The exploding ants DLC is arriving on March 24! It comes with not only exploding ants (Colobopsis explodens), but also exploding termites (Neocapritermes taracua). Please enjoy the trailer! [previewyoutube=tKteisc1-Rs;full][/previewyoutube] Once you have the DLC they'll be available in your formicarium, in separate colonies for custom games, and in two extra levels that are twists on campaign levels (The Harvest - Firebreak, and Front Line - No Ant's Land). The store page for the DLC is live now - add it to your wishlist to be informed when it releases. Exciting times ahead! https://store.steampowered.com/app/3402420

Exploding Ants - Colobopsis explodens

The exploding ant has an unusual defense mechanism - when the colony is threatened, some of the soldiers undergo a process called autothysis where they rupture their bodies, spraying a toxic goo over their usurpers. In the game, this is represented by a concussive blast that causes high damage to enemies, impedes their movement and sends them flying!
A queen with a healthy brood of Colobopsis explodens ants When added to an ereptor colony, exploding ant soldiers will have a choice of upgrades. One choice is between Controlled Blast and Violent Blast - increasing the damage or radius of the explosion respectively, while Chain Reaction or Persistent Secretions will increase the damage of other exploding ants caught in the blast, or leave a pool of liquid on the ground that deals continual damage. The major soldiers do not explode but take reduced damage from the front, and generate high threat (making enemies more likely to target it). It has an underground-only area of effect ability - it will become stationary, and increase the armour of nearby allies.

Exploding Termites - Neocapritermes taracua

Autothysis is not unique to ants! Some termites have also evolved this remarkable ability, and in the case of Neocapritermes taracua it is the workers that do the exploding rather than the larger soldiers. For a while after birth they are inert, but will soon mature into their volatile adult selves (indicated by a darkening of their colouration).
A growing Neocapritermes taracua colony. Over time the workers darken in colour, indicating they are ready to go boom Exploding termite workers will confuse and cause damage over time to enemies caught in the blast. The longer the worker has lived before exploding, the more damage will be caused and the longer the confusion effect will be. As part of a gene thief colony, exploding termite workers have a choice between Rapid Maturity (reduces the time until it is explosive) and Accelerated Gland Filling (speeds up the rate at which the damage and duration of the explosion increases). They can also choose between Extreme Toxins (increases the duration of the damage over time effect) or Extreme Confusion (increases the duration of the confusion effect). The larger taracua soldiers do not explode, but they have a dual ability called asymmetric snapping with different effects depending on if they are on the surface or underground - underground, the ability causes high damage to an enemy, while on the surface it will stun and cause the termite itself to be flung back.

Boom!

We hope you enjoy the Exploding Ant DLC coming on March 24! It will also be launching in the wider context of a major artwork overhaul for the game - with a completely reworked rainforest environment and updates to creature models, textures and animations in many areas.

[ 2025-03-10 14:01:24 CET ] [ Original post ]

"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