Homeworld 3 has had quite the journey since launch, receiving backlash from fans for its gameplay and story-telling. Though it’s received extensive updates and fixes since launching this past May, development is ending. Update 1.3 and the remaining paid DLC are available, but additional features and content aren’t happening.
The update revamps the gameplay, overhauling armor and weapon classes with changes to directional damage bonus and weapon penetration. The tech tree has seen a balancing pass, and a new Reinforce function is available for all modes. War Games has been updated with 45 new Artifacts (including Ultimate Artifacts) and an Interstitials System, which features three new encounters.
As for the paid DLC, it includes the Somtaaw and Taiidan factions for War Games. The former offers two new fleets and units – the Acolyte and Storm Frigate – alongside ten new challenges and 32 Artifacts. The latter also includes two new fleets, 11 new units, 52 Artifacts, and ten challenges.
Homeworld 3 is available exclusively on PC. Check out our review. As for the franchise’s future and what Blackbird Interactive has in store next, stay tuned for updates.
Homeworld 3 Patch 1.3 Update Notes
Game Patch Highlights
All Game Modes:
Extensive combat balance tuning:
- Overhaul and tuning of armor and weapon classes
– Reworked weapon penetration
– Reworked directional damage bonus - Strengthening unit roles and identities (strengths, weaknesses, counters, etc.)
- Balance Tuning
- More!
- Improvements to ship combat behavior and unit responsiveness
- Tech tree balancing pass
- Resourcing changes
- New “Reinforce” ability added in all modes
War Games:
- 45 new artifacts
– Ultimate Artifacts!
New Interstitials System
– 3 Interstitials encounters
– 9 New challenges
Updated Tech Trees for War Games Fleets
Skirmish:
- Hyperspace & Hyperspace Inhibitor abilities added to Skirmish mode
- Improved the pacing and flow between early game, midgame, and endgame play in Skirmish, with a focus on strategic decision making
- Tactical Missile abilities added to both the Hiigaran Mothership and the Incarnate Titanship
- New Skirmish Tech Tree
- New AI player “Personas”
- Heightened AI player difficulty
Campaign:
- Pacing changes
– Added “player controlled mission end” to more missions
