Press release

Empires of the Undergrowth leaves the early access nest this June

The ant-tastic strategy game completes its early access journey with the final part of the campaign, new creatures, and a whole lot more…

May 7, 2024 - Hooded Horse is excited to share that another entry from its world-class portfolio of games is making the transition out of early access. Slug Disco’s ant-themed strategy game Empires of the Undergrowth will launch into 1.0 on June 7, 2024.


Empires of the Undergrowth blends RTS and base-building in an experience firmly grounded in real-world science and biology, challenging players to lead a colony of ants against the many fearsome threats of the insect world. Build intricate nests, develop pheromone-based tactics, and evolve the brood to combat escalating threats across multiple game modes. Players can also experience the multi-part campaign that’s full of mystery and at least one slightly mad scientist.

The big 1.0 update will include a range of new features, including:

  • A new savannah environment with its own creatures and hazards.
  • New ant species you can play in the campaign or custom games.
  • The final arc of the single-player campaign, featuring three new documentary missions with full voice acting and new artwork, as well as a final climactic challenge.
  • New Game Plus mode so the campaign can be played again with further upgrades and increased difficulty.
  • And many more quality-of-life tweaks and improvements.

Empires of the Undergrowth is localized from English into German, French, Dutch, Spanish, Italian, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Turkish, Ukrainian, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, and Japanese.

Empires of the Undergrowth is available in early access on PC via
Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store for $29.99 / £24.99 / €29.99 / ¥3,980. A press kit is available.

Press inquiries: press@hoodedhorse.com

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About Hooded Horse™
Hooded Horse is a publisher of deep strategic and tactical games with people and partners worldwide. Starting in 2019 with a single title, Hooded Horse’s portfolio has grown to 29 games and counting. Our goal is to empower and support developers in doing what they love so that they can create world-class experiences for their audiences. From the distant past of Manor Lords and the haunted woods of Against the Storm, to the depths of space in Terra Invicta and Falling Frontier.

You can find out more about us on our Steam publisher page, as well as our social channels; Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Discord, and website.

About Slug Disco Studios™

Slug Disco Studios is a UK-based developer founded by three childhood friends who had a dream of producing a videogame all about ants. A combination of freelance contracts, Kickstarter, and a Creative England grant helped bring their debut title, Empires of the Undergrowth, to Steam in 2017. The studio has since explored other game experiences themed on the natural world.

You can learn more via the official website, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Discord channels.