Tempest Rising review

Tempest Rising is the best new RTS for players who miss the Command & Conquer era. Slipgate Ironworks describes it as a classic base-building RTS set in an alternate modern Earth after a nuclear war, with three factions: the Global Defense Forces, the Tempest Dynasty and the Veti. Two 11-mission campaigns with voiced briefings cover the first two sides, while the Veti are playable in multiplayer and skirmish and their campaign is sold separately. Online play includes 1v1 and 2v2 matchmaking ranked with the Glicko-2 system, and skirmish supports up to 500 units per team. It costs $39.99 and 87% of 5,426 English Steam reviews are positive. Hardware needs are higher than the classics, with a GTX 1060 class card and 45 GB of storage, and the review count is smaller than older picks.

Who it is for

Players who want a new Command & Conquer style RTS

Price

$39.99 one-time purchase on Steam (US store).

a classic RTS set on Earth after a nuclear war. $39.99 Buy on Steam
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

• Three factions: GDF, Tempest Dynasty and Veti
• Two 11-mission campaigns with voiced briefings
• 1v1 and 2v2 matchmaking with Glicko-2 ranked play
• Skirmish with up to 500 units per team
• Two superweapons per faction

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: 87% of 5,426 English Steam reviews are positive
• Strength: The newest game on this list, released April 24, 2025
• Strength: Up to 500 units per team in skirmish
• Weakness: The Veti campaign is sold separately; Veti is included only for multiplayer and skirmish
• Weakness: Needs a GTX 1060 class card and 45 GB of storage
• Weakness: Smaller player base than older picks, with 5,426 English reviews

Key facts

• Developer: Slipgate Ironworks
• Publishers: 3D Realms, Knights Peak, Saber Interactive
• Released on Steam: April 24, 2025
• Storage: 45 GB
• English Steam reviews: 87% positive of 5,426

Where it ranks

Tempest Rising is No. 7 in our Best RTS Games verdict.