robots.
Unlike competitive multiplayer games built around matchmaking and ranked pressure, Split Circuit Arena is designed as a co-op PvE experience first. Players can team up locally on one device or play together online, focusing on shared chaos, communication, and improvised problem-solving rather than waiting in queues or grinding a meta.
The current prototype already focuses on the central idea: two players, one robot, and a deliberately awkward control scheme that turns basic movement into part of the challenge. Development is continuing on the physics and damage model, enemy behavior, level hazards, weapons, and new arena scenarios.
Planned and current feature goals include:
- Split-control co-op: Two players share one robot, with each player controlling one side.
- Couch and online co-op: Play together locally on one device or connect online.
- PvE arena combat: Fight alongside a friend against AI-controlled enemy robots.
- Physics-driven mayhem: Ram, shove, flip, crash, and smash through opponents using physical movement and impacts.
- Arena hazards: Use rotating weapons, slamming traps, fire pits, and other level dangers against enemies — or fail and drive into them yourselves.
- Varied arenas: Planned arenas range from back-alley robot fights to cyberpunk rooftops and more extreme combat locations.
- Different encounter types: Some levels are planned around survival-style waves, while others will focus on more deliberate coliseum-like boss fights.
- Component-based damage model: Robots are planned to feature individual parts with their own durability, strengths, and weaknesses, rather than relying only on a simple health bar.
- Multiple weapon types: Planned weapon setups include rotating saws, slamming weapons, flippers, and other mechanical tools for controlled or completely uncontrolled destruction.
Split Circuit Arena is currently in early development. A public Steam Playtest and demo are planned for later this year, with more content and systems to be shown as development continues.