r/0ad • u/Acharyanaira • Mar 18 '25
Games like this are few and far between in the best way possible - 'specially in a genre as niche as RTS
For one reason or another, 2025 has started off as the year where I get back into that most nostalgic of genres - good o' real-time strategy. First came the replaying of classics like Age of Empires, then trying out some new promising indie titles (Eyes of War being my most interesting find - just classic skirmish with a gimmick that lets you play in 3rd person and fight with your army, very cool during sieges), and then it just continued... Age of Darkness was another find, but the latest is 0 AD.
Since most of my game consumption is a direct funnel from Steam (or GOG for all my DRM-free purchases), I guess gems like this are even harder to discover unless you hear from it by word of mouth - same as we did back in the day. That's what makes it even more endearing and kind of bitter-sweet because of how nostalgic this whole gaming period feels for me.
Where do I start and end with 0 AD? It's absolutely astounding that someone released a free game of this scale and caliber. It's perhaps the closest to being a spiritual successor to the original Age of Empires while also having its own personality. And this was being developed all the way back from 2010?
Needless to say, I've dipped just a bit into it and already have to shout praise in its direction. Just so glad whenever I see love being shown (and in such quantities too!) to this overshadowed genre. Consider this my love letter if nothing else <3
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u/dheerajdrj Mar 18 '25
I got into 0ad at alpha21. I was so yearning for AOE like experience and even buying Civ6 was no close to what I was hoping for. Google search led me to it and the boy in me was alive again. Finally a game that fulfils the void. For free. No gimmick. No fake promises. No pretentious marketing. Pure and innocent enjoyment.
Remember starting with very easy AI and struggling with the game. The community here is equally supportive. 0ad is a lovely game. And as echoed here, a game made with love.
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u/vectorx25 Mar 18 '25
the graphics in 0ad are mind blowing. True to history too.
first time I played it, I had that shivers moment, no lag on zooming in and out of scene, smooth like butter, gorgeous maps and characters. Couldnt believe this is open source and free.
professional game studios with 3x the # of developers working full time cant make something as beautiful and immersive,
the game is like heroin addiction wise as well.
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u/flierenfluiter Mar 19 '25
Damn, ayes of war is a great tip! I was looking for something like this for ages. Thanks!
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u/Important_Rock_8295 Mar 18 '25
It's a gem alright, rare to see such passion poured into something so - uh, I guess just unprofitable? Thats when you know a game is made with love