FromSoftware's Chromehounds Game is Making a Comeback

Summary

A fan has revived Chromehounds' servers after 15 years, providing a rare opportunity for fans to revisit the tactical mech combat game.
The title was first released for the Xbox 360 in 2006, and servers were shut down in 2010.

Chromehounds, a 2006 mech title developed by FromSoftware for the Xbox 360, is making a comeback as a dedicated fan recently found a way to bring its servers back online 15 years after they went dark. For fans of the genre, it's a rare opportunity to revisit a unique piece of FromSoftware history and hop back into their mechas over a decade after they were sunset.

Chromehounds first launched in 2006 on the Xbox 360 as a tactical mech combat game with a heavy emphasis on customization and team-based multiplayer. Players built their own mechs, called HOUNDs, and either explored the solo campaign or took part in squad-based multiplayer missions. Every player had a specific role in Chromehounds, with squads needing to communicate effectively if they hoped to win against opponents. Sega shut down Chromehounds’ servers in 2010, leaving its player base with no other option than to seek out other games featuring mech-building mechanics, such as the Armored Core series.

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By Hamza Haq

A dedicated modder known as ImagineBeingAtComputers found a way to bring FromSoftware's Chromehounds back online, and players are already hoping back into their mechas. The project relies on Adrian Cassar’s Xenia Canary Netplay, a modified version of the Xbox 360 emulator that supports online multiplayer. In an interview with Read Only Memo, ImagineBeingAtComputers revealed that they spent over a year trying to figure out a way to restore Chromehounds’ multiplayer service, and they finally found a way to do so. While still early in development, the revived servers currently support 6v6 “free” battles. Voice chat is not yet available, but for many fans, simply getting back into their favorite Xbox 360 game is a milestone years in the making.

FromSoftware's Mecha Game Revives Xbox 360 Nostalgia

While some dedicated fans are bringing Chromehounds back from the grave, FromSoftware is turning its attention to multiplayer games. The studio is preparing to launch Elden Ring: Nightreign on May 30, a spin-off to its award-winning open-world RPG. Additionally, a new title, The Duskbloods, is in development and scheduled to arrive sometime in 2026. FromSoftware has not confirmed any new single-player games currently in development, but fans hope for more news in the months to come.

Players who don’t feel like returning to 2006-era mech battles won’t have to wait long before they get their hands on FromSoftware’s next game. Elden Ring: Nightreign is just around the corner, and this upcoming multiplayer title will finally let players enjoy the mayhem of the Lands Between together. Director Junya Ishizaki revealed that the concept of Nightreign dates back to the development of Dark Souls 3, which should guarantee that players will be facing the dark atmosphere and tough battles that FromSoftware is known for.

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