Homeworld 3 Introduces Epic Roguelike Mode: A Perfect Fusion of Slay the Spire and Hades

Homeworld 3 is revolutionizing the series by introducing dynamic terrain in its 3D environments. Additionally, it is merging single and multiplayer roguelike gameplay with real-time space strategy. The game's roguelike mode, called War Games, challenges players to select from a variety of starting fleets and embark on a series of progressively difficult missions culminating in an epic final battle. Players can acquire Artifacts during these missions, which significantly alter the performance of certain ships, and unlock additional options for future playthroughs.

In an interview with Game Rant, Homeworld 3 Senior Designer Andrew Oatway explained the mechanics of progression in the roguelike mode. He emphasized that Homeworld 3's progression system does not rely on persistent power upgrades between matches, but rather on making impactful decisions regarding Artifacts throughout each mini-campaign, while also presenting players with new choices at the start of each playthrough.

Homeworld 3 Progression Is About Choices, Not Persistent Power-Ups

Oatway expressed his preference for roguelike games like Hades but disagreed with the idea of persistent power upgrades, such as "+5% health to shields" for ships, in the War Games mode. Instead, he believed that the focus should be on unlocking new options, allowing players to master a variety of strategies and fleet compositions. He also felt that persistent power upgrades would create a disparity between new players and experienced ones, hampering the cooperative aspect of the game.

I wanted to offer a wider range of options as you progress through the mode and unlock new things. The introduction of meta progression brings excitement and keeps players engaged. Moreover, it allows us to start with simpler elements and gradually introduce more advanced components as players demonstrate higher levels of skill and comprehension.

I have made an effort to avoid incorporating features that passively increase the health of all your ships by 5% through the allocation of five power-up points. Firstly, this bonus of +5% health is quite unexciting and tends to bore both myself and others. Moreover, it becomes clear that while there are individuals who embark on new runs and manage to defeat Hades without any bonuses, this is not the case for the majority of players.

In Homeworld 3's War Games, the progression will be more akin to roguelike games such as Slay the Spire. The player will begin each run at a consistent power level, but will have access to a few novel tools. As players advance in their profiles, they will unlock additional starting fleets, each with its own unique build list. By collaborating, cooperative players will have the opportunity to fill in any gaps that exist in their respective build lists, allowing for coordinated and strategic decision-making.

Players Can Have Overpowered Runs In Homeworld 3's War Games

The most satisfying moments in roguelike games are the elusive "god runs," where luck smiles upon the player and they obtain a perfectly harmonious combination of upgrades that propels them effortlessly through challenges. Homeworld 3 actively encourages power spikes like these in War Games, although they may not occur consistently.

I have strived to maintain a balance in these combinations, ensuring that there are some that can dominate a run. After all, one of the greatest aspects of roguelikes is the ability to sit back and confidently proclaim, "Okay, now let's do it again. And again. And again." Allowing players to experience the rare "stars aligned" runs, where they feel immensely strong and exhilarated, is essential. I certainly do not want to undermine that sensation; instead, I want powerful synergies to truly feel potent. This, I believe, is a key way to keep the game feeling fresh and to ensure that players continue to immerse themselves in the mode for countless hours of enjoyment.

While exploring the War Games mode in Game Rant, we were able to stack multiple upgrades that significantly boosted the damage output and vulnerability of assault frigates. This resulted in a strategic focus on assembling a powerful armada consisting of assault frigates, complemented by a fleet of support craft dedicated to healing. These upgrades have a noticeable impact and play a pivotal role in shaping players' fleet compositions and their coordination within the team.

The release date for Homeworld 3 on PC is set for February 2024.