Empire of the Ants

Survival· Wargame· Real Time Tactics· Sandbox

Released Nov 2024

75% positive · 1,168 reviews

Not yet

Released, but still in active development

High confidence

Active Development

Not yet

Released, but still in active development

High confidence

Active Development

Where to buy

Steam Updated 10 Oct 2026 $39.99

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Evaluation

Empire of the Ants launched on November 6, 2024. Less than two months after launch, on December 20, 2024, developer Tower Five published a 2025 roadmap explicitly promising new game modes, new units, new powers, new factions, new maps, and more. This was a clear signal that the team had substantial post-launch content planned. The roadmap has been followed up with action. The Winter Update arrived on December 9, 2024 (adding Skirmish mode, a Master AI difficulty, and various fixes), and then the major "Swarm Together Update" shipped on July 16, 2025 as a free update, delivering co-op multiplayer, Horde Mode, Story Challenge Mode, a new map (The Riverside), a new support unit (the Paussus), and a new power (Pheromone Storm). The 2025 roadmap specifically called out "new factions" among the planned additions — a notable content category that has not yet appeared in any shipped update. With the Swarm Together Update having only shipped in July 2025, and the roadmap's full slate of promised content not yet fully accounted for, the game is clearly in an active post-launch development phase. The developer has not announced the conclusion of content support.

Evidence

The Swarm Together Update launched as a free update, adding co-op multiplayer, Horde Mode, Story Challenge Mode, a new map, a new unit (Paussus), and a new power (Pheromone Storm).

news post · Jul 16, 2025 source content shipped

high

Developer published the 2025 roadmap promising new game modes, new units, new powers, new factions, new maps, and more throughout 2025.

news post · Dec 20, 2024 source content planned

high

Content

1 of 1 released · no outstanding content

Released

Empire of the Ants - Digital Deluxe Upgrade

Nov 2024

Media

Details

Developer

Tower Five

Publisher

Microids

Achievements

Platform

Windows

Controller

full support

Steam Deck

Playable

Players

Single-player · Multiplayer · PvP

Wargame Real Time Tactics Sandbox PvE RTS Grand Strategy Strategy Third Person 3D Story Rich Realistic Tactical Nature Survival War

About this game

Conquer enemy nests and lead your colony through the perils of the forest in this groundbreaking RTS. Empire of the Ants is a photorealistic, third-person real-time strategy game where you command your insect legions in epic battles.
SWARM TOGETHER UPDATE – AVAILABLE NOW!

A massive update for Empire of the Ants, focused on replayability, strategy, and co-op multiplayer!

GAME MODES

Horde Mode (Solo or Co-op)

Survive endless waves of ever-changing enemies. How long can you last?

Story Challenge Mode

Replay 6 story missions with a scoring system. Optimize your strategies to reach the top!

2 Players vs 2 AIs Mode

Team up in co-op against two AI colonies on a brand-new map designed for large-scale battles.

NEW UNITS & POWERS

New Support Unit: The Paussus

A stealthy unit that can infiltrate enemy nests and steal resources undetected.

New Power: Pheromone Storm

Creates a fog that blocks vision and information in a targeted area—perfect for surprise attacks.

Knights in chitin armor: fight for your Queen, the Federation... our Empire

Experience an immersive journey and defend your lands through tactical and strategic battles in an epic, microscopic world.

Play as 103,683rd, an ant of the warrior caste with an inquisitive mind: explore the Federation and fight for it, conquering new territories.

Exploring, strategizing, and forging alliances with the local wildlife will be crucial to emerge victorious from the many challenges lying ahead.

Unconventional legions with which to wage war

Shape your strategy by choosing your roster wisely: starting, support, and super-predator legions.
Upgrade your nest’s tier to access new and stronger legions. Will you opt for the defensive Snail or the mobility of the Rhino Beetles?

Special abilities for victory

Scare the enemy away, reinforce your units, or spy on your opponents: your chosen pheromones forge your offensive—or defensive—strategy.

Conquer and upgrade outposts

Adapt your strategy by building the right chambers: build your economy, manage your legions, gather Information on the battlefield, gain new Powers, or strengthen your Defense.
Not enough space? Conquer other nests to expand your territory and get stronger.

Dominate the online cross-platform ranked multiplayer

Challenge your friends in thrilling skirmishes or prove your strategy skills in player-versus-player mode: ranked 1-vs.-1 matchmaking and three free-for-all matches. Custom Private Lobby available to train your skills against a friend or AI.

An immersive solo campaign

Play through a 20-hour-long campaign inspired by Bernard Werber’s bestselling saga, where the fate of your colony rests upon your antennae.
Choose your way to play, whether you’re looking for strategic combat and challenges or you prefer exploring the environment and fast-paced tactical missions.

Skirmish

Hone your strategic skills and practice against 1 or 2 AI in offline mode.

Master AI player setting

Reacts swiftly and strategically, using pheromone powers. The advanced AI processes situations faster than usual, adapting seamlessly to real-time changes and employing powers for a challenging gameplay experience.