OpenHV, a free and open source RTS based on the unreleased Hard Vacuum has a stable build

If you're looking out for a new real-time strategy (RTS) to play you're in luck. Recently, OpenHV has a first stable release powered by the OpenRA game engine.

OpenHV has a fun history, basing the game around an unreleased game named Hard Vacuum that developer Daniel Cook wrote up a Post Mortem for back in 2005. Tons of assets were released under open licenses, along with details on what the gameplay would be like and so OpenHV was created from the ashes. OpenHV also uses the remastered Tyrian Graphics and the Iron Plague artwork by Daniel Cook as well.

YouTube videos require cookies, you must accept their cookies to view. View cookie preferences.
Accept Cookies & Show   Direct Link

Thanks to the power of the OpenRA engine it already supports single-player, LAN, online multiplayer, map editing and more. OpenRA can hopefully help revive and create many more 2D RTS games with great cross-platform support. Since the assets used are under various permissive licenses, you might recognise some of them. I sure do, as Rusted Warfare also uses some of them (which is also another fantastic 2D RTS!).

The gameplay is OpenHV is pretty good too and will feel easily familiar to anyone who has played an RTS. One of the main differences is the resource collection. You build a specific unit, which transforms into a mining building on top of various deposits. However, they need constant protection as a small transport truck leaves the mine at various points to deliver money to your main base so you need to watch them.

You can download it from GitHub and itch.io.