Diplomacy is Not an Option: Shareware

Diplomacy is Not an Option: Shareware

Released Apr 2025

Diplomacy is Not an Option: Shareware is a free prequel to the original game. In a medieval fantasy world, you are to build settlements, raise huge armies, and defend against massive hordes of enemies. Learn how Ironbrow clan shaped the world's map the first time - if you survive, that is.

92% positive · 840 reviews
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence

Where to get it

Free on Steam

Evaluation

Diplomacy is Not an Option: Shareware is a free standalone prequel to the main Diplomacy is Not an Option game, developed and published by Door 407. It launched on April 30, 2025 as a deliberately scoped, self-contained product: two story missions and one Endless Mode map. The store description and short description both frame it as a complete, bounded experience — a prequel designed to introduce players to the main game's world and story. The developer's pre-launch announcement on April 24, 2025 describes the game as something they worked on "in between" other projects for the main game, reinforcing that this is a side release rather than an actively supported live product. There are no DLC listings, no season passes, no roadmaps, and no post-launch developer communications suggesting additional content is planned for this title. The news feed contains no feature patches, bug fixes, or development updates after launch. This game launched as a complete, free promotional product with a fixed, finite content scope. No further content has been announced or implied.
Evidence
Shareware launched on April 30, 2025 as a free prequel with a small campaign and one Endless Mode map. No mention of future updates or additional content planned.
news post · Apr 30, 2025 source content shipped
high
Store description defines the game as a fixed, scoped package: two story missions and one Endless Mode map. No mention of planned updates, seasons, or additional content.
description · Apr 30, 2025 source content shipped
high

Media

Details

Developer
Publisher
Door 407
Achievements
—
Platform
Windows
Controller
—
Steam Deck
Not rated
Players
Single-player

About this game

The prequel invites you to participate in the events preceding the story told in the campaign of the main game. You are the famous filibuster Duncan Ironbrow, who was unexpectedly dragged into "big politics". You are destined to become a hero of the Battle for Independence of Samreignia. Two story missions, plus one Endless Mode exclusive map layout await you. Like in the original RTS-game, in Diplomacy is Not an Option: Shareware, you need to develop your economy and hire armies, to stand against overwhelming enemy forces.

Build fortifications, raise your armies, and experience warfare on an entirely new scale. Over 25 THOUSAND enemies will assault your castle walls. Every arrow, catapult stone and enemy launched skywards is physically modeled, making for a tactile and coherent battlefield. Just make sure your troops have towers to shoot from and clear lines of sight, or you might find your best-laid plans embarrassingly blunted by your own fortifications. Create kill-zones and fall-back positions. You will need to take an active role in combat to get the best from your men.

A functional army requires a functional economy to support and feed it. Food, Wood, Stone, Iron, and Gold are the foundations of your city’s economy, and you will need to watch your supplies carefully if you are to meet the advancing foe in a timely manner. Gather resources, choose your storage locations, plan your expansions and upgrades with care. The enemy will not cede their lands willingly, and unprotected civilian expansions will have consequences of falling prey to the hostile incursion. Trade, via the impressive merchant dirigible, bringing emergency supplies of food to feed the men, or stone to rebuild the walls.

Of course, sturdy castle walls will protect you from most ordinary threats, but why use only might whereas magic exists as well? Learn it yourself and trap the souls of your fallen enemies. There are few spells in the game, but using any of them can change the course of the battle. Build magical monuments, harvest soul crystals and give a try to a maniacal laugh as searing magical beams tear through your foes and summoned Dark Knights to chase down the stragglers. Oh, and don't forget about the ability to freeze time. After all, pausing the game is a kind of "magic" that is available to you at any moment.

Last evaluated Jun 19, 2026
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