Tempest Rising, released in 2024 by Slipgate Ironworks (published by 3D Realms), marks the grand return of classic RTS. Spiritual heir to Command & Conquer, it offers an old-school RTS experience with modern graphics. In 2026, it’s establishing itself in the RTS landscape with an active community.
Watch the official trailer:
Why Tempest Rising is anticipated
- C&C heritage: gameplay directly inspired by Tiberian Sun, Red Alert 2
- Modern graphics: 2024 visuals with nostalgic gameplay
- 3 asymmetric factions with distinct mechanics
- Narrative solo campaigns: 2 main campaigns + DLC
- Competitive multiplayer: ranked ladder, 1v1 to 4v4
The 3 factions
GDF (Global Defense Force) — beginner friendly
The classic military. Standard infantry, tanks, helicopters, supertank (MBT). Balanced. Ideal intro campaign for learning.
Strengths: versatile, all “classic” RTS units. Weakness: nothing exceptional, “neutral” style.
Tempest Dynasty — intermediate
The technologists. Use storm energy (central element of the lore). Faster, more mobile units, but more expensive.
Strengths: micro-management, constant harassment. Weakness: fragile if economy falters.
Veti (aliens — DLC)
The aliens come to exploit the storms. Units with teleportation, exotic technologies, unconventional combat.
Strengths: surprise, impossible maneuvers for other factions. Weakness: high complexity, not for beginners.
Basic strategies
Opening (first 5 minutes)
- 2 harvesters immediately on nearest crystal/tempest
- Barracks + Production site in parallel
- Infantry scout to map the terrain
- Expand to 2nd mine ASAP
Mid-game (5-15 min)
- Tech up: unlock tanks and aircraft
- Light harassment: a few fast units in enemy economy
- Secondary base: always have 2 economic points
- Response to enemy scouts: if you see their tech, adapt yours
End-game (15+ min)
- Supertank + elite infantry = main army
- Air force for surgical strikes
- Stable economy to replace losses
- Base destruction: focus on production centers, not units
Popular competitive maps
- Tempest Pass — balanced 1v1 map, classic
- Ruins of Eldoria — multi-level elevation map
- Shattered Desert — open 4v4, massive battles
- The Storm Coast — coastal map with light naval
Pro tips
Micro-management
Unlike modern RTSes (AoE IV, StarCraft 2), Tempest Rising emphasizes macro (overall management) > micro. You can win without being a mouse virtuoso.
Constant scouting
Info = victory. Keep 1-2 light units in permanent reconnaissance. Knowing enemy composition > having the best army.
Don’t over-build
Beginner mistake #1: building too many defensive structures. 3-4 turrets + 1 wall = enough. Money wasted on defense = less army.
Army composition
Never mono-unit. Always: infantry (tank/harass) + vehicles (dps) + air/artillery (nuke). Specializations losing in 1v1 ranked.
Multiplayer and esports
Competitive scene growing. First official tournaments (2024-2025) had modest prize pools (5-10k€) but growth is real. Active casters:
- Tempest Caster Pro (YouTube)
- RTS Reborn (Twitch)
- CNCStream C&C community reborn on TR
Mods and modding
Steam Workshop is accessible but limited vs AoE / StarCraft 2. Some mods:
- Balance Mod Community — balance adjustments
- New Maps Pack — additional player-made maps
- Total Conversion: C&C Nostalgia — readapts Tempest to C&C Tiberian Sun visual style
Conclusion
Tempest Rising is exactly what RTS fans were waiting for for 15 years. Not a revolution, but excellent execution of classic RTS with modern graphics. If you loved C&C, Red Alert or StarCraft 2, Tempest Rising should be in your library.
For other RTSes, see our Age of Empires IV guide and our top 10 PC strategy games 2026.
- #Tempest Rising
- Slipgate Ironworks
- 3d Realms
- Guide
- Classic Rts