D.O.T. Defence is a fast-paced gamepad-friendly RTS now on Steam with co-op and versus modes

Real time chaotic strategy simplified to make it work well on a gamepad? With single-player, versus and co-op modes? D.O.T. Defence is out in Early Access with Native Linux support made with Godot.

More about it: "Welcome to D.O.T. Defence, a simplified yet deeply strategic RTS experience that seamlessly blends accessibility with tactical depth. We offer a simplified economy system, massive automated battles with light command, and a fun simplified upgrade system. Play in short bursts as matches last between 5-10 minutes! The only objective is to protect your HQ and destroy the enemies! Crafted by developers passionate about the genre, this game delivers a nostalgic experience reminiscent of their childhoods."

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What's available during Early Access (from the developer):

• Fight with Friends and Bots: Jump into local multiplayer mayhem with 1v1, 2v2, and chaotic free-for-all battles against your buddies or cunning AI.
• Dominate the Battlefield: Capture and hold key strategic locations to build vital facilities and keep supply lines flowing. Control the economy, bolster your troops, and pave the way to victory!
• Simple Controls, Deep Strategy: Don't let the gamepad focus fool you – there's plenty of strategic depth here. Issue broad commands or fine-tune unit paths, you can even let your units autonomously secure crucial points. It's the perfect blend of accessible fun and engaging tactics.
• Regular Updates Incoming!: We're committed to making D.O.T. Defence the best it can be. Expect frequent updates throughout Early Access with fresh content, exciting new features and improvements driven by YOUR FEEDBACK!

They said it will be in Early Access for at least 5-8 months as they plan quite a lot more content to come including a campaign for all three factions, new game modes, more gameplay modifiers, more maps and so on.

I picked up a personal copy and so far I actually really like the idea of it. Being able to buddy up with someone, each with a gamepad in hand while trying to destroy each-other can be good fun. Although, some versus matches feel a little bit like they drag on a little due to how simplified it is, with you only equipping 4 possible structures each. That feeling gets better as you play more and unlock other possibilities, so each player can do something a little different. But still, not a lot of room for different strategies in the versus mode.

Playing co-op though is quite different in the waves-based mode, as working together you each get your own gold income to build up defences so it's a lot of fun chatting away as you decide on your little plan of action.

I'm really keen to see how they expand it during Early Access but what's there right now is a great start. Their idea of adding in a more long-term 4x-like "Global Domination" mode sounds interesting.