It’s that time of year again, and real-time strategy gamers are in for a treat. The Steam Next Fest has rolled around once again and there’s a whole host of upcoming RTS games you can sample during the next eight days, between 14 and 21 October. If you’re a fan of grand battles, tactical skirmishes or if you’re looking for something a little different, you’ll find it during Next Fest.
It’s a perfect opportunity to check out demos of upcoming releases. Games can only feature on Next Fest once, so if its on this list you can anticipate an imminent release. It’s a chance to get a feel for new mechanics and provide feedback which could shape the final version of these games. Let’s dive in!
DRONE PERSPECTIVE
Review: Drone Perspective: A Commentary on Societal Desensitisation to Violence?
Step into the role of a tactical commander in Drone Perspective, a real-time tactics game that emphasizes the importance of squad positioning, coordination, and careful planning. With a unique bird’s-eye view of the battlefield, you’ll connect to warzones via your PC, guiding your units through modern military operations. Every move counts as you deploy drones and manage a variety of squads, all while orchestrating tactical manoeuvres that mirror the complexity of real-world military conflicts. Whether it’s urban combat or open terrain, precision is key in ensuring your team survives and completes their objectives.
Welcome Back, Commander
Review: Welcome Back, Commander – Tactical Survival with Replayable Depth.
As the commander of an elite strike force, you’re tasked with infiltrating the quarantined city of Sun Stone in Welcome Back, Commander. A mysterious plague is sweeping through the city, and it’s up to you and your team to uncover the truth behind this deadly outbreak before it spreads further. The demo offers an intense look at urban warfare, where close-quarters combat, environmental hazards, and limited resources challenge your tactical abilities. Prepare for an engaging narrative combined with tense, high-stakes missions where every decision could make or break the mission.
RTS Tactical Warfare
Review: RTS Tactical Warfare: Torn Between Nostalgia and Innovation.
RTS Tactical Warfare puts you in charge of defending your base against relentless enemy attacks. With little time to prepare, you’ll need to manage resources, mobilize troops, and reinforce key positions while fending off waves of incoming threats. Every decision, from where to place your defences to how to deploy your units, will determine the fate of your base. This demo tests your ability to think on your feet, balancing the immediate need for defence with longer-term strategic planning. Expect a dynamic battlefield where every moment could turn the tide of war in your favour — or see you scrambling to recover.
Space Tales
Review: Space Tales Review: Retro-Futuristic Charm Meets Simplified Strategy.
Set in a retro-futuristic universe, Space Tales invites you to command the Intergalactic Planetary Expansion (I.P.E.), a group tasked with exploring and conquering new worlds. In this RTS, you’ll take on the role of a commander overseeing a vast array of planetary missions. From managing resources and infrastructure to engaging in strategic combat with alien life forms, every choice will shape the future of the Human Empire. The game’s distinct aesthetic blends classic sci-fi design with modern mechanics, making it a must-play for fans of space exploration and real-time strategy.
Commandos: Origins
Review: Commandos: Origins – A First Look from an RTS Perspective.
Return to the roots of tactical warfare with Commandos: Origins, the prequel to the iconic series. In this demo, you’ll control a squad of elite soldiers tasked with completing high-risk missions behind enemy lines. The real-time tactics gameplay focuses on using each commando’s unique skills—whether it’s stealth, explosives, or sharpshooting—to outmanoeuvre enemy forces and complete objectives with precision. The demo offers a single test mission, giving you a taste of what’s to come, with all the tension and excitement the series is known for.
Beyond Astra
Review: Beyond Astra: A Galactic 4X RTS Experience.
In Beyond Astra, you’ll explore the far reaches of the galaxy in a real-time 4X grand strategy setting. Lead your civilization from its humble beginnings into a sprawling interstellar empire, managing diplomacy, exploration, warfare, and scientific research. The vast, procedurally generated universe offers endless opportunities for expansion, while alien civilizations and unpredictable cosmic events keep the pressure high. Every decision you make influences the future of your people, whether you’re forming alliances, waging war, or colonizing distant star systems. With a near-infinite variety of strategies to explore, Beyond Astra is the ultimate test of your long-term planning and adaptability.
Empire of the Ants
Review: Marching Orders: Empire of the Ants Delivers a Gorgeous RTS Experience.
Command your colony of ants in Empire of the Ants, a photorealistic RTS where you must lead your insect army to conquer rival nests and navigate the dangers of the forest. From defending your queen to launching raids on enemy territories, every decision affects the survival of your colony. The game’s third-person perspective puts you right in the action, allowing you to control individual units and engage in epic battles against other insect species. Realistic visuals and intricate strategy come together to create an immersive experience where nature itself is your battlefield.
Battlefall: State of Conflict
Review: Battlefall: State of Conflict – A Promising New RTS with Retro-Futuristic Style.
In the post-apocalyptic world of Battlefall: State of Conflict, three factions vie for control of the last remaining resources. This RTS pits you against both human and environmental challenges as you battle for dominance in a ravaged world. Each faction has its own unique units, abilities, and strategies, forcing you to adapt your approach depending on the situation. The game’s bleak setting and focus on resource management add a layer of complexity to every encounter, making each battle feel like a struggle for survival in a world teetering on the edge of collapse.
Collapsed Galaxy 2
Review: Collapsed Galaxy 2: A Messy and Unpolished Experience.
Collapsed Galaxy 2 is a 4C-RTS game where human factions are on the brink of total collapse due to political infighting and external threats. As tensions rise, the Planetary Defence Council seeks to secure power through secretive means. In this complex strategy game, you’ll navigate alliances, conspiracies, and military engagements across colonial planets, starports, and deep space. The four core pillars of gameplay—collaborate, control, conspire, and conquer—are essential to maintaining dominance as you face rival factions and internal threats. With rich storytelling and intricate gameplay, Collapsed Galaxy 2 offers a deep strategic experience for fans of galactic intrigue.
There’s no shortage of exciting real-time strategy action on the horizon, from refining your base-building tactics to navigating dense urban environments with pinpoint precision. These demos offer a sneak peek into the future of RTS, giving you the chance to test your strategies, experience fresh game mechanics, and provide valuable feedback to developers. Games like Beyond Astra offer grand sci-fi expanses, while Empire of the Ants delivers micro-level control with insect warfare. Each game brings something unique to the table.
Stay tuned for our daily updates as we dive into each demo during Steam Next Fest. We’ll share our impressions and insights, helping you decide which games deserve a spot on your wishlist. Get ready, Commander—the next wave of real-time strategy games is just around the corner!
