Usually, base-building RTS games are pretty serious in tone. Maybe there’s an intense military conflict, or an armada of spaceships are fighting to control a solar system. The beauty of Runner Duck’s chaotic Bomber Crew was that it didn’t take itself seriously at all while still offering some fun and dynamic strategic action. That continued on with 2020’s Space Crew, and now it’s time to try out the third game in the Crew series. With Mad Max-style vehicular combat, Badlands Crew just dropped its new Steam demo early, so you can jump in and give it a go right now.
If the Crew series has passed you by, it essentially tasks you with assembling a deadly squad to pilot massive customizable vehicles and then put them to work in RTS style combat. It’s reminiscent of FTL, if you’ve ever played that. Runner Duck’s amazing debut game, Bomber Crew, is all about flying fortresses, Space Crew took things starward with spaceships, and now Badlands Crew puts you back on solid ground. With clear Mad Max inspiration, you must construct a roaming battle truck that can explore a harsh desert wasteland and take out the legions of raiders that live there.
There are four main factions out in the wasteland – Gun Nutz, Pyros, Vultures, and Klowns – and each one has a main boss that needs to be eradicated. Head into their territory, take them on, and defeat their leader. As you topple more and more enemies, you’ll be able to repair and then upgrade your truck with new weapons, defences, and utilities. You must also pick the right crew members for the job at hand and for the specific gear you have attached to your vehicle.
Be warned though that these raiders aren’t the only threats, so make sure you don’t venture too far from your home base of the Citadel without making the necessary upgrades to your base-on-wheels. Environmental hazards like sandstorms, volcanic eruptions, and Dune-style sandworms could all catch you out while exploring or turn the tide of a battle.
Bomber Crew remains a beloved title – it’s 89% Steam rating is well-earned. Space Crew didn’t quite match those dizzying heights, but Badlands Crew looks like it’s really recapturing the magic of the first game. As part of Steam Next Fest, you can try it out for yourself for free as well.
The new demo for Badlands Crew is live right now. You can download it here.
Once you’ve given it a go, here are some other brilliant strategy games to also try. If it’s the Mad Max vibes that you’re into, you may find some great options in our best apocalypse games.
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