Space Engineers, prepare for war! Keen Software House has officially revealed Warfare 3, the next major combat-focused update coming to your favorite space sandbox game. The update is set to introduce plenty of new ways to defend yourself while blasting foes into space debris. Here's everything we know about the upcoming Space Engineers Warfare 3 update, including its release date, new content, and more.

Space Engineers Warfare 3 Release Date

Sadly, we don't have an exact release date yet for the Space Engineers Warfare 3 update. However, we won't have to wait too much longer! According to the devs, Warfare 3 is currently planned for a release sometime in November or December 2026. When it arrives, it will include major gameplay additions like guided weapons, countermeasures, EMP weapons, and jump detection, while the optional paid Warfare 3 DLC pack will add more blocks and some decorative items.

Space Engineers Warfare 3 Features

While the complete patch notes haven't been released yet, the development team has already revealed several major features coming with Warfare 3.

Here's some of what players can expect:

• Guided Missiles
• Heavy Seeking Torpedoes
• Multiple Ammunition Types
• Countermeasure Flares
• EMP Weapons
• Jump Detection
• New Event Controller Functionality
• New Artillery Turret
• New Torpedo Launchers
• New Warhead Variants
• Longer Conveyor Tubes
• New Cockpit and Passenger-Seat Blocks
• Colorful Icons

Guided Missiles & Torpedoes

One of the biggest additions is the ability to use guided missiles and torpedoes. Guided weapons can lock onto targets and pursue them after launch, giving you a new option for attacking fast-moving ships. Torpedoes will come in several varieties, allowing players to choose between speed, tracking, and destructive power.

Some guided weapons can also prioritize specific ship systems, such as weapons or power. That means players won't necessarily have to destroy an entire ship to win a fight. Instead, they can target the systems that keep it operational.

Countermeasure Flares

If you're going to give players guided weapons, you'll also need to give them a way to defend against them. Enter, Countermeasure Flares. Flares can distract incoming missiles and torpedoes, giving targeted ships a chance to evade attacks. Proper timing will be especially important, as deploying countermeasures too early could leave a ship vulnerable later in the fight.

EMP Weapons

Warfare 3 also introduces a new Prototech Microwave Emitter that can temporarily disable grids within its range. This EMP weapon could create some interesting combat strategies for those who want to minimize damage. Rather than destroying an enemy ship outright, players can potentially disable it and leave it vulnerable to follow-up attacks or boarding operations.

Jump Detection

Jump Drives are one of the best ways to escape an enemy in Space Engineers, but Warfare 3 is making them a little less reliable. With Jump Detection, you can reveal the destination of large or heavy grids after they make a long-distance jump. Other players may receive a temporary GPS marker showing where the ship emerged. This means that jumping away from a battle could turn into the beginning of a chase. Don't worry — this feature is optional and can be adjusted through world settings.

New Blocks & Weapons

Of course, one of the things that most Space Engineers will want to see is the new blocks. Luckily, the Warfare 3 update seems to be aiming to release plenty of new blocks for building and customizing your ships and bases however you like. In fact, before the update finally arrives, you can check out the studio's YouTube channel for regular updates showcasing the newest blocks on the way. These will be released every week until the update arrives to give a better look at what's coming. It builds a little bit of hype too!