Tempest Rising is a real-time strategy game that takes plenty of inspiration from the base-building RTS games of the 1990s and early 2000s. Set in an alternate version of 1997, its world looks rather different after the Cuban Missile Crisis escalated into a nuclear World War III. Out of the devastation comes Tempest, a strange plant-like resource with powerful electrical properties. Unsurprisingly, everyone wants control of it. The conflict centers on the two very different forces of the technologically advanced Global Defense Forces (GDF) and the more aggressive Tempest Dynasty.
Each side has its own units, economy, and approach to combat, so switching factions requires more than simply learning a different set of vehicles. You need to build bases, gather resources, produce units, defend your territory, and decide when it is worth committing your forces to an attack.
The game combines its two story-driven campaigns with skirmishes and competitive multiplayer. It is very deliberately old-school in its overall structure, but the presentation, controls, and pace have been designed for a modern RTS audience.
Why Should I Download Tempest Rising?
Tempest Rising is likely to feel familiar if you spent a lot of time with classic base-building strategy games. You start with limited resources and infrastructure, then gradually construct a larger base, establish an economy, unlock units, and build an army capable of taking on the enemy. Battles are fast enough that sitting comfortably behind your defenses isn't always an option.
There is quite a lot to do outside multiplayer. The GDF and Tempest Dynasty each receive an 11-mission campaign, complete with voiced mission briefings. You can customize your army between missions, which gives you some control over how you approach the next objective rather than forcing you through exactly the same progression every time.
The factions also play differently. The GDF focuses on advanced military technology and mobility, while the Tempest Dynasty takes a more aggressive approach to warfare. Once you're done with the campaigns, you can move into skirmishes or multiplayer.
Some battles can get pretty large, too. Skirmish mode supports up to 500 units per team, and each faction has access to superweapons that can change the course of a fight if used at the right moment.
Is Tempest Rising Free?
No, Tempest Rising is not free. It is a paid game, although a free demo is available on Steam for anyone who wants to try it before purchasing the full version.
The exact cost can vary depending on the store, region, and any active promotions, so it is better to check the storefront you plan to use rather than relying on a fixed price.
What Operating Systems Are Compatible with Tempest Rising?
Tempest Rising is currently a Windows PC game. The Steam version supports 64-bit Windows 10 and Windows 11, with at least 8 GB of RAM and 45 GB of available storage required. An SSD is recommended.
There are currently no official versions of Tempest Rising for macOS, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Android, or iOS.
What Are the Alternatives to Tempest Rising?
Planetary Annihilation: TITANS takes the scale of an RTS in a rather different direction. Instead of fighting over conventional maps, battles can stretch across entire planetary systems, with armies moving between planets and even using celestial bodies as weapons. It is a good alternative if you enjoy Tempest Rising's base building and large armies but want something more ambitious and less grounded.
StarCraft Remastered goes further back to the classic RTS formula that helped shape games such as Tempest Rising. You manage resources, construct bases, produce armies, and learn the strengths of three dramatically different factions. Its competitive side is considerably more established, while the remaster preserves the original gameplay with updated visuals and audio.
Total War: WARHAMMER II is a much broader strategy game, combining large real-time battles with turn-based campaign management. There is more emphasis on controlling territory, diplomacy, and managing an empire than in Tempest Rising, while battles can involve huge armies and highly specialized units. It is worth considering if the large-scale tactical side of Tempest Rising appeals to you but you want a deeper campaign layer.
