Fun for Both Previous Players and Newcomers! Hands-On Report on “Ash Arms 2,” a Weapon-Girl Military TPS & Sim Game [TGS2026]

The "Tokyo Game Show 2026" (hereinafter "TGS2026") was held from Thursday, September 17, 2026, through Sunday, September 20, 2026.

In this article, we cover Hall 2 [02-C08], we present a play report on “Ash Arms 2 -the Darkside of the Moon-,” a new third-person shooter (TPS) in the series and the sequel to the “personified weapon × military simulation RPG” *Ash Arms: Frontline of Ashes*.

While inheriting the appeal of its predecessor—the combination of “personified (real-world) weapons × military”—this title has evolved into a 3D TPS and simulation game.The game aims to deliver a new gaming experience by blending action—where you control mecha-inspired heroines with customizable weapons to wipe out enemies—with strategic base building and trade mechanics.

During this hands-on session, I was able to freely combine two maps with different terrain themes and two characters with distinct traits to play the game.

Fight flexibly by switching between combat styles and weapons on random maps!

There are also two types of missions: main missions and side missions. Since we had a time limit for this demo, I focused on clearing the main mission. The main mission was “Destroy the Large Lair”; successfully completing it clears the stage.

After starting, I checked the map to locate the lair and headed there, only to encounter an enemy called the “Disaster Beast (Resetter).” The unit I chose for this playthrough could switch between two forms: a humanoid form capable of ground combat and a vehicle form capable of high-speed movement. I transformed the unit according to the battlefield situation, steadily advancing toward the lair while defeating enemies along the way.Depending on the unit’s form, you may not be able to attack, so assess the distance to and number of enemies and adapt your strategy accordingly.

Additionally, this game features random maps, so the enemy’s location and the terrain vary each time. Although this wasn’t part of this demo, it seems you’ll need to select your equipment in preparation for unforeseen circumstances.

You’ll advance by strategically switching between your primary weapon (main attack), three types of secondary weapons (secondary attacks), and “Special Orders” such as the support options described below. If you look closely, you can identify the enemies’ weak points. Incidentally, it seems enemies spawn infinitely, so it’s probably better to prioritize destroying the nest over eliminating every enemy.

Once I spotted the large nest—my objective—I selected “Request Air DOLLS Support” from the “Special Orders” menu. The “Special Orders” menu also included options like “Request Ammo Resupply” and “Request Repair Kit Resupply.”

“Request Air DOLLS Support” allows you to temporarily summon and control an air support unit to launch attacks. Since air units can unleash powerful attacks without being hindered by ground enemies, they’re extremely effective for destroying the nest.

Ground combat continued even while I was controlling the air support units. Early on, there were times when my ground units got wiped out while I was using the air support units… but I gradually got the hang of it, and in the end, I successfully cleared the mission with a single strike from the air support units!

Since the genre has changed significantly, I wondered if there might be players who haven’t played the previous game but are interested in it. So, after the demo, I asked, “Can people who haven’t played the previous game still enjoy the story, characters, and world setting?”I received the following reply: “While there are some connections, the ‘era’ depicted in the game has changed, so even those unfamiliar with the previous game’s story can enjoy this one!”

Of course, they also mentioned that they want to ensure fans of the previous game can enjoy this one as well, so they plan to feature the “DOLLS” (the beautiful young women who are artificial lifeforms and playable characters from the previous game) in some form.

However, while the previous game featured personified weapons from World War II, this one focuses on personified weapons from the Cold War era (in fact, the units available during the demo included the M1A1 Abrams for ground combat and the A-10 for air support).Furthermore, since the game has been converted to 3D, the controls feel more like those of a typical “mecha-girl” game. As for whether the DOLLS from the previous game will appear, and in what form, the developers say that details are currently being worked out.

The game’s atmosphere also appears to be set during the “Cold War,” so we look forward to further updates on this title, which will likely allow players to enjoy these “differences across eras” in the future.

The TGS 2026 booth featured giveaways and cosplayers

At the TGS 2026 booth, a cosplayer (Umimi Umi) dressed as “M1A1 Abrams”—one of the characters available for the hands-on demo—welcomed visitors.

A preview booklet was distributed as one of the demo giveaways, and on the official X account, there’s a post focusing on the game’s story—which is also featured in the booklet.

In addition, the official X account features an FAQ about the game, so whether you’re curious about this title or a fan of the previous one, be sure to follow the official X account and stay tuned for updates!