Starship Troopers: Terran Command - Raising Hell is a real-time strategy expansion that adds a new campaign set on the volcanic planet Gehenna. Players command Mobile Infantry forces against evolved Arachnid threats in a series of missions centered on protecting industrial facilities and Vilon Station from above.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on deploying troops, constructing defenses, and managing resources while fending off waves of Bugs in hostile terrain filled with lava and eruptions. New mercenary units bring specialized tools to the fight, including the Engineering Biped that uses its drilling arm for close combat and deploys smog and fire screens through its fuel system. Frag Mercs fire fragmentation shells at close range or launch contact grenades for indirect support, and they can place landmines. Shredder Mercs wield portable miniguns that tear through groups of smaller Arachnids or mount on tripods for better accuracy against armored targets.
Mobile Infantry gains experimental powered suit squads. Incinerators carry flamethrowers suited for clearing rooms of clustered Bugs. Officers in the same exoskeleton armor provide mobility and protection while directing fire and calling reinforcements during intense engagements. These additions integrate with existing unit management to handle the planet's unique threats.
Game Modes
The expansion delivers seven new campaign missions that advance the story of the struggle on Gehenna. Three additional challenge missions test players against escalating Bug assaults in the same unforgiving environment. Missions focus on taking over from mercenary groups to secure key sites around Vilon Station and its fuel extraction operations.
New Units and Threats
Arachnids on Gehenna appear in adapted forms. Stingers launch heated projectiles in groups near their nests. Immolators spray incendiary substances and explode in flames when killed, charging forward in their final moments. Pyroflies hover and spray burning material while resisting standard rifle fire due to thick exoskeletons. Bomberbees dive and detonate on impact with enough force to damage armor and personnel.
These subspecies require adjusted tactics compared to standard Bugs, pushing players to mix new mercenary firepower with powered suit capabilities for effective counters.
Is It Worth Playing?
The expansion suits players who enjoy real-time strategy campaigns with unit variety and defensive setup against adaptive enemies. It builds directly on the base game's systems by introducing fresh units and mission content without altering core mechanics. Those interested in the Starship Troopers setting and escalating Bug encounters will find the seven campaign missions and three challenges provide focused single-player content on PC.