SteamWorld Build: Everything We Know

The Station is gearing up to launch yet another city-building project in its long-standing SteamWorld series. In the aptly titled SteamWorld Build, players will be invited to live life on the edge of a dying planet—a Western-inspired world in which resources are scarce, and the ores with which citizens will need to escape are scattered in the sub-levels below the surface. To put it short, it’ll be a mixture of city-building meets dungeon crawling, and it’ll be heading to consoles and PC before year’s end.

So, introductory words out in the clear, what more do you really need to know about the upcoming city-building chapter? Well, if you’re interested in learning about all the ins and outs of The Station’s latest IP, then be sure to read on. Here’s everything we can tell you about SteamWorld Build.

What Is SteamWorld Build?

If you’re unfamiliar with the IP, SteamWorld is a steampunk-inspired city-building series in which players take control of a steam-powered race—a civilization of robots who’s bound to a post-apocalyptic world. To give you a bit of a backstory, SteamWorld Tower Defense, players had the task of eliminating an army of human invaders and defending a network of gold mines that sat beneath the surface. Well, as it turns out, those mines are now the key to escaping said post-apocalyptic planet, which means you’ll need to brave the depths and uncover an ancient tech that sits between the gold.

Unlike the first installment, which mostly served as a tower defense game, SteamWorld Build will focus on city-building and dungeon exploration. As the overseer of sorts, you will need to rally your robotic troops, and divide your time between unearthing powerful technologies from a long-lost underground world, and erecting a bustling community atop the vast open wastelands. That’s quite the lofty goal, all things considered — even for a robot.

Story

SteamWorld Build will put you front and center in a post-apocalyptic world that’s on the verge of collapse. In a last-ditch effort, you will need to locate a secret technology that just so happens to sit in the lowest portions of the planet. To get there, you’ll need to establish a base of operations, obtain some troops, and launch a digging expedition that stretches deep into the core of the dying planet.

“That mine under our town is sitting empty, and wouldn't you know there's rumours of ancient tech down there that might help us out of this predicament,” the description reads in part. “Round up the posse, circle the wagons, and let's get to buildin' a new home! Collect resources above ground and ores down below so we can get those wealthy bots in here to help us build bigger, and we can get the heck out of here!”

Gameplay

It’ll be a city-building game at heart, which means we can full well expect to see our fair share of plotting, researching, and developing new technologies. What’s more, it’ll invite newcomers to the “rich story of the long-running SteamWorld series, while expanding the saga for fans of the series.” Add the fact that there’ll also be plenty of combat encounters to sift through, outsiders to onboard, and Western-inspired curveballs to overcome — and you’ve got yourself quite the challenging adventure on your hands.

“As your borders expand, new steamfolk will find their way to you! Every bot is crotchety in their own way, and it's up to you to keep them steaming along,” the description adds. “Barter to boost efficiency, keep goods flowing to and from the mines and keep everyone happy to make them work their darndest and hardest.”

In addition to all that exploring and digging you’ll be doing, you’ll also need to fend off several waves of “creepy crawlies”, too. To make it through the dungeons (or mines, in this case), you’ll need to invite new members to your community, and develop an army that’s fit to tackle the monstrosities that idle from below. Easier said than done, of course.

“Stare into the abyss long enough and it might just stare back… we're going looking for riches and something down there doesn't want to share!” the blurb continues. “Have gun, dig gravel, and make sure the mines don't collapse upon you as you defend yourselves from the creepy crawlies that lurk within.”

Development

No one likes sand in their gears. That's why Engineers appreciate a good wash every now 'n' then. We almost built a dentist, then we remembered none of our Steambots have teeth!

SteamWorld Build is coming to PC and Consoles 1 December 2023. ⚙⚒

— SteamWorld Games (@SteamWorldGames) October 27, 2023

It has been just short of four years since Image & Form last released a chapter in the SteamWorld saga, which means a new addition to the timeline is well overdue. This time, however, it won’t necessarily be Image & Form that’ll be heading up the forthcoming chapter, but The Station, instead—a video game holding company that was established back in 2019. Rest assured, though, as SteamWorld Build will still have the same support from its creators as the previous installments in the series. In other words, Image & Form are still in the loop — so you can definitely expect a traditional SteamWorld experience.

Trailer

Ready for a deeper dive into the mines of SteamWorld Build? As luck would have it, The Station actually released a teaser trailer for its upcoming game earlier this year. Need we say more? You can check out the latest trailer in the video embedded above.

Release Date, Platforms & Editions

SteamWorld Build will be coming to Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch, and PC via Steam on December 1, 2023. Can’t wait? You can go ahead and add it to your wishlist over on Steam here.

The Station’s latest game caught your eye? If so, then be sure to check in with the devs over on their joint social handle for all the latest pre-launch updates here. If anything changes ahead of its release, we’ll be sure to fill you in on all the key details right here on gaming.net.

So, what’s your take? Will you be picking up a copy of SteamWorld Build when it releases on consoles and PC later this year? Let us know your thoughts over on our socials here.