Back in 2016, Ashes of the Singularity made waves in the gaming landscape with its pioneering multi-core graphics engine, letting players command thousands of units across massive, continent-spanning skirmishes. It was a bold reimagining of what RTS could be in a time dominated by fast-paced shooters and open-world adventures—something CGMagazine writer Cole Watson captured well when he wrote, “Ashes of the Singularity is a good RTS that brought me back to my childhood days of PC gaming.”
Now, Stardock and Oxide are returning to the franchise with a new entry. Ashes of the Singularity II drops players into a conflict that’s only grown more complex and dangerous. The futuristic United Earth Forces—an alliance combining NATO, China and Russia—are now fighting not just for far-flung planets and moons, but to reclaim key territories on Earth, including Australia and Africa, from the grip of hostile AI and powerful post-human adversaries. Set in a near-future 2031 that feels eerily plausible, the story explores a world where advanced technology and the human spirit collide on a massive scale.
One of the biggest changes coming with Ashes of the Singularity II is the introduction of a fully playable human faction. “Ten years ago, we set a new, literal benchmark for RTS games with massive battles and groundbreaking technology,” said Brad Wardell, CEO of Stardock Entertainment. “With Ashes of the Singularity II, we’re raising the bar even higher, delivering strategic gameplay depth that RTS fans have always dreamed of.”
Wardell noted that player feedback played a major role in shaping the sequel’s direction. “Obviously, in the first game, the number one request was to have a human faction,” he explained. “Back then, we just couldn’t support having thousands of organic, walking, squishy people in the world, and thus had to design in favour of machines. We’re really excited to bring the humans into the war and watch how they fare against the massive mechanical armies of the Substrate and PHC.”
Ashes of the Singularity II boasts a significantly expanded development team and promises deeper, more intricate battlefield tactics, advanced units, and improved AI. The campaign will plunge players into a chillingly familiar reality, while multiplayer offerings look to provide both co-operative and fiercely competitive modes for seasoned tacticians and newcomers alike.
Ashes of the Singularity II is being crafted by the same partnership that earned acclaim for technological innovation on the original title. With Stardock’s pedigree—bolstered by successes such as Sins of a Solar Empire and Galactic Civilizations—and Oxide Games’ reputation for cutting-edge engine technology, it’s hard not to be excited for a new entry in the franchise that was a major leap forward in RTS gaming when it first launched.
Fans eager to join the fray can wishlist Ashes of the Singularity II now on Steam and join conversations with the development team through the official Discord. For more updates as humanity’s battle for survival approaches, visit the game’s official website and stay tuned to CGMagazine for all the latest announcements.
