Earth vs Mars is a turn-based strategy game developed by Relic Labs and released on PC in late 2025. Players lead Earth's defense against a Martian invasion that involves advanced saucers, grav-tanks, and elite alien forces. The core appeal lies in the Splice-O-Tron mechanic, which lets commanders combine human volunteers with Earth animals to produce hybrid supersoldiers capable of unique battlefield roles.
Gameplay
The gameplay centers on tactical turn-based battles where positioning, unit abilities, and hybrid combinations determine outcomes. Commanders select from multiple leaders, each equipped with distinct abilities that alter army composition and battlefield control. Units range from standard military forces to spliced creatures such as cheetah-fly hybrids for aerial acid attacks, human-rhino chargers for frontline breakthroughs, and squirrel-cow infantry for forest ambushes. Many units possess special abilities that introduce layers of strategy, including ranged strikes, area effects, and movement advantages.
As the campaign advances, new creature types unlock alongside unit upgrades and commander powers. The enemy evolves in response, introducing threats like the organic weapon known as The Creep and Martian mutant forces. This progression keeps encounters varied while emphasizing careful resource management and hybrid experimentation. The 3D presentation features expressive unit animations and vibrant environments that support clear tactical visibility without overwhelming the player.
Game Modes
Earth vs Mars offers several distinct modes that cater to different play preferences. The single-player campaign delivers over 30 hand-crafted missions with a narrative focus on Earth's resistance efforts. Players progress through escalating challenges while unlocking new splices and abilities.
Online multiplayer supports 1v1 matches where participants can command either Earth forces or Martian invaders. VS Mode allows battles against AI opponents on custom maps created through the Map Lab editor. Challenge Mode emphasizes high-score pursuits in AI encounters, while Brutal Mode increases overall difficulty with permadeath consequences for mission failure. An optional Permadeath Mode removes defeated spliced units permanently, heightening the risk in every engagement.
Key Mechanics and Features
The Splice-O-Tron serves as the central innovation, enabling creative unit builds that blend human and animal traits for specialized combat roles. Commanders bring additional variety through their unique abilities, encouraging different approaches to the same maps. A fully voiced experience adds personality to commanders, units, and story beats. The Map Lab provides robust tools for creating custom scenarios, extending replayability beyond the campaign.
Brutal Mode and Permadeath options transform standard play into high-stakes runs, appealing to players who enjoy increased tension. The game supports Steam Deck play with verified controls across all modes, making it accessible for portable sessions.
Is It Worth Playing?
Earth vs Mars suits players who enjoy turn-based strategy with experimental mechanics and hybrid unit design. The campaign provides substantial content through its mission count and progression systems, while multiplayer and custom map options extend engagement for those interested in competitive or creative play. Steam user reviews stand at Very Positive based on available feedback, highlighting the charm of the hybrid concept and tactical depth despite some notes on pacing in early missions.
Those seeking a compact strategy title with strong single-player structure and optional multiplayer will find consistent value here. The smaller scope allows focused experimentation without the complexity of larger-scale titles, making it a solid choice for fans of the genre who appreciate creature-combination tactics and escalating alien threats.
