Those familiar with theLong War mod fromXCOM 2andParadox Games(Stellaris,Hearts Of Ironseries) can satisfy their grand strategy itch with the early access release ofTerra Invicta.Beginning with a UFO crash landing on the planet, the game starts with a race against other factions to salvage technology, gather strength, and find out what these aliens want. Similar toXCOM,players will investigate alien activity around the globe and expand their influence before taking to the stars and eventuallyconstructing their very own ships.
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The game eventually morphs into anExpanse-like space epic as players garner more control of the solar system and appropriatelydeal with the alien threat, as well as each other. Instead of taking control of countries, players will helm one of the 7 unique organizations present within the game — Humanity First, the Resistance, the Academy, the Initiative, the Servants, the Protectorate, and Project Exodus. Each faction has a unique take on the alien situation with varying goals that will inevitably clash with others. However, with so many mechanics to work out and understand, which faction should newcomers try out?
4The Servants
Terra Invictais no walk in the park. In fact, it might be one of the mostchallenging grand strategy gameson the market. The game immediately throws players into a shadowy political game of subterfuge as factions scramble to control and influence various nations and secure resources. Players must recruit several agents to improve their organization’s standing and strength. Whilst China, Russia, the United States, Europe, and India sport starting armies, space industries, and nuclear arsenals, players may wish to start with the small fish and bring smaller nations into their sphere of influence.
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Enterthe Servants.Much likea modern-day doomsday cult,the Servants are a faction that has forsaken their allegiance to humanity, viewing the aliens as saviors here to cleanse their sins and save them. The game recommends this faction to players looking for an easier challenge, as it effectively removes the aliens as adversaries and instead aligns with them.
That said, the Servants stand in direct contrast against factions such as The Resistance and Humanity First, as both factions see the Servants as sell-outs and traitors. Apart from making enemies with 2 factions right off the bat, players who want to welcome their alien overlords with open arms just might find this experience intriguing and perhaps even rewarding.
3The Resistance
Essentially playinga more complex game ofXCOM,players seeking a less ground-based combat experience and more political intrigue will enjoy this faction to its utmost. The goal ofthe Resistanceis to unite the world together and be able to mount an effective defense against the xeno-threat whilst protecting the world’s populace and keeping them more or less intact.
Much like climate control, players will have to appeal to the world’s leaders and try to convince enough of them that a massive threat is potentially on its way and that everyone needs to prepare for it. For those wanting to relive their gloryXCOMdays from another angle, this faction is the one to go for.
2Humanity First
Similar to the Resistance but ‘willing to go the extra mile,’Humanity Firstis a faction for players wanting to see the origins of the ‘Imperium Of Man’ come to fruition. With a hatred for the aliens, Humanity First shares much in common with other fictional organizations, such asWarhammer 40K’sSpace Marines andMass Effect’sCerberus. Willing to do whatever it takesto purge the alien threat,Humanity First doesn’t care if a few million lives stand in the crossfire.
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Offering interesting and warped event choices, players might be enticed with being able to carry out a few war atrocities to achieve some greater good. Taking it a step further, this faction doesn’t want to only fend the aliens off; it actively wants to destroy the aliens outright, alongside any humans sympathizing with the aliens.
1The Initiative
The game’s true Illuminati faction,the Initiativehides in the shadows, observing where the balance of power sways. Seeking to profit from the chaos, players will assume the role ofpowerful magnates, figures, and corporationsoperating from the sidelines before striking the victory chord. Not aligned or technically against any faction, the Initiative allows players to keep a low profile as they gather strength whilst other factions openly tear each other apart.
Beginners may also stand to stay ahead of the competition as this faction is guaranteed to strategically benefit no matter who’s ahead or behind. Face it, who doesn’t want to play as Elon Musk during an initial alien invasion?
