Summary
- Tempest Rising releases on April 24, 2025, bringing back classic RTS mechanics in a post-nuclear setting.
- Players must master the basics first, which include harvesting Tempest as the primary resource and using it to build their base/city.
- This Tempest Rising beginner guide covers the fundamentals of resource management, combat, and strategy with additional tips for those who are new to the game or the RTS genre.
Players can soon experience the post-nuclear world of Tempest Rising when it launches on April 24, 2025. This game brings back the nostalgic base-building and resource management style in old-school real-time strategy (RTS) games. Thus, mastering the fundamentals of this classic can mean the difference between victory and crushing defeat. If you’re jumping into this war-torn Earth for the first time, worry not! This Tempest Rising beginner guide will equip you with essential knowledge to dominate the battlefield.
Understanding Tempest: Your Critical Resource
The mysterious Tempest vines serve as your main source of credits. These strange red plants emerged after a devastating nuclear war. You can harvest Tempest pods from the vines to rebuild your city. Here are some things about Tempest fields that will be of help:
- Renewable vs. Non-renewable Fields: Root Nodes or Craters in Tempest fields mean that the field will regenerate after harvesting. These would be ideal for long-term operations as you can keep coming back to them after a while. Meanwhile, fields without them are finite, and once harvested, they’re gone for good.
- Field Management: Even renewable fields can be temporarily drained if you place too many Harvesters. You should still allow fields time to regenerate so you can come back just in time for another harvest.
- Processing Centers: These neutral buildings should be among your first capture targets. Each one provides 50 credits every 4 seconds plus 100 power. That’s equivalent to having an extra Harvester and power plant without the construction costs.
Combat System: Strategic Damage Types
This Tempest Rising beginner guide wouldn’t be complete without explaining the combat mechanics. The game features a sophisticated damage system with six types. Here are all of them:
- Cannon
- Explosive
- Fire
- Rifle
- Rocket
- Sniper
Every unit and building has specific armor resistances to these damage types. Before launching an attack:
- Check what damage type your units deal (hover over their weapon icons)
- Examine your target’s armor table by clicking on them and viewing their shield icon
- Target weaknesses—attack enemies with damage types they have low resistance to
For example, GDF Power Plants are vulnerable to Explosive damage but resistant to Rockets. Using the right damage type against enemy weaknesses can dramatically speed up your victories.
Customizing Your Forces: Doctrines and Armory
Tempest Rising features multiple factions, including the technology-heavy Global Defense Forces (GDF) and the resilient Tempest Dynasty. There’s also a third faction that will be introduced later on. Each faction has their own unique units, structures, and playstyles.
Players will be able to choose which faction they want to play on the side of. In this Tempest Rising beginner guide, we’ll also cover your faction customization options offered through two key systems:
Armory (Campaign Only)
Completing campaign missions will give you Armory points to spend on faction-specific upgrades. These upgrades range from sustaining capabilities like bonus HP or self-regen to damage/attack boosts and more.
Doctrines (All Game Modes)
While Armory points focus only on the campaign mode, Doctrines cover everything. These are faction wide upgrades. GDF’s “Rapid Deployment”, for instance, speeds up building construction, while Dynasty’s “Body Armor” increases infantry HP by 15%.
You can also combine them with Armory upgrades for stronger advantages. For example, pairing Dynasty’s “Veteran Crew” with “Training Regimen” gives you rapidly advancing vehicle units. GDF’s laser-focused upgrades can also be combined for superior battlefield control.
Conclusion
Tempest Rising presents itself as a nostalgic game that resembles all the mechanics of RTS classics. Veterans of the genre will surely find their way easily through its interface and gameplay. However, for new players, this Tempest Rising beginner guide aims to walk you through the basics of the game. When you master resource management, combat mechanics, and strategic customization, you’ll surely build a solid foundation for success! The alternate Earth awaits your command—now go build, harvest, and conquer!
