Experience the Mad Max-Inspired Vehicular RTS ‘Badlands Crew’ with Its New Steam Demo

In the realm of base-building RTS games, the narrative usually leans towards the serious side. You might find yourself embroiled in a heated military battle or commanding a fleet of starships in a cosmic conflict. However, Runner Duck’s Bomber Crew defied this norm by embracing a whimsical approach, without skimping on dynamic and enjoyable strategic gameplay. This fun-filled spirit carried on into 2020’s Space Crew, and now the series has unveiled its third installment. Badlands Crew, with its Mad Max-inspired vehicular combat, just released a fresh demo on Steam, ready for you to dive in and give it a whirl right away.

If you’re new to the Crew series, it involves gathering a formidable crew to man colossal, customizable vehicles that you then lead into lively RTS style skirmishes. Think of FTL, if you’ve played it. Runner Duck’s first hit, Bomber Crew, had us soaring in airborne fortresses, then Space Crew took us on an interstellar voyage, and now, Badlands Crew grounds us with gritty land-based battles. Drawing clear inspiration from Mad Max, you’re tasked with building a battle-ready truck to navigate a ruthless desert expanse and combat the raider factions dwelling there.

The desert is home to four main factions: the Gun Nutz, Pyros, Vultures, and Klowns, each with a notorious boss awaiting confrontation. Venture into their domains, challenge their might, and dismantle their leadership. As you defeat these foes, your reward is the ability to repair and upgrade your truck with a variety of new weapons, defenses, and utilities. Choosing the right crew members is vital, as they must be equipped to fit the specific gear attached to your vehicle.

A word of caution: these raiders aren’t your only adversaries. Stray too far from the safety of your home base, the Citadel, without the needed upgrades, and you could fall victim to environmental dangers. Be wary of sandstorms, volcanic eruptions, and the lurking menace of Dune-style sandworms, which could shift the odds in any given battle.

Bomber Crew’s charm is evident in its 89% approval rating on Steam—a feat that Space Crew didn’t quite repeat. Yet, Badlands Crew appears poised to reclaim the enchanting allure of its predecessor. As part of Steam Next Fest, you have the chance to test this exciting new venture at no cost.

Ready to jump in? The Badlands Crew demo is now downloadable. Give it a go and, if you’re still hungry for more, explore other excellent strategy games. Fans of Mad Max might discover some fantastic picks in our selection of top apocalypse games.

Stay updated by following us on Google News for the latest in PC gaming, including reviews and guides. For those who enjoy active discussions, join our community on Discord and stay engaged with fellow gaming enthusiasts.