Instruments of Destruction

Lore & Background

Instruments of Destruction was announced in April 2021 for an early access release in the fourth quarter of 2021, but was eventually released in early access on March 2, 2022. The full 1.0 version launched on May 10, 2024, adding a main campaign mode of more than 50 missions where players demolish structures using over 100 pre-designed vehicles. An additional 25-mission campaign tasks players with designing their own vehicles, and a sandbox mode with no objectives is also included. The designer drew inspiration for the primary campaign mode from the 1997 game Blast Corps.

Radiangames is a one-person developer based in Illinois, U.S., headed by Luke Schneider, previously known for being the lead tech designer on Red Faction: Guerrilla, another physics-based destruction game. Console versions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S were released on October 23, 2025.

Reader's Guide

Instruments of Destruction is notable for its physics-based destruction system, which received commentary in the gaming press. During early access, NME described the destruction system as 'both spectacular and wonderfully intricate' while offering mixed comparisons to Besiege. Eurogamer noted the vehicle editor is easy and fun to use and that the game surpasses being merely an imitator of Besiege. GameStar highlighted the destruction physics as superior to that of Besiege and also noted the 'unexpectedly cool soundtrack'; they later included the game on a list of best physics games on Steam. After playing the early access version, TJ Denzer of Shacknews said his time with the game 'has been an absolute blast'. At full release, PC Gamer described the destruction tech as beautiful and the game itself as a joy to play. The game's development by a single person, Luke Schneider, who previously worked on Red Faction: Guerrilla, adds context to its focus on physics-based destruction. The inclusion of a campaign inspired by Blast Corps, alongside a sandbox mode and a vehicle-design campaign, provides multiple ways to engage with the destruction mechanics.

Did You Know?

• The game was developed and published by Radiangames, a one-person developer based in Illinois.
• The game's head, Luke Schneider, was previously lead tech designer on Red Faction: Guerrilla.