Reflecting on the good old days when we’d settle in for an evening of Command and Conquer—those times were nothing short of fantastic. Honestly, they still are. But, the real thrill was in going head-to-head with friends or random players online, which truly showcased the magic of RTS games. That same excitement is now reborn with a fresh twist, thanks to the multiplayer demo of Tempest Rising. This upcoming strategy game comes as close as you’ll get to reliving a new C&C-like experience.
Set against a backdrop of World War 3, Tempest Rising pits three distinct factions against one another in a global struggle. Drawing inspiration from Command and Conquer and other standout RTS games of the 90s and early 2000s, this title spotlights the essential elements of base-building and diverse units—areas where recent entries in the genre have sometimes fallen short. As the lead designer mentioned in an interview with us last year, while nodding to classic gameplay, Tempest Rising is also committed to carving out its own niche with innovative features.
Earlier this year, Tempest Rising let players get a feel for what’s in store with a single-player demo. At launch, the game promises two 11-mission campaigns to dive into. That initial sample allowed RTS enthusiasts to get their feet wet. Now, it’s time for a shift to multiplayer with a fresh demo introducing both 1v1 and 2v2 modes.
In perfect timing with Steam’s Real-Time Strategy Fest that just kicked off, the new Tempest Rising demo is accessible for the next couple of weeks. It boasts three unique multiplayer maps to challenge other players: The Alps, Oasis, and Altitude. The Alps caters to 2v2 battles for those who prefer teaming up with a buddy against rival duos, while Oasis and Altitude are designed for intense 1v1 matchups.
But Slipgate Ironworks, the developer behind this promising game, hasn’t forgotten those who shy away from competitive play. For the first time, you can delve into Tempest Rising’s Skirmish mode against AI opponents, offering plenty of action without the stress of competing against human players.
The Tempest Rising multiplayer demo is now live on Steam and will remain available until Monday, February 3. And here’s another exciting development—as the demo goes live, pre-orders for the game are finally open! If you’ve been eyeing this game on your wishlist, now’s your moment to secure a copy. Beyond the standard edition, they’re offering a deluxe version that includes perks like a week’s early access, a digital artbook, and the full soundtrack composed by Frank Klepacki, known for his work on Command and Conquer. Pre-ordering either edition also nets you the Commander Pack DLC for free, packed with exclusive in-game goodies such as bonus player icons, skins, cursors, and more. Mark your calendars—Tempest Rising’s full release on Steam is slated for Thursday, April 24, so don’t miss the chance to grab your pre-order.
For those on the hunt for more games akin to Tempest Rising, take a look at our curated list of the best strategy games. If global battles and tanks are more your speed, our guide on the best war games is worth exploring.
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