Tempest Rising is a modern RTS that blends classic base-building and resource management with fresh mechanics like dynamic Tempest harvesting and faction-specific doctrines. Whether you’re new to RTS or a veteran, this beginner’s guide covers everything in Tempest Rising from economy management to combat strategies for both factions: the Global Defense Forces (GDF) and the Tempest Dynasty.
1. Understanding Resources & Economy
Tempest: Your Primary Resource
- Tempest is harvested from glowing vines scattered across the map. Harvesters collect pods, which are converted into credits (your main currency) at refineries.
- Renewable vs. Finite Fields:
- Root Nodes/Craters: Fields with these will regenerate Tempest over time. Ideal for long-term expansion.
- No Node/Crater: These fields are finite—once depleted, they’re gone forever.
- Avoid Over-Harvesting: Even renewable fields can dry up temporarily if too many Harvesters are active. Balance your economy.
Secondary Income: Processing Centers
- Capture neutral Processing Centers with Engineers. Each provides:
- 50 credits every 4 seconds (passive income).
- 100 power (free energy boost).
Power Management
- Buildings require power. Running low slows production or disables structures.
- GDF: Build additional Power Plants.
- Dynasty: Use Overclocking (temporary power boost at the cost of building health).
2. Tempest Rising Beginner’s Guide: Faction-Specific Basics
Global Defense Forces (GDF)
- Playstyle: Balanced, tech-focused, strong early-game units.
- Key Units:
- Sentinels (light vehicles for scouting).
- Drone Operators (anti-vehicle infantry).
- Hunter Tanks (mid-game armor).
- Building Mechanic: Structures build on-site (vulnerable during construction).
Tempest Dynasty
- Playstyle: Mobile, aggressive, relies on mass production.
- Key Units:
- Dynasty Guards (basic infantry).
- Pillager Tanks (flamethrower vehicles).
- Tempest Spheres (late-game rolling explosives).
- Building Mechanic: Pre-built structures deploy instantly (great for surprise tactics).
3. Tempest Rising Beginner’s Guide: Combat & Unit Counters
Damage Types & Armor
Six damage types exist: Rifle, Rocket, Explosive, Cannon, Fire, Sniper. Each unit/building has resistances—check their armor table (hover over the shield icon).
- Example: GDF Power Plants are weak to Explosive but resist Rockets.
- Tanks crush infantry: Heavy vehicles can run over foot soldiers for instant kills.
Unit Composition Tips
- Avoid spamming one unit type. Mix infantry, vehicles, and support (e.g., Grenadiers for anti-building, Snipers for elites).
- Use Sentinels (GDF) or Pillagers (Dynasty) to counter early infantry rushes.
4. Doctrines & Armory Upgrades
Doctrines (Faction-Wide Buffs)
- GDF Examples:
- Rapid Deployment: Faster building, better sell refunds.
- Resistant Treads: Harvesters move faster and self-heal.
- Dynasty Examples:
- Body Armor: +15% infantry HP.
- Training Regimen: Units gain veterancy faster.
Armory (Campaign-Only Upgrades)
- Unlocked via mission rewards. Examples:
- GDF: “Pilot Repair Training” (vehicles self-heal).
- Dynasty: “Veteran Crew” (vehicles start at veterancy level 1).
Synergy Combos
- GDF Example: Combine Resistant Treads (Doctrine) + Pilot Repair Training (Armory) for near-unkillable Harvesters.
- Dynasty Example: Veteran Crew + Training Regimen = Rapidly leveling tanks.
5. Tempest Rising Beginner’s Guide: Advanced Tactics
Expansion & Map Control
- Early Game: Secure nearby Tempest fields and Processing Centers.
- Mid-Game: Build secondary bases (GDF: Radar Stations; Dynasty: Salvage Vans).
Engineer Tricks
- Use transports (e.g., GDF Skycrane) to drop Engineers into enemy bases. Capture their Command Center to sell buildings for credits.
Defensive Play
- Turrets: Cheap but effective when grouped. Use them to stall enemy pushes.
- High Ground: Units on elevated terrain gain vision/range advantages.
6. Tempest Rising Beginner’s Guide: Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring Tempest Management: Over-harvesting kills renewable fields.
- Skipping Scouts: Early recon prevents surprise attacks.
- Underusing Doctrines: They’re game-changers in all modes.
- Turtling Too Long: The AI and players will outpace you if you don’t expand.
Final Tips
- Campaign First: Learn mechanics before jumping into PvP.
- Hotkeys: Master shortcuts for faster unit production (e.g., “A” for attack-move).
- Community Guides: Check Steam discussions for faction-specific builds
In summary, this Tempest Rising Beginner’s Guide equips you with essential strategies to thrive in your gameplay. From understanding resource management and faction basics to employing advanced tactics and avoiding common mistakes, mastering these aspects will enhance your experience. Whether you’re part of the Global Defense Forces (GDF) or the Tempest Dynasty, you’ll find your path to victory paved with the knowledge imparted in this guide. Happy gaming!