Coloniser News

[p]We are thrilled to announce that the Coloniser demo is now ready to play for everyone! [/p]

• [p]Massive persistent RTS multiplayer - forge alliances or fight for dominance for up to 90 days[/p]
• [p]Battle with up to 25 players at the same time on one map against each other and hostile wildlife in a dangerous alien world[/p]
• [p]Progress through Eras, unlocking new units and buildings as your colony expands[/p]
• [p]Experience an old-school RTS with survival stakes, evolving strategies, and massive scale[/p]

[p]You can play the free demo here:[/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink]Tell your friends, join our Discord to share feedback, and be sure to give us a review so we know if we’re on the right track. The demo will be active from August 11th until August 25th, so download it and let us know how it goes.
[/p][p]Your support means the world to us, and spreading the word can make a huge difference in today’s market.[/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]The last time we launched a public demo was during February’s Steam Next Fest, and a lot has changed since then. Your feedback helped us get here. There is still a lot to do, but we know this is a marathon, not a sprint. If you’re curious about what has changed since the last version, check out the highlights below:
[/p][p]Orthographic camera implemented[/p][p]Coloniser is heavily inspired by old-school strategy games that use an orthographic perspective, and for good reason - it’s a great way to show scale without losing detail. To make this work, we heavily tweaked the in-game lighting, field of view, and our camera controller, and the result is shown above.
[/p][p]Valor mechanic[/p][p]We wanted to balance the game and introduce a proper sense of progression. The result is a new combat-focused resource: Valor. It’s earned through proactive gameplay and rewards you for leveraging your tribe’s strengths. Valor is crucial for researching advanced technologies, recruiting advanced or unique units, and progressing through different Eras. It can also speed up research or construction time. Speaking of technology…[/p][p][/p][p]Redesigned tech tree[/p][p][/p][p]Now each unit, research item, or building improvement is tied to a specific structure. Select a building after construction to see its available upgrades. Will you prioritize resource gathering, strengthen your defenses, or unlock new building and unit options? Shape your strategy and prevail.[/p][p][/p][p]Diagonal wall placement[/p][p]One of the most frequent requests from the previous public demo was the ability to build diagonal walls. Good news - you can now do that. We rebuilt the wall/gate placement system to support drag-and-drop, including diagonals. More improvements are planned, including updated diagonal wall visuals, but this is a great starting point. Let us know what you think.[/p][p][/p][p]New map[/p][p]We’ve created a new map designed for 32 players. For testing, servers are currently capped at 25 players to help us gather feedback on map size, composition, and layout. More maps are planned, but for the demo, you’ll have access to this one.
[/p][p]Updated visuals & audio[/p][p]New server UI, a new chat system, updated unit and building designs, new icons - we’ve overhauled a lot. We’ve also added new sound effects, particle effects, and more. There’s still plenty left to refine, but we’re committed to pushing the quality forward.[/p][p][/p][p]Optimization[/p][p]With 25 players on one map, and each player able to create 200 units and 200 buildings, optimization is critical. We’ve worked to ensure the game runs smoothly under these conditions without sacrificing performance. Later in the development we plan to increase player count to 32. Then to 90. Yeah. 90 players at the same time.[/p][p][/p][p]A lot of bug fixes[/p][p]
Seriously - a lot. Game development is a constant learning process, and new features can sometimes break old systems. We address these issues as quickly as possible, which you can see in our frequent patch notes. We’re here for you, and we want to make a game we’re excited to play ourselves.
[/p][p]And that’s the abridged state of the demo. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments or check our FAQ page.
[/p][p]Play the demo, leave a review and wishlist the game on Steam.[/p][p][/p][p]Thanks,
[/p][p]Cantos Games[/p][p][/p][p]Discord Youtube Reddit X/Twitter Bluesky Instagram Facebook [/p]

[p]Salutations, colonisers!
[/p][p]We’ve got something big on the horizon - Coloniser will be part of Steam’s 4X Strategy Fest (August 11 - August 18), and to celebrate, we’ll be releasing a brand-new public demo during that time![/p][p]
That version will include updated visuals, new features, refined early-game flow, and introduces players to the hostile, living world of Hastaris. Whether you’re a veteran RTS player or someone curious about the genre, the demo will be a perfect way to experience the survival, exploration, and large-scale conflict that defines Coloniser.[/p][p]
The demo will launch alongside the 4X Fest, so mark your calendars and wishlist the game to be notified as soon as it drops!
[/p][p]If you're eager to see how the game plays before jumping in, we’ve uploaded a new gameplay showcase that walks you through the early-game experience -  from landing and resource gathering to the first skirmishes and expansion.[/p][p][/p][p]Watch the latest playthrough here:[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]Learn how to survive, expand, and prepare for what’s to come.[/p][p][/p][h3]Why You Should Play Coloniser[/h3]

• [p]Massive persistent RTS multiplayer - forge alliances or fight for dominance[/p]
• [p]Battle up to 32 players on one map and hostile wildlife across a dangerous alien world[/p]
• [p]Progress through Eras, unlocking new units and buildings as your colony grows[/p]
• [p]Experience an old school RTS with survival stakes, evolving strategy, and a massive scale.
  [/p]

[p]We can’t wait for you to try the demo, give feedback, and help shape the future of Coloniser.[/p][p]If you haven’t already, don’t forget to:
[/p][p]✅ Wishlist the game[/p][p]🗨️ Join the community Discord[/p][p]📣 Tell your fellow strategy fans![/p][p][/p][p]Stay sharp, Coloniser. The planet doesn’t wait.

Cantos Games [/p][p][/p][p]Discord Youtube Reddit X/Twitter Bluesky Instagram Facebook [/p]

[p]Salutations, Colonisers![/p][p][/p][p]The new patch is ready for playtesters. It introduces new map, new tech tree, new unit designs, quality of life improvements, and a lot of bugfixes. Read the log below for the full info:[/p][p][/p][h2]New Map[/h2][p][/p][p]Mound of Ancient is a massive new map that will be able to support 32 players. It might take a while to load, but once it’s up and running - experience this uncharted territory and let us know your impressions.[/p][p][/p][h2]New Unit Designs[/h2][p][/p][p]All the units received updated graphics in line with our concept art. With this, animation states have been improved to reflect the update.[/p][p][/p][h2]Quality of Life Improvements [/h2][p]Performance & Gameplay Improvements:[/p]

• [p]Tech Tree has been implemented - now each improvement of a unit/building will be tied to a specific building. Select each building upon their construction and see what they offer. Tune it to your playstyle and prevail![/p]
• [p]Hovering on Valor now displays how Valor is gained.[/p]
• [p]The wall placement mechanic has been improved so that it's easier to build walls.[/p]
• [p]Improved AI behavior to follow your direct attack orders and made aggro/retaliation behavior.[/p]
• [p]Trees in the game are much more optimized now.[/p]

[p] UI & Visual Improvement:[/p]

• [p]Valor has a new graphic (top UI + bellow unit recruitment UI)[/p]
• [p]New icons for units, buildings and technologies;[/p]
• [p]Stone and Ore resources have new assets.[/p]
• [p]New projectile impacts have been added for all buildings (to better reflect their shape).[/p]
• [p]The Movement Marker is changed to green.[/p]

[p]Audio Improvements:[/p]

• [p]New SFX added for Gampha (elephant-like creatures), Stone Thrower (Catapult), Wall Breaker (Battering Ram) and Bolt Launcher (Ballista).[/p][p][/p]

[h3]Bug fixes[/h3]

• [p]Fixed the issue where all sounds were 2D instead of 3D.[/p]
• [p]Fixed the issue where you could see resources and enemy buildings through a hidden Fog of War.[/p]
• [p]Fixed  the issue where hovering mouse over dead trees would produce errors[/p]
• [p]Fixed the issue where an error would appear if you tried to order 100+ units to die at once.[/p]
• [p]Fixed the issue where Scipio's health bar is positioned too low.[/p]
• [p]Fixed the issue where medium and big trees displayed the wrong outline.[/p]
• [p]Fixed the issue where technologies 'Artillery Shields' and 'Advanced Chieftain Training' reappeared in the selection menu and could be researched again an infinite number of times.[/p]
• [p]Fixed the issue where outlines for groups of resources with different sizes were overlapping and causing inconsistencies in their selection.[/p]
• [p]Fixed the issue where Colonists didn't gather resources from tiles bigger than 1x1 if the order wasn't placed in the middle of those tiles.[/p]
• [p]Fixed the issue where Valor's speed up button appeared for units that were further in the recruitment queue.[/p]
• [p]Fixed the issue where the placement of the Settlement would be misaligned with its original position.[/p]
• [p]Fixed the issue where a small flash vfx would appear next to Scipio when they were attacking.[/p]
• [p]Fixed the issue that allowed you to place the Wall constructions on the non-buildable parts of the map that are positioned between buildable parts while the start and end points of the wall were unobscured by the Fog of War.[/p]
• [p]Fixed the issue where a construction preview of a single piece Wooden Wall used the old model.[/p]
• [p]Fixed the issue where the burrower's name overlapped with the health bar in the unit's selection UI.[/p]

[p][/p][p]And that would be all for this round of updates and improvements! Let us know how it goes and share your impressions in the comments and join our Discord server for the additional feedback and a chance to talk to the devs. If you have any questions, be sure to check our previous post, where we answered some frequently asked questions. We’ll have more improvements next week, so stay tuned!

Cantos Games [/p][p][/p][p]Discord Youtube Reddit X/Twitter Bluesky Instagram Facebook [/p]

[p]Salutations, colonisers!
[/p][p]We’re continuing our lore introduction and dissecting the Keepers tribe. It is the only tribe you can play right now via playtest, so some of you might have familiarity with them.
[/p][p]So, the colony ship Ulysses crashed and broke apart over an unfamiliar world. The original survivors were lucky enough to crash in a relatively peaceful, resource-rich part of Hastaris. As such, they were able to band together quickly and form a tight knit community. Many were from military backgrounds, bound by chain of command and protocols that had guided them through deep space. The crash was never part of the plan. For some, it was seen as a curse. For others, it became the moment to dig in and honor what was left of their mission.
[/p][p]Facing impossible odds of rescue in an unknown part of the galaxy, they embraced a new purpose: to guard the remnants of the ship and everything it stood for. They became the Keepers of the Site - order dedicated to maintaining watch over the crash site and any scattered remains of their once-great vessel.[/p][p][/p][p]Over generations, this watch turned into doctrine. Their society is built on strict hierarchies and military codes, where leadership flows directly from those most prepared to defend their way of life.
[/p][p]All of these will be reflected in their gameplay, at some capacity.[/p][p][/p][p]The Keepers prefer to fortify, hold ground, and outlast. Their expansions are slow but secure, building layer upon layer of walls and outposts.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Their armies are slow to mobilize but devastating when in position. Expect heavily armored infantry that can absorb punishment, backed by siege engines that can level enemy defenses.[/p][p]

Of all the tribes on Hastaris, the Keepers have preserved some knowledge and understanding of their ancestors. This means they can construct imposing structures and unlock powerful upgrades no one else can match.[/p][p][/p][p]To the Keepers, the crash sites are holy ground. They are always on the look out for remnants of the ship to claim and believe it’s their divine trial to guard it. Exploring far beyond those borders is seen as reckless, even heretical, unless done to secure or reclaim parts of the ship scattered across Hastaris.
[/p][p]Their ultimate goal is ascension. Whether that means one day returning to the stars or proving themselves worthy in the eyes of their gods is a question hotly debated in their councils. What is never debated is their unwavering commitment to the Site.
[/p][p]Wishlist Coloniser on Steam to stay updated on more tribe spotlights, gameplay reveals, and the other news. If you want to join the playtest, request it on Steam and join our Discord so you can let us know that you want to play the game.[/p][p]
Cantos Games [/p][p][/p][p]Discord Youtube Reddit X/Twitter Bluesky Instagram Facebook
[/p]

[p]Salutations, Colonisers!

By the time you set foot on the young, untamed world of the planet Hastaris, generations have lived and died here. But how did they get here? And why are they so divided? Here’s a look at how everything began, and why the planet now teeters on the edge of war.
[/p][p]By the year 2500, humanity had mastered space travel. Different groups and movements on Earth could now send their own ships into the stars. One such group, driven by a new religious belief, had grown disillusioned with the state of life back home. They believed humanity had become too dependent on technology, straying far from nature and their god. Seeking a simple, purer existence, they raised funds, gathered followers, and launched into space aboard the colony ship Ulysses.
[/p][p]Life aboard the ship was seen as a necessary burden. For over forty years, they searched for a new home. They explored planet after planet but found none that felt right. Then, they encountered a strange phenomenon - a swirl of warped light surrounding a planet. Interpreting this as a divine sign, they approached. The ship was violently pulled through the anomaly, damaged, and deposited in a new part of the galaxy. Ulysses broke apart upon reentry, scattering escape pods, supplies, and people across the surface of this new world. Most of the main vessel sank into the ocean. Many escape pods crash landed in different parts of the planet.[/p][p]
[/p][p]Survivors began setting up camps, foraging for food and searching for other escapees. One such group called themselves the Keepers. They saw themselves as guardians of the crash site and the remnants of their old world. They hoarded whatever technology survived, even though most of it was rendered useless by the anomaly.
[/p][p]Over the decades, the Keepers fortified their territory around the crash, turning it into a sprawling settlement. In their eyes, despite being thrown wildly off course, they will one day be saved and return to the stars and being close to the ship will somehow help that. To them, the further they stray from the ship, the further they stray from rescue.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]That’s what caused the clash with others - while they saw themselves as the true inheritors of civilization, other tribes were viewed as fragmented, chaotic, or barbaric.[/p][p][/p][p]Centuries passed. The true story of the journey faded into myth. Survival took priority. The Keepers evolved into a deeply religious and militaristic society. But that’s a story for another blog post. We’ll see you next week when we’ll deep dive into Keepers tribe.
[/p][p]And yes, Coloniser is primarily a multiplayer game, but we plan to have a singleplayer campaign that will introduce you to the current lore, tribe differences and guide you through the game’s progression. You know, something to warm you up for the multiplayer experience.
[/p][p]Stay tuned, wishlist Coloniser, join our playtest and talk to you more next time.[/p][p]
Cantos Games [/p][p][/p][p]Discord Youtube Reddit X/Twitter Bluesky Instagram Facebook
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