Tempest Rising is a real-time strategy game developed by Slipgate Ironworks and 2B Games, and published by 3D Realms and Knights Peak. Announced in 2022, it was released on Steam on April 17, 2025. The game is a traditional RTS inspired by classic titles such as Command & Conquer and StarCraft. Its gameplay loop involves base building, resource collection, and unit production.
Tempest Rising is set in a fictional 1997, in a war-torn world that has been taken over by an anomalous plant which many call "Tempest". Two factions wage a global war over control of this resource: the Global Defense Force and the Tempest Dynasty, while a mysterious third faction lurks from the shadows and may be related to the origin of the Tempest itself.
The game features:
A Classic RTS – Classic RTS action meets modern production and performance. Inspired by RTS greats of the 90s and 2000s, the game is a classic, base-building real-time strategy game with fast and fluid hard-hitting combat.
Three Unique Factions – Three asymmetrical factions, each offering its own distinct economy, playstyle, and unique roster of units.
Two Story Campaigns – An epic story, told in combat and with in-engine cutscenes. Take on the role of Commander in the highly mobile peacekeeping corps of the Global Defense Forces or the hard-hitting Tempest Dynasty as the two wage war over the Tempest.
Multiplayer – Skirmish, custom games, and ranked multiplayer matchmaking with Elo rating.
Customization – Built-in customization options that allow players to approach the game their way in both singleplayer and multiplayer game modes.
The first major content update for Tempest Rising, Rally & Recon, is out now. The update adds a variety of highly requested features and new content, including more multiplayer maps, spectator mode, 2v2 ranked, as well as multiplayer balance changes and bug fixes.
May 19, 2025 – RTS Masterminds Interview with Lead Game Designer Brandon Casteel
With Tempest Rising released and well-received, Balint (Nakamura) from the RTS Masterminds podcast holds an interview with lead game designer Brandon Casteel (Wayward), also a fellow co-host, about his involvement with the game. Brandon gives a shout-out to this wiki itself at the end.
May 7, 2025 – Beyond the Battlefield: The Making of Tempest Rising - Episode 4
It turns out the Beyond the Battlefield: The Making of Tempest Rising series is not over yet, for the fourth episode has been dropped. In this episode, the developers discuss the design philosophies and development journey of the game.
April 25, 2025 – Beyond the Battlefield: The Making of Tempest Rising - Episode 3
The third and final episode of the mini-documentary series Beyond the Battlefield: The Making of Tempest Rising has been released. This episode features some of the composers behind the game's music and sound design, including the legendary Frank Klepacki.
