Hello! It's time for a quick update on the development of TFC, specifically the Milestone 3 (M3) update!

The M3 release is delayed

Unfortunately, for several reasons, we will have to delay the release of M3. Chief among them is that we want to get it right. We want to make sure it works well and fits with our vision for this update and the "TFC DNA". Those who have followed TFC for a while know that integral to our process is the careful and meticulous iteration on features and design ideas. This means that we can't release M3 by the end of Q1 2023, despite the roadmap, and we apologise for any disappointment. Having said that, we are confident that this will benefit the release when it is ready and that you all will be happier for it long term! We cannot commit to a release yet, but we will let you know that we have most of the work done already. In fact, we've been working on M3 since before M2 was released last year. In the meantime, here's a little bit of info on M3:

An important update for TFC

For us, M3 is a very important update, as it's when we finally introduce multiple playable factions. Multiple playable factions are often one of the pillars of RTS games, as it provides asymmetrical gameplay, added variety and depth, and more content to learn and master. It's a moment we, as developers, have waited patiently for a long time ourselves! It's also a chance for us to implement an idea we've had for a long time, which has to do with how you select your playable Bronze Age civilization. We'll talk more about the specifics later, but at least we can say that we're very excited about this! It's a feature that we think fits perfectly with the "TFC DNA".

3 Playable Bronze Age Civilizations

In the next milestone update, there will be 3 playable Bronze Age civilizations. Each of these will have unique looks for all their military units and buildings.
One of the new playable Bronze Age civilizations. Exactly what these Bronze Age civilizations are named and what are unique to them will be revealed closer to the M3 release. However, we can tell that they have unique technologies, buildings, and wonder bonuses, that benefit them in a focused direction, like growing and defending a large population or expanding and taking map control.
A unique building for one of the new playable Bronze Age civilizations.

New Technology Tree

We're implementing a new Tech Tree from the ground up that, while still looking familiar, will provide us with more space in the UI for additional technologies. We're also improving in-game descriptions to make it easier to make connections between terminology and UI elements.

New and re-designed technologies

• 8 completely new technologies
• 5 existing technologies are being completely re-redesigned

The Wonder is more important

In M3, the Wonder will provide unique faction-based bonuses that increase for each stage you construct.
You'll be able to construct the Wonder in Horde Mode as well to utilise these bonuses. Reaching the last stage won't win you the game, though, but it does increase the bonus further.
Since the Wonder becomes more important, how many stages you've constructed will be a part of the resources UI in M3.

And more...

Expect the usual compilation of general improvements, improved Skirmish AI, balance changes, etc. We're grateful for the excitement around M3. Please know that we're not taking it for granted. We can't wait to share with you the rest of all the new ideas, designs and improvements that we've created for M3! - Team TFC

[ 2023-03-15 23:02:19 CET ] [ Original post ]

TFC is a classic base-building RTS inspired by the struggles of growth, advancement, and conquest in the cradle of civilization. Establish your village near fertile lands, and balance your food surplus against the size of your civilian and military might, as you build your village.

Food is responsible for more than just feeding your troops. It determines the rate your population grows, and how quickly you can gain Knowledge Points. Keeping your village fed will ensure your prosperous expansion, but allowing your farms to be compromised can bring even the strongest economies to their knees.

Inspired by the real history of the Near East Bronze Age era, TFC utilizes classic RTS elements while offering a unique perspective for the genre. Taking technological limitations and advancements into account, players will need to carefully consider how to spend their precious Knowledge Points, as they explore the Village Improvements that are designed to enable players to quickly counter an opponent’s strategy.

Strategic Options From The Beginning

Heavily inspired by the giants of the genre, TFC looks to expand on the mechanics of its contemporaries in interesting ways, giving players multiple strategic actions to explore from the very beginning of a match. There are multiple paths to victory, and players can quickly adapt their strategy to respond to enemy actions. How well players leverage this freedom will determine whether they experience glorious victory, or crushing defeat.

Consequential Fertility Mechanic

Food is the foundation of every successful village. Locate fertile ground and build your village around it to ensure that there is enough to sustain your growing population. Balancing your food surplus against your villagers and growing military is important, and protecting your farms is critical if you want to keep your village alive. Likewise there’s no better way to demoralize your opponents’ populations than by destroying their farms, and decimating their economy.

Advance Your Village

Increase the strength of your village as you explore Village Improvements. TFC features a collection of powerful improvements that allow commanders to spend points to quickly react to their enemy’s advancements, or perhaps create a window of opportunity to strike. With various ways to boost your economy and military, your strategic options are always clear to understand, and easy to implement.

Play Online With Up To 4 Players

An AI can be quite the challenge, but nothing can replace a real player. Available at launch, battle it out with up to three other commanders in order to prove who is the best at managing their village, army and food supplies. Challenge your friends or complete strangers, and visit our Discord to find new rivals. May the most prosperous village win, or perhaps the smarter commander? Everything is in your hands!