Strategy and Wargaming

knights-of-the-crusadesExperience the Pivotal Events of the First Crusade in a Unique Hybrid RTS/Grand Strategy Game

Reverie World Studios, in partnership with independent publishing platform indie.io, is proud to announce that their latest hybrid strategy game, Knights of the Crusades has entered Early Access to involve players directly in the development process of the game. This robust, seamless experience builds on the gameplay principles perfected by Reverie, placing players in the role of a minor knight and his warband at the dawn of two hundred years of Crusades. From there, it is their decision how to make their fortune and forge a small group of soldiers into a military order that will define the political makeup of the Holy Land.

Watch the Knights of the Crusades Launch Trailer HERE.

Check out Knights of the Crusades on Steam today.

Knights of the Crusades focuses on the eponymous medieval period, when the nascent powers of Western Europe united under the banner of religion to bring war to the Holy Land and bring it under Christian rule. The wars continued for two centuries, redefining political, economic, and religious landscapes not just in the Middle East, but across Europe. Military orders played a critical role in the crusades, becoming major players in the grand power plays of the known world Europe. Now, thanks to Knights of the Crusades, players get the chance to build such an order from scratch – or take the reins of the nascent Templar Order, the Emirate of Tripoli, or any of the 52 kingdoms and orders to rewrite history as they see fit.

Rewriting history is made possible by Reverie’s unique blend of real-time tactical combat, grand strategy systems, and open-ended campaign design. Beginning as a fledgling military order, players must pay close attention to logistics, ensuring their wandering army doesn’t arrive at the gates of Jerusalem with an empty stomach and no materials to build siege engines. They’ll also master tactical combat in a time when kings led charges from the front and the great equalizer of gunpowder had yet to arrive. With the right mix of strategy, leadership, and fortune, players will carve out their domain and enter an even more dangerous battlefield: the world of shifting alliances, fractured diplomacy, and long-term political maneuvering. With a combination of strategic thinking, talented leadership, and the right amount of luck, players will carve out their domain and enter an even bloodier battlefield – great politics in a rapidly shifting landscape, making and breaking alliances in pursuit of the goal.

stronghold-crusader-definitive-editionGreetings, Sire! Straight from its stellar public announcement to being in the top five most popular upcoming games in the Steam RTS Fest with 150k wishlists and 130k demo downloads, Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition is going from strength to strength on the road to its July 15th launch.

Today, Firefly Studios is thrilled to dive into some of the most highly requested gameplay additions from players for this expanded remaster – brand new units and AI characters! Just as a warrior is only as capable as their weapon, an RTS is only as masterful as its troops and its enemies.

Watch the 8 New Units Trailer HERE.

Bringing the new units to life in Crusader: DE was both a challenge and a blast. With most of the original assets missing, everything had to be rebuilt from the foundations,” said Darrin Horbal, Senior Graphic Designer. “This gave me the chance to refine the animations and push for smoother movement, clearer silhouettes, and stronger visual storytelling. The Heavy Camel was especially fun (and tricky), but there’s nothing more satisfying than watching these characters charge across the battlefield, fully animated and game-ready.

Units are the foundation of any good RTS combat system, being the building blocks for your ultimate military force. On top of the original troop types present in the first game, Crusader: DE aims to offer players an entirely new arsenal of warriors, each equipped with specialised gear for every challenge in the long march to victory. These new units were carefully based on the weapons and strategies of the historical Bedouin Arab tribes that have been present in the Middle East as early as 6000 BCE.

“With new missions comes new challenges, and new challenges demand new solutions. Enter the Bedouin tribe units – several thousand years of desert-hardened tactics and ruthlessly efficient tools.”

Bedouin societies are masters at surviving in the unforgiving desert environment, making highly resourceful use of the items and raw materials at their disposal. The development of these units was driven by the aim of creating the level of strategic depth that players have come to expect of the Stronghold series. From the skilled Sappers that are adept at demolishing structures and the pyromaniac Ambushers that drown their enemies in righteous fire, to the brutish, burly Eunuchs dual wielding scimitars and the life-saving medical wisdom of the Healers, players’ only limit would be their own crafty imagination.

Watch the New Characters Trailer HERE.

Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition not only elevates the original content that players loved but will bolster the whole package with entirely fresh mission scenarios, units and, of course, AI characters.

These four new characters serve as opponents for players to fully test their strategic depth against and bring the total of characters in Crusader DE to a whopping 20 (!) Lords. Each of these new lords has been designed to embody a unique tactical and cultural aspect of the ancient world:

The Kahin is a cold and ruthless priestess of a desert sect. Her mission is to preserve the sanctity of the desert and to kill all those that violate it. As a Bedouin-based AI with a balanced playstyle revolving around Eunuchs and Heavy Camels, she ranks medium on the difficulty scale.

The Sentinel is a stalwart titan of the Templar Order, a creature so bred for battle that he’s never been seen without his helmet. He employs a deadly cocktail of units including the crippling crossbowmen, marauding macemen and the brand new Demolishers. Being harder to counter than other AI opponents, he ranks medium-to-high difficulty wise.

“We know that the [original] AI opponents have lived long in players’ memories, so whilst we’re polishing them for a new release, we’re making sure not to disrupt the tried-and-true formula.”

Then there’s the Nomad, a confident Bedouin warrior whose protection spreads to whatever land he calls his home. Taking after his wandering lifestyle, he utilises Light Camels and Skirmishers to rush his opponents and catch them off guard. A good opponent for those who are looking for a rapid and relentless skirmish match, he ranks lower on the difficulty scale.

Last but not least is the Jewel, kin of long-standing Stronghold character Sir Longarm and a character who first appeared in Stronghold: Definitive Edition. A veritable force of nature in her own right, she bulldozes enemies using legions of tanky knights and swordsmen, only preferring to move out after amassing sufficient forces. As such, she sits high on the difficulty scale – a true challenge for anyone brave enough to face her.

Wishlist Stronghold Crusader: Definitive Edition now on Steam ahead of the game’s full release on July 15th 2025. The desert is a cruel place to fight. Are you sure you have the heart for it?

broken-arrowSlitherine Software today announced that Broken Arrow, the large-scale real-time modern warfare tactics game will be released on June 19 on Steam at $49.99.

VANGUARD EDITION PRE-ORDERS

But that is not all.
Pre-orders for a special edition of Broken Arrow begins today. Broken Arrow Vanguard Edition is now available on pre-order at $59.99. It is a special edition which contains a number of exclusive goodies.

  • Advanced access to Broken Arrow: play the game ahead of everyone and jump in on the action on June 16, 3 days before launch
  • Digital soundtrack: 41 intense and energetic bangers composed by the talented Evgeny Shchukin
  • Digital wallpapers: customize your background with 9 beautiful wallpapers, portraying the specialization decks available in the game
  • Exclusive skins: apply unique skins to specific vehicles, one per specialization
  • KALININGRAD LIVE STREAM

    Tomorrow, Wednesday April 30 at 3 pm GMT, Slitherine will be streaming a never-shown-before mission on their Twitch channel: it’s Kaliningrad time!

    crusader-kings-3Through astute diplomacy and seemingly invincible armies, the nomadic peoples of the Eurasian steppe altered the course of history. Empires were crushed under the thundering hooves of their horsemen as a Pax Mongolica guaranteed the safety of merchants and diplomats on the trade routes of a continent. Relive and rewrite the dramatic rise of the Nomadic realms in Khans of the Steppe, a new core expansion to Crusader Kings III, available now.

    Watch the Crusader Kings III: Khans of the Steppe Release Trailer HERE.

    Featuring a horde of new mechanics specifically designed to reflect the culture and society of Asia’s nomadic tribes, Khans of the Steppe adds even more historical flavor to Paradox Interactive’s best selling strategy role-playing game about the medieval world. Accumulate herds that will serve as the basis of your clan’s wealth, as you migrate in search of better pastures. Settle the succession through clan politics. And, most importantly, establish yourself as the Great Khan – the master of all that is under the sky.

    Highlights of Crusader Kings III: Khans of the Steppe include:

  • Nomadic Government: Embrace a new way to rule. Nomadic Governments revolve around the lifeblood of your people; your Herd. Govern your realm through migration, keeping your population mobile and resilient. Increase your Dominance and bind your subjects to your will by ensuring their Obedience.
  • The Steppe Region: Experience the challenges of life on the Great Steppe. The Steppe Season system changes the fertility of its lands over time, forcing you to adapt and migrate. Seek greener pastures, claim new territories, and dominate this vast and untamed region.
  • Tributaries System: Forge alliances and secure resources with a new type of subject relationship. Tributaries offer a more flexible alternative to vassalage, granting unique benefits for overlords and subjects while allowing for independence and adaptability.
  • Become the Scourge of God: Take on the mantle of the Great Khan and unite the Steppe under your iron rule. Lead devastating conquests across the known world, crushing empires beneath your banner as you fulfill the prophecy of the “Scourge of God.”
  • Mongolian Flavor: Dive deep into the traditions and culture of the Mongols. Begin your journey with a new Bookmark as Temüjin, the young and ambitious Genghis Khan, poised to change history forever. Experience the Kurultai council and a new Mongolian succession type. Engage in immersive new activities and traditions such as new year’s celebrations with Tsagaan Sar.
  • Crusader Kings III: Khans of the Steppe is available now on Steam for the suggested retail price of $19.99/£16.75/€19.99, or as part of Crusader Kings III: Chapter IV. More information about Crusader Kings III is available on the official Crusader Kings III website.

    victory-at-sea-atlanticEvil Twin Artworks is thrilled to announce that Victory At Sea Atlantic, the immersive World War II naval strategy game, has officially launched out of Early Access on Steam. After months of refinements, new content, and player-driven improvements, the game is ready for full deployment.

    As part of the launch celebration, Victory At Sea Atlantic will be available at 25% off for the first two weeks, ensuring new players can jump in at the best possible time.

    Victory At Sea Atlantic offers deep strategic gameplay, historical authenticity, and intense naval combat, making it a must-play for fans of World War II strategy games.

    Find out more about Victory At Sea Atlantic on Steam.

    scramble-battle-of-britainApril 26th marks World Pilot Day, a special occasion commemorating the first certified pilot to take to the skies in the early 1900s. Last year, we kicked off the first closed beta of Scramble: Battle of Britain on this occasion. This year, we’re back with even more activities and opportunities to get involved!

    In celebration of this historic milestone, we’re excited to announce our Pilot Week with Scramble: Battle of Britain, running from April 21st to 26th, packed with engaging activities for our community.

    Throughout the week, our streamers are ready to take on new challenges in the game. Join them for multiplayer matches and show off your flying skills. Whether you’re a seasoned pilot or new to the skies, it’s an opportunity to connect and compete in thrilling aerial battles.

    On April 26th, for World Pilot Day, we will release a new episode of A Lens On: Battle of Britain, highlighting the heroes of the skies during World War II. This episode will not only honor their bravery but also delve into the physical and mental challenges they faced daily. It’s a tribute to the human side of aviation and the importance of mental and physical health in the lives of pilots of all times.

    Check out the weekly schedule HERE.

    For more information about Scramble: Battle of Britain, visit the games official website or on the games Steam page.

    advanced-tactics-goldIt’s now been over 20 years since the release of People’s Tactics. The formula hasn’t changed much: a wargame mixed with procedural empire building. In 2007, People’s Tactics received an upgrade with the release of Advanced Tactics, which in turn was upgraded in 2011 with Advanced Tactics Gold.

    Advanced Tactics Gold saw many years of active development throughout its lifecycle, though development had slowed considerably over the last 4-5 years—until two years ago. Thanks to Erich Ormand, ATG received a significant refresh, resulting in this final release of Advanced Tactics Gold.

    A huge thanks to Erich, as well as to all the players who have supported Advanced Tactics over the past two decades. Special appreciation also goes out to all the testers, modders, and streamers who have contributed greatly.

    Thank you all for your part in making ATG possible! There aren’t many games with such a lengthy lifespan, and our collective effort has established ATG as a legacy classic.

    Update V2.40.106 is here.

    Bringing major improvements, optimizations, and important bug fixes to enhance your gameplay experience.

    Download the update HERE. View the changelog HERE.

    Based on the award winning game engine by the same name, Advanced Tactics: Gold offers a unique and infinitely replayable wargaming experience for any strategy fan. Building off of the enormous success of Advanced Tactics: World War II, the Gold edition gives players a more powerful game editor, much improved random game engine, many new features and abilities, and more.

    icbm-escalationWhat if the Cold War never ended and the Soviet Union never fell?

    We’re thrilled to officially announce Endless October, the first major DLC for ICBM: Escalation. This alternate history expansion reimagines a world where the USSR emerges from World War II not just intact, but more powerful, more aggressive, and more determined than ever to spread communism across the globe.

    Endless October features a brand-new campaign beginning in 1950, as the Korean peninsula becomes the first flashpoint in a world on the brink of nuclear war. Lead a revitalized Soviet Union through decades of high-stakes conflict, navigating tense diplomacy, fierce proxy wars, and the constant threat of nuclear annihilation.

    The DLC also includes:

  • A fully fleshed-out alternate history campaign
  • New units
  • New leader portraits
  • Join the beta for Endless October and help us fine-tune the balance, pacing, and strategic depth of this ambitious new campaign. Your feedback will help shape the future of ICBM: Escalation.

    To join the beta, head over to this page.

    Prepare to raise the Red Banner once more. The Cold War is far from over.

    headquarters-world-war-iiIt’s been one year since the release of Headquarters: World War II, and to celebrate this milestone, we are excited to launch the Anniversary Update, packed with new content, improvements, and bug fixes.

    New Content

  • A new music track “Hero” has been added to the playlist, free for everyone.
  • Six beloved campaign maps have been converted for use in Skirmish and Multiplayer modes, offering even more ways to enjoy tactical battles:

  • Allied Invasion
  • The Retreat to Caen
  • Operation Aubery
  • The Battle for Hill 112
  • The Falaise Pocket: The Trap
  • The Falaise Pocket: The Breakout
  • Improvements

    Significant upgrades to the camera system and settings have been made:

  • A Field of View (FOV) slider is now available in the Video Settings menu (previously limited to Photo Mode only)
  • The Free Camera Mode has been reworked for easier access and smoother transitions:

  • Now you no longer need to hold the Middle Mouse Button (MMB or Mouse Wheel) to stay in Free Camera Mode. You can enter the Free Camera Mode by pressing the MMB, and then exit the Free Camera Mode by either pressing the MMB again, or by scrolling the Mouse wheel.
  • Now, when you are in the Free Camera mode, you can see a notification “Free Camera ON” below the End Turn button.
  • Now, when you exit the Free Camera mode, the camera moves smoothly to its Regular Camera angle (instead of an instant jump). So, you can now better understand what is going on.
  • Free Camera Mode is now available on all Zoom levels of the Regular Camera. (Before it was unavailable at the 4 highest Zoom levels)
  • Fixes

  • Fixed a common crash caused by eliminating a demoralized (fleeing) unit.
  • Resolved an issue in the Ardennes DLC (Map 8 of the German campaign) where incorrect text and voice lines were triggered after a loss.
  • Find out more about Headquarters: World War II at the games official website or via Steam.

    commandos-originsIt’s time to move out, soldiers. Commandos: Origins has been deployed! The latest installment in the legendary real-time stealth tactics series is available now with Xbox Game Pass for console and PC, and on Windows PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5. After years of hard work, dedication, and invaluable feedback from the community, the elite unit has returned to tell its origin story.

    Commandos: Origins continues the legacy of the legendary real-time stealth tactics series. Step into the boots of the original Commandos squad, a group of highly skilled soldiers forged in the heat of battle during World War II. Thomas “the Sapper” Hancock is entrusted by the top military brass to assemble a team of fearless soldiers, the Commandos. In 14 missions, the game delves into their early engagements, highlighting the challenges they faced and the bond they formed as an elite fighting force. With tactical gameplay and strategic decisions, players guide the Commandos through perilous operations, each one shaping the foundation of what would become one of the most iconic military units in history. Prepare for a deep dive into the origins of a legendary squad.

    Watch the Commandos: Origins Release Trailer HERE.

    Features:

  • Challenging Real Time Tactical Stealth Gameplay: Make the best use of your Commandos’ unique abilities, infiltrate enemy facilities, and hit them where it hurts most before disappearing into the shadows.
  • An extraordinary team: Featuring 6 infamous characters, each with their own storied history, banding together to form an extraordinary fighting force – the Commandos: Take control over Jack O’Hara “the Green Beret”, Thomas “the Sapper” Hancock, Francis T. “the Sniper” Woolridge, Samuel “the Driver” Brooklyn, James “the Marine” Blackwood, and Rene “the Spy” Duchamp and lead them to success.
  • Many paths to victory: The detailed, varied, and interactive environments offer multiple approaches to reach your goal. Sneak, climb, drive in various vehicles, or hide and creep your way to mission success!
  • On your mark: A modern user experience with precise and intuitive controls enables you to control the commandos with expert precision. Coordinate complex actions simultaneously to overcome heavily fortified targets.
  • Fight on all fronts: Play through more than 10 missions in historically authentic WWII environments, spanning from the barren Arctic to the African desert, with a range of core and voluntary objectives that will require your full tactical expertise.
  • There is no I in team: Take on missions with a friend in the 2-player cooperative multiplayer mode, either online or via local split-screen.
  • The Windows edition is now available on the Epic Games Store and Steam as a Standard or a Deluxe Edition.