We have activated the beta for Freeplay and are opening it up to all owners on Steam! If you'd like to participate and are familiar with joining beta branches on Steam, here is your access code:
betatestants
If you're not, please follow the instructions in this post on our forums:
https://steamcommunity.com/app/463530/discussions/0/3211505894108961652/
That post also has a detailed changelog; there have been many fundamental changes to the game that this update introduces.
Note that the beta is Windows only. We're likely to release it for Mac and Linux a short while before the end of the beta period to ensure things are working properly.
As an added bonus, we're also adding in the Battle Arena at the same time! This mode allows you to test creature army compositions against each other to see how they work. Find it in the "Other Modes" main menu option along with Freeplay.
We're interested in hearing your feedback with regards to balance, glitches and crashes. Note that the beta version does not have saving, but the final release of this update will - so for now if you'd like to have a good long session, free up your afternoon!
"Your queen has set up home beneath a rotting log. She is fat, and vulnerable. Her first brood will need to move quickly if the colony is to survive. Their priority now is to find food, and there is plenty around; but there are other hungry creatures in the undergrowth. The workers will need to be vigilant."
Empires of the Undergrowth is an ant colony management game, in a fast-paced real-time strategy style. The player excavates their nest underground, constructing tunnels and chambers to store food and raise brood. On the surface, the ants claim territory, gather resources, overwhelm fearsome arachnids and clash with other colonies. Nest design, army size, composition and attack timing are key to securing victory.
Carve out and construct your underground nest to suit your strategy
Engage in fast-paced colony versus colony combat above ground
Play as different ant species and explore their unique traits and weaknesses
Encounter and overpower dangerous beetles, arachnids and other awesome arthropods
Grow your pet formicarium over time by completing missions
MINIMAL SETUP
OS: Any reasonable new Linux distro (Ubuntu 16.04)