Split Circuit Arena Unveiled With First Trailer and Steam Page

June 17, 2026 - 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: