New grand strategy game launches on Steam with promising reviews and 35% launch discount

Pavonis Interactive and publisher Hooded Horse have officially transitioned Terra Invicta out of early access, launching version 1.0 on January 5, 2026. The release follows a development period that began with its initial Steam early access launch in September 2022. The 1.0 build is now available on Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store, and Microsoft Store (including PC Game Pass).

The 1.0 release introduces two major scenario expansions to modernize the game state and provide alternative entry points for new players:

• The 2026 Scenario: This new default start updates the global geopolitical landscape from the previous 2022 baseline to reflect current 2026 world affairs. It includes adjusted nation statistics and political alignments.
• The 2070 Scenario: A mid-game start that basically skips the initial Earthbound phase. All factions begin with established space assets and interplanetary travel technologies. The gameplay is focused on solar system colonization and established alien presence.
• Expanded Map: The Earth layer now includes over 50 additional regions. It is accompanied by new mechanics for region annexation and the formation of federations.

Version 1.0 also implements a "Realistic" combat mode, which has stricter propellant consumption at high acceleration and adjusts ship sizes to actual scale. The original combat settings will still be available under a "Cinematic" label.

Developers have also addressed the late-game lag that players frequently criticized during early access. Additionally, optimization of the AI’s resource management and ship-pathing routines has also been implemented to reduce turn-processing times during high-asset campaigns. The game has also achieved Steam Deck (curr. $795 on Amazon) Verified status, with optimized UI legibility and controller configurations for the handheld's 1280 x 800 display.

The game is structured around seven asymmetric factions with different victory conditions:

• The Resistance: Defend Earth and close the alien wormhole.
• Humanity First: Exterminate alien forces and their human collaborators.
• The Servants: Facilitate alien takeover and achieve world subservience.
• The Protectorate: Negotiate a treaty of surrender to avoid total annihilation.
• The Academy: Establish an equal interstellar alliance through diplomacy.
• The Initiative: Exploit the invasion for global corporate and financial control.
• Project Exodus: Construct a generation ship to flee the solar system.

As of the 1.0 launch, Terra Invicta has an 82% Positive lifetime rating on Steam across over 7,300 reviews. Recent reviews (last 30 days) are higher at 88% Positive - the same goes for day one reviews after full release.

System Requirements

• Minimum: Windows 10 (64-bit), Intel Core i3-2105, 6GB RAM, Nvidia GTX 650 (2GB).
• Recommended: Windows 10/11 (64-bit), Intel Core i7-6700, 12GB RAM, Nvidia GTX 1060 (6GB).
• Storage: 30 GB (SSD recommended for late-game save file stability).

Terra Invicta is priced at $25.99, thanks to a 35% launch discount.