Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak, the well-received 2016 prequel to the real-time strategy classic Homeworld, will be available for free on the Epic Games Store from August 24th to 31st. This comes as an exciting announcement for fans of the series who have been eagerly anticipating the release of Homeworld 3, which has faced multiple delays and is now set to launch early next year.
Set on the arid planet of Kharak, Deserts of Kharak takes place over a century before the events of the original Homeworld game. It explores the once-home of the Kushan people, the protagonists of the series, as they navigate the harsh desert landscape to gain an advantage over the Kiith Gaalsien, a cult-like faction that punishes anyone dreaming of space travel. The gameplay retains the strategic roots of the series while adapting to the ground-based setting by emphasizing elevation and navigating the desert’s plateaus and valleys.
Offering Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak for free on the Epic Games Store gives existing fans an opportunity to revisit the franchise and bridge the gap until the release of Homeworld 3 in February 2024. Additionally, publisher Gearbox Software hopes to attract younger gamers who may be unfamiliar with the nearly quarter-century-old series.
The Homeworld series has had a tumultuous journey since its inception in the late 90s and early 00s. After the critical success of the first game, original developer Relic Entertainment created two more well-received installments, including an expansion and a proper sequel. However, after the release of Homeworld 2 in 2003, THQ acquired Relic Entertainment but failed to produce any further Homeworld games under its ownership.
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The series was given a new lease on life with the collapse of THQ and the acquisition of the rights by Gearbox Software in a 2013 auction. The studio breathed new life into the franchise by releasing remastered versions of the classic titles, followed by the launch of Deserts of Kharak. It wasn’t until 2019 that the highly-anticipated Homeworld 3 was announced, using a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds and gauge consumer interest. Despite experiencing several delays, it is expected to finally arrive next winter.
To claim Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak for free on the Epic Games Store, players will need an Epic Games account. From August 24th to 31st, they can visit the Deserts of Kharak store page on the Epic Games website or use the Epic Games Launcher to redeem their copy of the game.
In conclusion, the availability of Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak for free on the Epic Games Store serves as a treat for fans of the series and a chance to introduce new players to the franchise. With Homeworld 3 on the horizon, it’s an exciting time for fans of the real-time strategy genre and the Homeworld universe as a whole.
