Empires of the Undergrowth

Gameplay is fun but the lack of a save function in the middle of missions makes this a very very frustrating game to lose. Most missions take 45+ minutes and if you lose at the end, the entire 45 minutes is gone. No checkpoints, no way to save your progress, no way to take a break and come back later. I want to like this game so badly, but it's so frustrating I have to uninstall it for now.

I love this game so much. It hits my nature nerd buttons (I actually learned some things!), each type of ant offers dramatically different gameplay, and the story is silly and fun. Absolutely solid RTS that can be as relaxing or as brutal as you'd like. Additional challenges and modes add a ton of replay value. I love this game SO MUCH! But my roommate *is* getting tired of listening to "Vincent Price" narrate my games. XD

FOR THE COLONY!!! P.S. Very flavorful and unqiue RTS with interesting combat and awesome mechanics for each ant species

Had a blast. Hoping they will come out with more content for the game

Fun spin on RTS, first game since Starcraft II I've been motivated to collect all the achievements for; most require you to play the level in a specific manner that adds a whole new level of challenge.

Challenging colony sim game with ants, cool bugs and various mechanics based on different ant species. Very great story mode, my mind was blown by the final mission.

Fantastic game, I've been playing this game since 2017 and it's been my first ever Steam game. I love this game thank you so much devs for this game I love ants and RTS so this is perfect. Hope to see this game grow and thrive! Suggestion add more content even in the form of DLC's I'm happy to support this game!

This game walks a perfect line between somewhat realistic and fun to play, which makes it kind of a rare gem among animal sim games. Feels like a perfect spiritual sequel to SimAnt, and you can play with controller. I love the gameplay, which I would describe as Arcade-style RTS. It's a bit stripped down, but it's refreshing as opposed to most RTS and sim games that are all stats and windows.

Empires of the Undergrowth is a uniquely captivating real-time strategy game that plunges players into the intricate and often overlooked world of ant colonies. Developed by Slug Disco Studios, this indie title stands out by merging classic RTS mechanics with the biological complexity of insect societies, creating an experience that is both educational and deeply strategic. Unlike typical base-building games, Empires of the Undergrowth requires players to carefully manage and expand a thriving ant colony from the ground up, balancing resource gathering, colony defense, and exploration, all while contending with the diverse threats and challenges of the natural world. At the heart of the gameplay is the careful management of different ant types—workers, soldiers, and specialized units—each with distinct roles essential to the colony’s survival and growth. Players must excavate underground tunnels, gather food, and defend against predators like spiders and rival ant species. The game’s progression is tied to both strategic planning and real-time tactical combat, as players coordinate their ant forces in swarms to outmaneuver enemies and secure vital resources. This combination of micro and macro management demands constant attention and adaptation, rewarding players who master both the details of ant behavior and the broader picture of colony expansion. Visually, Empires of the Undergrowth impresses with its detailed and realistic representation of ants and their environments. The game's graphics balance scientific accuracy with accessibility, featuring well-rendered 3D models of ants and insects that move and interact in believable ways. The subterranean environments are cleverly designed, with tunnels and chambers dynamically expanding as the colony grows. Above ground, lush, naturalistic settings provide a striking contrast, adding variety and depth to the gameplay. The camera system is well implemented, allowing fluid zooming and rotation, which is essential for managing complex underground networks and engaging in combat on the surface. Sound design enhances the immersive experience, with subtle ambient noises of the forest floor, insect calls, and the distinct sounds of ant movements and battles creating a rich auditory backdrop. The soundtrack complements the tension and pace of the gameplay, shifting smoothly between calm exploration and intense defense scenarios. The user interface is clean and intuitive, helping players navigate the complex management systems without feeling overwhelmed, which is crucial given the many variables at play. The game’s campaign mode provides a well-structured introduction to the mechanics, gradually increasing in difficulty and complexity as players unlock new ant species and abilities. Each campaign mission introduces new objectives and environmental challenges, encouraging diverse strategies and replayability. In addition to the campaign, a sandbox mode offers freedom to experiment with colony building and survival tactics without the pressure of mission goals, appealing to players who enjoy a more relaxed, creative approach. Despite its many strengths, Empires of the Undergrowth can present a steep learning curve for newcomers due to the depth of its mechanics and the necessity for multitasking. Some players might find the initial stages slow-paced as they get accustomed to resource balancing and the intricate behaviors of their ant units. Additionally, the AI can occasionally feel inconsistent—while enemy behaviors are generally intelligent and adaptive, there are moments when pathfinding or attack patterns seem less refined. However, ongoing updates from the developers continue to address these issues, improving polish and expanding content. In conclusion, Empires of the Undergrowth is a refreshing and innovative strategy game that offers a fascinating glimpse into the complex world of ants through engaging gameplay and thoughtful design. Its blend of realistic simulation, strategic depth, and accessible controls makes it a standout title for fans of RTS games and nature enthusiasts alike. While it demands patience and learning, the payoff is a rewarding experience that challenges players to think creatively and tactically in a vibrant ecosystem. For those seeking a game that combines science with strategy in an original way, Empires of the Undergrowth is a compelling and enjoyable choice. Rating: 9/10

I like it. A nice breath of fresh air in the RTS genre. The frustrating parts get better the more you understand the game. Also fire ants are the best ants.

This game accurately teaches people about different insects while allowing them to play an awesome and interactive civilization sim with ants.

Its shockingly fun, wan not sure how they would make an ant game fun, let alone an engaging story more. I enjoyed every second of it!

100% should play best game i have played ever and as a bug favoriter i play this game a lot.

I refunded this game because of a bad tutorial. But really, I shouldn't of. All things considered, it's a really decent game about making an ant colony, and you should give it a try. I refunded it about 1.5 years ago, so they've probably improved it now.

it is a very fun game and i just love strategy games so much and ants too so this game just hits different to me

This is one of my favorite city builders. I have just over 51% of the achievments, and this game has changed my life. Before this game I had almost no friends and was an avid ant-hater, but after this game I found I had many friends, and had a new hobby. AMazing game. 9.5/10 would reccomend

Simple mechanics that work out great in the unfamiliar setting (although there could be more complexity)! The microcosmos of the undergrowth is shown with a lot of attention to detail and a dramatic narration of each new creature encountered. It's a lot of fun!

Not just a game for ant lovers, a beautiful little RTS Game with a unique twist. A game for both ant lovers and RTS lovers alike, highly recommend

Age of empires for autistic ppl. Would be cool to see some multiplayer matches.

this game is great it is a bit hard on star 4 for me but if i push it a way it is great

love the game and all dlcs are great i recemened if you like stradgy

Fun game. More of an RTS than a City Builder. Story mode is fun, the layered dynamic is neat.

In this game you manage a colony of ants. In each level you start off with a queen, and several workers. You have to slowly and strategically build your colony. Food is a precious resource, necessary for expanding your colony, growing the number of ants, as well as replacing dead ants. You must collect food, and then carefully choose when to spend it and thus expand your colony or keep it in reserve to replenish solider ants after an attack. Your colony is under constant threat by a wide array of enemy creepy crawlies hungry for ant-flesh. Expand too fast and these enemies will easily overrun you, expand to slowly and you won't have enough soldier ants to defend the queen. This creates an addictive tension that is so satisfying when you find that right balance. This game is tremendous fun. I remember wishing I had a game like this as a child!

I find this game very fun to get rid off my sadness i played many hours on it its my favorite ant game to ever exist i hope you guys continue updating the game ❤️

I really like this game butttt ive finished this game like 3 times but every time i come back after a few months and it makes me restart like 3 level which for me takes about 3 hours each level but other than that amazing very fun.

Very good indie RTS about ants. Brilliant level design, cool custom games, and an excruciatingly painful max difficulty setting. BEST OST EVER. The theming and composition of the entire ost is just brilliant. It's pretty old so development has been slow but sped up the past few years; its a small studio so that's understandable.

Such a uniquely interesting game, great performance and great graphics. Would recommend

Honestly, I've been looking for this kind of game since I was 12 or so. Loved the ending too. If you like ants and building up a colony...

Excellent game. One of the most original strategy games in the last few years. Thank you for the fun.

I love this game and highly recommend it. Very much a strategy game but the way it is laid out makes it relaxing and super satisfying, More updates would be amazing, and continuing the story would be really nice.

ant eat, ant grow, ant follow scent, ant collect, ant good, ant attac other ant, ant win, ant evolve, ant peak is real

this game is the best game i have on steam i love ants and this game makes it come true just add muit player

so i got to the leafcutter colony. had to leave so saved and left the game. onlt to boot up in the first area with the blue ants. no enemies no food just a barren map. game breaking bug this.

amazing game, totally recommend it to people who enjoy longer-style games with a lot of strategy. can be quite hard though

Fantastic game made by a small but incredibly dedicated and transparent dev team.

I've only played the game briefly, but I'm already having a lot of fun. It looks and plays great, especially, once you get the hang of using the pheromone system, and how to construct your rooms/squads of ants to maximize the upgrading mechanics. My one request: a time management system. Something like the option to pause, or to slow game play, exists in many RTS games. It would likely open the game up to more fans of TBS games, while still retaining the appeal of the non-stop action crowd.

by far the best game ive played in a long time, always entertaining and is never the exact same each time you load a free play level.

Game is fun, but the level scaling on some of the missions is a bit silly. Went from 3 frogs to 8 frogs in one night while clearing the map. Maybe it was a hard fail state but the bullfrog boss was still below 1/4 health, so maybe I'm just unlucky.

its fun. no arachnophobia safe mode but what is there to expect in a game about bugs

Game is fun from the first minute, but lacks the basic funktions of 'Save Game' and 'Load Game'

It was kind of fun the first time, but the gameplay and controls are the least intuitive of any RTS game I have every played. I've tried to get back into it a few times, but relearning the controls is too frustrating.

This is a breath of fresh air in the RTS genre. I enjoy the unit grouping/pheromone system and absence of micromanagement. Be warned there is currently also the absence of a save system, meaning you have to complete a mission in one sitting (which can easily take 1-2 hours). This seems a huge omission and I hope it gets added soon (if you can save your main colony progress, why not during the individual missions??). Anyway, this remains a big thumbs up from me regardless.

The Final Experiment Isnt good, Highly Dont like it Due to Its to Hard for normal players

Not quite the original SimAnt, however it is a neat alternative with a modern twist.

One of my favorite rts' ever produced. im looking forward to bonus levels and sequels.

Very good for people who like Ants/Colony Sims. The different kind of ants you get through upgrading are really cool. I just wish there was a suspend save option during missions. There isn;t so you have too plan out your time or complete the mission in one sitting.

Really fun game addicting in story mode everyone should check that out :D

this game is good but one thing if you don't like bugs do not play and if you do like bugs then play

this game was really good but i wish they add multiplayer

overwhelming but lovely mechanics are simple