Strategy gaming meets good vibes once again on the Critical Moves Podcast, and this episode brings some heavy-hitting discussions for fans of deep, immersive gameplay. Episode 13 is all about exploring the future of Stellaris with its massive 4.0 Phoenix update while diving into the best deals and hidden gems from the Steam RTS Fest.
If you’re a fan of grand strategy, real-time strategy, or just looking for your next deep, tactical experience, this episode is a must-listen. We discuss performance upgrades in Stellaris, major balance changes, and why the late-game slowdown might finally be solved. On top of that, we highlight must-play RTS games currently on sale, from old-school classics like Stronghold Crusader HD to modern successors like Tempest Rising.
Stellaris 4.0: The Phoenix Update and Why It Matters
The episode kicks off with a deep dive into Paradox Interactive’s upcoming Stellaris 4.0 update, codenamed the Phoenix update. If you’ve ever been frustrated by late-game slowdown, good news: this update introduces a system to consolidate planetary population (pops), reducing the strain on performance. Inspired by the changes in Victoria 3, this system promises to streamline massive empire management while retaining the complexity Stellaris is known for.
We also discuss how anomaly notifications are being reworked to prevent the frustrating pop-ups that disrupt the flow of gameplay. Instead, they’ll appear in the notification bar, allowing players to engage with them at their own pace. This change sparked some debate among the hosts – some feel it improves immersion, while others argue it might still be an unnecessary distraction.
Another major talking point was speculation on the upcoming DLC, which is set to release alongside the update. While details remain scarce, it’s clear that 2025 will be a big year for Stellaris, and fans should keep an eye out for further announcements.
Steam RTS Fest: The Best Strategy Games on Sale
With the Steam RTS Fest in full swing, the hosts turn their attention to the best real-time strategy games currently discounted. Whether you’re into classic base-building, large-scale battles, or innovative new mechanics, there’s something for every strategy gamer. Some standout titles discussed in the episode include:
- Tempest Rising, which is described as a spiritual successor to Command & Conquer and delivers a polished RTS experience with a strong single-player campaign and deep tactical gameplay.
- Beyond All Reason (BAR) is a free-to-play RTS heavily inspired by Total Annihilation, featuring large-scale battles and a dedicated competitive scene. With a major graphical update coming soon, now is the perfect time to dive in.
- DORF is a promising upcoming game reminiscent of Majesty and They Are Billions, where you manage a settlement by day and defend it from undead hordes by night.
- Dune: Spice Wars blends 4X and RTS mechanics while capturing the political intrigue and resource battles of the Dune universe.
- Frostpunk is a brutal survival city-builder where tough moral choices shape the fate of your society. With a 90% discount, it’s essentially a must-buy.
- Defcon is a minimalist yet intense nuclear war simulator where the only goal is to ensure more of your enemies die than your own citizens. As the tagline suggests, everybody dies.
The hosts also touch on the appeal of multiplayer RTS games versus single-player experiences, with some passionate discussion about why multiplayer can be intimidating for casual players. The debate sparks an idea – should the Critical Moves hosts take on a multiplayer RTS challenge live on stream? Stay tuned for updates on that front.
Why You Should Listen to This Episode
This episode is packed with insightful discussions on the future of Stellaris, the best strategy games on sale, and what makes a great RTS experience. Whether you’re looking for an engaging single-player campaign or competitive multiplayer battles, there’s plenty to discover. If you love strategy games, this episode will help you make the most of the Steam RTS Fest and keep you informed on the biggest upcoming updates in the genre.
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