Stardock and Oxide Games have officially announced “Ashes of the Singularity II,” the highly anticipated sequel to their 2016 planet-scale real-time strategy game. Set to launch in 2026, a decade after the original, the game promises to expand on its predecessor’s massive battles with the introduction of a human faction, alongside returning robot and post-human forces.
A Decade Later, Humanity Returns to the Fray
Ten years after the events of the first “Ashes of the Singularity,” players will take command of the United Earth Forces. This new human alliance, comprised of NATO, China, and Russia, is determined to reclaim Earth’s territories and vital outposts across the solar system. These locations have been overrun by the relentless AI known as the Substrate and the formidable Post-Human Coalition (PHC).
- New Faction: The most significant addition is the playable human faction, a long-requested feature by fans of the original game.
- Expanded Scope: Battles will continue to span continents and involve thousands of units, pushing the boundaries of RTS gameplay.
- Story Continuation: The narrative picks up a decade after the first game, offering a familiar yet evolved near-future setting.
Enhanced Gameplay and Strategic Depth
“Ashes of the Singularity II” is being developed by a “significantly expanded” team at Oxide Games, aiming to deliver greater strategic depth and more intricate base-building mechanics. The game will feature:
- A gripping story-driven single-player campaign.
- Robust cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes.
- An arsenal of advanced units and sophisticated gameplay mechanics.
Stardock CEO Brad Wardell stated, “Ten years ago, we set a new, literal benchmark for RTS games with massive battles and groundbreaking technology. With Ashes of the Singularity II, we’re raising the bar even higher, delivering strategic gameplay depth that RTS fans have always dreamed of.”
Building on a Legacy of Scale
The original “Ashes of the Singularity” was lauded for its technological innovation, particularly its multi-core graphics engine capable of handling thousands of units simultaneously. The sequel aims to build upon this foundation, offering a more refined and engaging experience for RTS enthusiasts. The developers emphasize that the game rewards strategic planning, logistics, and an understanding of terrain, appealing to fans of classic large-scale strategy titles.
Via Stardock
