Night Street Games has released the open beta for Last Flag on the Epic Games Store, offering players a focused five-versus-five shooter centered entirely on Capture the Flag. Unlike many live service shooters that include multiple modes, Last Flag dedicates itself to refining one core experience. The game emphasizes strategy, team coordination, and stealth, challenging players to locate the enemy flag while defending their own.
During early hands-on sessions, players start with a tutorial and a bot match before engaging in live matches with team members. Each map is divided into two halves, with a designated player initially hiding the team’s flag. When the match begins, players must search the opposing team’s territory while the enemy attempts the same. Radar towers, scattered across the map, serve as strategic points that periodically scan enemy areas. Red markers indicate where the enemy flag is not located, giving teams clues and shaping their approach. This mechanic reduces the reliance on chance and encourages tactical decision-making.
Map Design and Development Philosophy
Game director Matt Weber explained that map design develops organically. Initial maps prioritize combat zones and overall dimensions, with hiding spots added as artists refine the environment. Unintended locations discovered during quality assurance testing sometimes become intentional gameplay elements if they enhance the experience. Co-founder Mac Reynolds highlighted that the game’s focus on Capture the Flag draws from childhood experiences playing the mode outdoors. The team sought to capture that feeling of hide-and-seek and strategic planning, which influenced the creation of radar towers to provide structured objectives without removing player freedom.
Heroes and Gameplay Dynamics
Last Flag features nine heroes with varied abilities, including stealth options and combat-focused roles. The developers intentionally avoided strict class distinctions, ensuring every character can engage in flag hiding, base defense, objective capture, and other core activities. Matches generally last 15 minutes, with overtime extending play if necessary. Balancing remains an ongoing process, with the team adjusting hero strengths based on playtesting feedback. Weber emphasized that the goal is not perfect equilibrium but creating situations where different characters can excel depending on the match context.
A Focused Shooter with a Unique Loop
The development team is clear about what differentiates Last Flag from other online shooters. Weber explained that the game prioritizes a unique Capture the Flag loop rather than replicating battle royale or hero shooter trends. Reynolds noted that this approach is high risk but allows players to experience a different style of gameplay that focuses on strategy and coordination over raw combat. The result is a multiplayer experience that rewards planning and situational awareness while providing flexibility in how teams approach objectives.
Launch Information
Last Flag is scheduled for full release on the Epic Games Store in 2026. The open beta is currently available, giving players early access to its Capture the Flag-focused gameplay and strategic hero-based mechanics.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When does Last Flag launch?
Last Flag is expected to launch on the Epic Games Store in 2026. The open beta is currently live.
What platforms is Last Flag available on?
The game is available on PC through the Epic Games Store.
What is the core gameplay of Last Flag?
Last Flag is a five-versus-five shooter that focuses entirely on Capture the Flag, with teams hiding and retrieving flags while controlling radar towers and completing objectives.
How many heroes are in Last Flag?
There are nine heroes, each with unique abilities. Characters are designed to support multiple playstyles without strict class roles.
How long do matches last in Last Flag?
Matches generally last around 15 minutes, with the possibility of overtime.
Does Last Flag use web3 features?
Currently, Last Flag does not implement web3 features, focusing on traditional multiplayer mechanics.
Can players rely solely on radar towers to win?
Radar towers provide strategic information but are optional. Teams can choose their own approach, balancing stealth, combat, and tower control.
