Best Strategy Games Set In The Desert

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Best Strategy Games Set In The Desert

Key Takeaways

  • Desert settings are iconic in video games, from Dune to Kenshi, offering strategic challenges in a harsh environment.
  • Homeworld: Deserts Of Kharak comes with intense desert warfare with a mobile base mechanic and tactical challenges.
  • Dune: Imperium and Dune: Spice Wars offer immersive strategy experiences in the iconic Dune universe, each with unique gameplay loops.

As a lifelong fanatic of science fiction and strategy games, I’ve dived headfirst into some fantastic digital realms that have left me captivated, challenged, and occasionally frustrated. Today, let’s explore three such universes – each offering unique takes on the strategy genre, but with one standing out as an unparalleled experience.

The desert has made for an evocative setting across all kinds of media, from the expansive, mesmerizing desert environments of Lawrence Of Arabia, to the often-visited sands of Tatooine in Star Wars. However, it could be argued that no desert is quite as iconic – and as memorable – as that of Frank Herbert’s Dune.

Desert-themed games don’t necessarily have to be based on established intellectual properties to thrive. For instance, independent developers like Lo-Fi Games have crafted their unique desert wasteland universe with the game Kenshi. In the realm of digital board games, Dune: Imperium stands out, while lesser-known titles such as Homeworld’s Kharak planet offer a desert setting that caters to strategy enthusiasts. These options abound when it comes to desert settings in gaming.

6 Desert Kingdoms

A Minimalist Indie RTS Set In The Desert

  • Platform(s): PC
  • Released: 2024
  • Developer(s): Markus Fink
  • Genre: RTS

This indie game has cute pixel graphics and a desert backdrop where you fight in randomly generated maps. The gameplay is straightforward, much like the art style, making it simple for beginners to grasp, but still offering strategic depth during each battle.

The “Desert Kingdoms” game is made on a limited budget, and although it employs procedural generation, it doesn’t offer much replayability. Yet, it stands out as an enjoyable low-investment strategy game suitable for quick gaming sessions during lunch breaks.

5 Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak

Immersive Desert Warfare With A Mobile Base

  • Platform(s): PC
  • Released: 2016
  • Developer(s): Blackbird Interactive
  • Genre: RTS

While Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak may not feature the space battles that made Homeworld famous, it delivers an intense and strategic desert warfare experience instead. The game’s arid landscapes and open-field skirmishes are full of tactical opportunities and provide a formidable challenge. What sets this game apart is the inclusion of a mobile base, which adds a unique dimension to the gameplay.

Should the mobile base mentioned earlier get destroyed, the mission fails – a situation that poses an unusual dilemma since the mobile base is not only the source of power for the player but also serves as their main operational center. Additionally, maintaining the proper temperature within the base is crucial; excessive heat can be hazardous and potentially lead to the base’s destruction. Although it may not share the timeless appeal of Relic Entertainment’s classic game, Homeworld, Deserts Of Kharak provides a captivating desert battlefield experience for those who prefer more tactile combat scenarios.

4 Kenshi

A Strategic Sandbox In A Desert Wasteland

In this strategic playground, players have full reign to delve into its one-of-a-kind, peculiar, and ruthless world. Kenshi, a tough game, doesn’t shy away from being unjust towards the player, which makes it somewhat challenging to get into. Yet, this very aspect adds to the game’s appeal, creating an immersive environment that feels authentic.

In this game, you take charge of one or multiple explorers navigating a world dominated by vast desert landscapes. While avoiding conflict is possible, you’ll frequently find yourself in tense situations that force you to fight or flee. The game features auto-attacks, but you can manually control your team members to boost their efficiency. The real-time-with-pause gameplay ensures managing your squad isn’t too challenging.

3 Starship Troopers: Terran Command

Fighting Alien Arachnids On A Desert Planet

  • Platform(s): PC
  • Released: 2022
  • Developer(s): The Artistocrats
  • Genre: RTS

Starship Troopers: Terran Command, unlike other real-time strategy games that emphasize extensive base-building and economic management, instead offers intense combat sequences involving massive marine units battling swarms of alien spiders. The game is set within the iconic universe of Paul Verhoeven’s movie, Starship Troopers, and maintains a reasonable adherence to the original material, despite its streamlined approach.

If you’re a fan who relishes fine-tuning the placement of your troops in action-focused strategy games, then Starship Troopers: Terran Command could be an engaging choice. But seasoned RTS veterans might find the game’s shallow system depth somewhat underwhelming.

2 Dune: Imperium

A Digital Board Game Set In The Dune Universe

  • Platform(s): PC, Xbox
  • Released: 2024
  • Developer(s): Dire Wolf
  • Genre: Strategy

The digital version of this tabletop game titled “Dune: Imperium” is a strategy game where turns are taken sequentially, featuring intelligent computer-controlled opponents and numerous options for diversity. In essence, it merges well-liked aspects from board games like worker placement and deck construction, delivering an extraordinary gaming experience that challenges various mental faculties in an entertaining manner.

In the game “Dune: Imperium,” there are numerous tactical choices, yet its tutorial effectively introduces players to the game smoothly. Even though the player base might be somewhat limited, those who have difficulty finding opponents can always engage in challenging battles with competent AI characters. Furthermore, this game offers several distinctive leaders that foster unique playstyles. The latest expansion pack for “Dune: Imperium,” titled “Dune: Imperium – Rise Of Ix,” has just been released, enhancing the game’s replay value even further.

1 Dune: Spice Wars

A 4X RTS Set On The Dusty Dunes Of Arrakis

Created by Shiro Games, the team who brought you the real-time strategy game, Northgard with its Viking theme, Dune: Spice Wars is a 4X game that unfolds in the legendary universe of Dune, created by Frank Herbert. In this game, players find themselves on Arrakis and experience numerous mechanics and systems that are deeply rooted in the original story.

The game titled “Dune: Spice Wars” is a meticulous and gradual strategy title, requiring perseverance to grasp and engage with. It emphasizes strategic timing and placement, making it intriguing. This game offers a rich selection of factions for players to lead, ranging from the Fremen and Atreides to even a group of skilled smugglers. Additionally, “Dune: Spice Wars” presents various win scenarios, ensuring diverse gameplay experiences and numerous chances for resurgence throughout the journey.

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2024-09-08 14:33