What other new and upcoming RTS games can we expect?
Here at Ablight Ancient, we're always on the lookout for fresh additions to the real-time strategy (RTS) genre, and while we as a fan site are hyped about the development of Ablight, we’ve also been keeping our eyes on what else is on the horizon. There’s no shortage of exciting RTS games in the pipeline, with innovative gameplay, dynamic settings, and diverse mechanics that are bound to shake up the genre. As we look into what's coming next, three titles have particularly caught our attention: Broken Arrow, Falling Frontier, and Moduwar. Each of these games brings something new to the RTS table, whether it's the scale of modern warfare, the tactical intricacies of space combat, or the unique organic strategy of alien creatures. Let’s dive into what makes each of these games stand out.Broken Arrow: a modern warfare spectacle
The game Broken Arrow is set to redefine the real-time tactics experience with its large-scale modern warfare and comprehensive unit customization system. Developed by Steel Balalaika and published by Slitherine, this game has already generated significant anticipation within the RTS community, despite a recent delay that has pushed its release to 2025. According to the development team, the extra time will be used to fine-tune multiplayer gameplay and ensure optimization across various hardware configurations. This decision underscores their commitment to delivering a polished experience, one that aligns with the high expectations of a community eager to see how Broken Arrow pushes the boundaries of modern combat in a real-time setting.
One of the game’s most appealing features is its focus on strategy that goes beyond traditional point-and-click warfare. Players can control two factions—American and Russian—each with four sub-factions like marines, airborne units, and armored divisions. But what truly sets Broken Arrow apart is the scale: players can engage in combat by land, air, and sea, with over 300 unique units and more than 1,500 customization options. From modifying tanks and artillery to enhancing aircraft and ships with different weapons, armor, and equipment, this level of personalization ensures no two battles are ever the same.
In addition to unit customization, Broken Arrow promises an engaging multiplayer experience, with a multiplayer open beta scheduled for November 2024. A single-player-focused closed beta is also planned for July 2024, though it will be under strict NDA rules. To further ramp up excitement, Slitherine has hinted at a major reveal and a "special announcement" planned for December 2024.
A screenshot of Broken Arrow as seen on their Steam page
With its blend of fast-paced tactical decisions, vast customization options, and epic scale, Broken Arrow is shaping up to be a must-play for RTS fans who crave modern military action. The delay might be disappointing to some, but the promise of an enhanced, thoroughly tested experience suggests it will be worth the wait.
Falling Frontier: space-based strategy with depth
For players more interested in the sci-fi genre, Falling Frontier offers an entirely different take on the RTS genre. Developed by Stutter Fox Studios and published by Hooded Horse, Falling Frontier combines space exploration, tactical ship design, and deep logistical management in a procedurally generated star system. The game’s setting is one of interstellar conflict between factions that once hailed from Earth, Titan, Venus, and other colonies, all vying for control of newly discovered systems.
What sets Falling Frontier apart is its focus on logistics and reconnaissance, which are as important as fleet size and firepower. Unlike many other RTS games, where simply amassing a massive army often leads to victory, Falling Frontier emphasizes the importance of managing resources and outmaneuvering opponents strategically. Supply lines need to be established and protected, shipyards and refineries must be upgraded, and recon stations play a critical role in gathering intelligence on enemy movements. Players who ignore these elements could find their fleets stranded or ambushed by an opponent exploiting weak supply chains.
A screenshot of Falling Frontier as seen on their Steam page
The ship design mechanic in Falling Frontier offers an impressive level of depth. With over 20 ship types, including frigates, cruisers, and battlecruisers, players can customize their fleets with various weapons and modules. This allows for highly tailored strategies, as different ship loadouts can perform better in certain tactical situations than others. Whether it’s setting up hit-and-run raids with fast, agile ships or launching full-scale assaults with heavily armored dreadnoughts, the flexibility in design ensures every encounter feels unique.
Another exciting feature is the game’s crew system, where officers have unique traits and abilities that can turn the tide of battle. Players can capture enemy officers or set up strategic traps using them as bait, adding a layer of personal stakes to the conflict. This, combined with the game’s modding support, ensures that Falling Frontier offers near-endless replayability. The game’s focus on tactical depth, logistics, and the human element within combat promises a fresh and immersive experience for RTS enthusiasts.
Another screenshot of Falling Frontier
Moduwar: alien warfare with a biological twist
While Broken Arrow and Falling Frontier both promise large-scale conflict with mechanical or spacefaring units, Moduwar brings something entirely different to the table: biological warfare. Developed by indie studio Biohex Games, Moduwar puts players in control of a race of alien creatures known as Modu. These creatures have the remarkable ability to grow, split, and merge their bodies, resulting in an RTS experience unlike anything else currently on the market.
A screenshot of Moduwar as seen on their Steam page
What makes Moduwar particularly unique is its modular gameplay. The Modu can be customized by evolving various biological organs that grant new abilities, such as weaponized mutations or defensive enhancements. This creates a highly adaptable and dynamic combat system where strategies must constantly evolve. Whether you’re focusing on offense, defense, or even utility support, the modular system allows players to continuously refine their approach depending on the situation.
The game also features multiple modes, including a single-player campaign set against the stunning backdrop of Arkadia, where players can explore vast landscapes, uncover hidden secrets, and make moral choices that impact the narrative. In multiplayer, players can engage in 2-4 player battles or participate in unique modes like Skirmish and Monster Arena, where they can test their skills against other Modu-controlled players in fast-paced and strategic encounters.
With its blend of organic strategy, deep unit customization, and expansive world-building, Moduwar is poised to offer a fresh perspective on the RTS genre. For players looking for something that challenges the traditional formula of unit production and resource management, Moduwar provides an engaging and evolving battlefield where adaptability is key to survival.
A new era of strategy
The RTS genre continues to evolve, and these three games—Broken Arrow, Falling Frontier, and Moduwar—demonstrate just how diverse the future of real-time strategy can be. Whether it’s the modern military spectacle of Broken Arrow, the logistics-driven space warfare of Falling Frontier, or the biological adaptability of Moduwar, each title offers something innovative that promises to redefine how we approach strategy games. As we at Ablight Ancient continue to follow these developments, we can’t wait to see how they push the genre forward—and we hope you’ll be as excited as we are. Keep your eyes on these titles, because, just like Ablight, they sure to make waves in the RTS world.