Terminator: Dark Fate - Defiance

[Asid]

Terminator: Dark Fate – Defiance is a gritty RTS that puts you in the middle of the Future Wars between humanity and Legion's synthetic intelligent machine network. Take command and lead your army to foil Legion's plan to destroy humanity or play as one of three factions in skirmish and multiplayer.

Product page


Genre: Strategic
Timeline: Sci-Fi
Theatre: World
Difficulty: Intermediate
Players: 1-2
Multiplayer: PBEM


Trailer




About This Game

Defiance is a real-time strategy game based on the Terminator: Dark Fate universe that follows the war between humanity and Legion's synthetic intelligent machine network. In the single-player campaign, you take the role of a commander in the Founders faction and guide your army in an attempt to foil Legion's plan to exterminate the last remnants of humanity. In skirmish and multiplayer modes, play as three very diverse factions: Founders, Legion and Resistance.

Take control of an army carried over from mission to mission on a series of large strategic maps. Make decisions about unit placement, battle tactics and abilities so that you just don’t survive but become the leader of resistance against the machines. Hone your skills and military expertise by replaying and achieving the best possible outcomes.


Features

Campaign
•   Start humanity’s resistance against the machines by surviving engagements with Legion and rallying others to your cause. In the post-Judgement Day world, the greatest threats may not come from the machines but rather from other human survivors.
•   Traverse various dangerous locals, find additional allies and supplies and navigate the brutal differences between competing human factions.
•   Engage in complex, realistic battles where your tactical decisions are vital to your survival and ultimate victory. Use a variety of military equipment, vehicles and ammunition types in your battles against the enemy. Recruit and train new units, assign new skills and acquire new weapons and equipment to continue the resistance.
•   Your battlefield tactics and choices have deep consequences. Your resources are limited and you must protect your army. Weapons of war receive damage through a modular component damage system where armour characteristics, component malfunctions and hull structure all affect if your troops survive.
•   Recruit others to your cause and grow your army. Mix and match the composition of your troops to fit your preferred battle tactics. Use infantry units, heavy armoured military vehicles, plasma cannon technology, drones and other flying units and even human skirmishers to achieve victory.
•   Use the battlefield to your advantage! Physics-based building demolition lets you generate a realistic set of tactical consequences, especially in urban areas.
•   Test your skills in online multiplayer matches. Fight against real-life human opponents in 1v1, 2v1, and 2v2 battles.

[Asid]

Brand new never-shown-before mission
May 31, 2023

[Asid]

Terminator: Dark Fate - Defiance: The Movement - Resilient survivors
Thu, June 8, 2023




After the machines took over, a new force is rising to challenge the dominance of Legion. Known as The Movement, this faction consists of survivors, civilians, and former local militia who have banded together to fight back against the relentless onslaught of the machine army. Led by the formidable Jessica Kidd, The Movement aims to unite the scattered survivors and reclaim their freedom. She is a strong leader trying to bring the survivors together.



The members of The Movement rely on their resourcefulness and resilience to wage war against Legion. They make use of salvaged weapons and vehicles, retrofitting trucks, vans, buses, and more with armor and formidable weaponry. This diverse arsenal allows them to mount a formidable resistance against the machines that threaten their existence.

The Movement encompasses various specialized infantry units, each with unique skills and capabilities. Let's take a closer look at some of them.

Guerrillas


The Guerrillas form an infantry squad of six highly trained individuals. Unlike the common militia, they possess superior Close Quarters Combat (CQC) abilities, enhanced health, and exceptional accuracy. These skilled fighters have undergone intensive tactical and weapons training, making them a force to be reckoned with. As they advance, Guerrillas gain access to powerful abilities such as utilizing remote explosives and landing from a helicopter on ropes. Upgrades enable them to improve their weaponry, increase ammo capacity, and expand their ranks.

Technicians


Technicians serve as a vital part of The Movement's infrastructure. These clever handymen are responsible for driving and maintaining all Movement vehicles, including heavy ones. As part of the agile aggression doctrine of The Movement, each technician crew has been trained to direct airstrikes from Movement aircraft, further enhancing their combat capabilities. With advancements, Technicians gain the ability to perform various explosive-related tasks. Upgrades enable them to crew heavy vehicles, detect and disarm enemy mines, set different types of mines, and strategically plant remote explosives in the batteries and reactors of disabled but intact large Terminators, ready to detonate at a later time.

A notable asset within The Movement's arsenal is the Armoured Passenger Trailer.


Initially a regular heavy transport semi-trailer rig, this vehicle can carry up to 22 troops at a time. However, with the skillful enhancements performed by The Movement technicians, it can be transformed into a mobile stronghold. The trailer can be detached and utilized as an emplacement, providing a sturdy defensive position for the faction. Upgrades allow for the installation of various weapons and enhanced armor, bolstering its defensive capabilities.

As The Movement fights for survival and liberation, their determination and resourcefulness shine through. Led by the indomitable Jessica Kidd, this faction brings together resilient survivors to wage a desperate war against Legion.

Did you miss the series of videos “Report from the Frontlines”?
Make sure to check them out here:

[Asid]

Terminator: Dark Fate - Defiance: Unveiling the Founders
Tue, June 20, 2023



the battle-hardened heroes of the U.S. Military

In the gripping world of Terminator: Dark Fate - Defiance, a new chapter unfolds as the Movement encounters a powerful faction known as the Founders. Emerging as a detachment from the U.S. military, the Founders bring unmatched organisation, advanced weaponry, and unwavering determination to the battlefield. Led by the enigmatic Lieutenant Alex Church, who serves as the game's main protagonist, the Founders play a pivotal role in the game's immersive storyline.



The Founders stand apart from the Movement, boasting superior organisation and a heavily armed force. As the remnants of the U.S. military, they have access to upgraded military equipment, vehicles, and an arsenal of weapons that surpasses that of their counterparts. With their enhanced resources and strategic prowess, the Founders pose a formidable challenge to Legion's reign of terror.

Within the ranks of the Founders, various specialised units exist, each honed for specific combat roles. Let's delve into a few examples.

Snipers


The Founders deploy elite sniper teams to bolster their combat capabilities. These highly skilled marksmen bring deadly precision to the battlefield, taking out enemy infantry and light vehicles with lethal accuracy. Upgrades allow them to enhance their vision and stealth capabilities, making them even more effective in engaging their targets. With their sniper teams in action, the Founders gain a crucial edge in long-range engagements.

Infantry squad


The backbone of the Founders' forces, standard infantry squads consist of seven highly versatile combat units. Equipped to engage both light and heavy enemy units, these squads serve as the universal combat backbone of the faction. Upgrades offer options such as improved weaponry and expanded ammo capacity. With these enhancements, the standard infantry squads become even more formidable in battle.
Just like other units in the game, the Founders’ units can undergo training and improvement to unlock their unique special abilities. This allows players to further tailor their strategies and maximise the potential of their forces. Infantry within the Founders can undergo a range of upgrades to further enhance their combat effectiveness. These upgrades include improved body armour, providing increased survivability and reduced speed. Furthermore, infantry units can receive an extended set of ammunition for their bazookas, granting them a wider range of destructive capabilities. In addition to the cumulative anti-tank rounds, they gain access to high-explosive anti-personnel ammunition.

As you embark on the journey through Terminator: Dark Fate - Defiance, be prepared to witness the relentless determination and battle-hardened spirit of the Founders. This faction embodies the unwavering resilience of the U.S. military and becomes a beacon of hope in the war against Legion. Upgrade your units, hone your tactics, and join the Founders in the ultimate fight for humanity's survival.

Stay tuned for more updates as we delve deeper into the factions and the immersive world of Terminator: Dark Fate - Defiance. Prepare to make your mark on the battlefield and shape the destiny of mankind.

[Asid]

Terminator: Dark Fate - Defiance: Unmasking Legion
Fri, June 30, 2023



In the ever-intensifying conflict of Terminator: Dark Fate - Defiance, a dark presence looms over the battlefield - Legion, the relentless machine army. As humanity fights for survival, Legion continues to execute its sinister plans against the remnants of mankind.

Today, we delve deep into the terrifying Terminator units that serve as the backbone of this formidable faction.

Rev6-Terminators
Meet the dread-inducing Rev6-Terminators, a squad of three fast-moving humanoid models. These cutting-edge machines are earlier versions of the endoskeletons of the Rev-9 models seen in the movie, with rudiments of biodesign and composite materials in the design of Rev-6.
The Rev6-Terminators are versatile and formidable combatants, capable of utilizing any type of infantry weapon. Their agility allows them to effortlessly maneuver through buildings, fences, and certain walls, bypassing obstacles with ease. Although expensive to field, their rarity on the battlefield only amplifies their fearsome reputation. With a wide range of abilities and the potential for upgrades, the Rev6-Terminators strike fear into the hearts of their human adversaries.



Spiderbots
Unleashing devastation from a distance, Spiderbots serve as one of the primary fire support units for Legion's infantry Terminators. These nimble and lightweight weapon platforms can be outfitted with formidable large-caliber armaments.
Armed with light cannons and rocket launchers, including guided missiles, Spiderbots rain down destruction upon their targets.
The Spiderbots' devastating firepower and strategic abilities make them a force to be reckoned with.



As the war between humanity and machines rages on, your choices and upgrades will shape the outcome of Terminator: Dark Fate - Defiance. What will happen next? This will be in your hands to discover and decide: you will actually lead the survival of mankind.

[Asid]

Empower your units with Founders upgrades in Terminator: Dark Fate - Defiance
Fri, September 8, 2023




In Terminator: Dark Fate - Defiance, the struggle for humanity's existence intensifies, so you might want to be ready if things get out of hand. Your units will develop as the game goes on, growing more powerful and adaptable, giving you the tools you need to combat even the most tenacious mechanical enemies.

Evolve your arsenal, elevate your chances: the Abrams tank.

The renowned M1 Abrams tank - the backbone of the Founders' defence - is at the centre of this update. This tank develops into a distinctive force with each upgrade, bringing with it a fresh set of advantages and difficulties in fending off the unrelenting attack of the machines. Every advancement has its own trade-offs and advantages thanks to the wide range of improvements.

Witness the M1 Abrams tank's growth as it receives its initial round of modifications. This upgrade attempts to improve its capabilities and prepare it for future challenges.

The initial arsenal boost



The biggest drawback is its subpar tank armour, which may be remedied by installing additional armour upgrades and an active protection system.

Enhanced firepower and adaptation




The tank maintains its base armour, maintaining its balance between defence and agility.

Resilient armour, devastating offence




This upgrade, when equipped with "Junk" armour, increases protection against numerous damage types while presenting trade-offs such as lower dynamic qualities and higher fuel consumption.

Cutting-edge protection, lethal precision




Outfitted with Carbon armour, this advanced defensive layer amplifies protection against most damage types, though energy damage remains an exception.

Masterful defence, precision offence





This blend of cage armour and ceramic plates, enhanced with ceramic armour, provides exceptional defence against energy and cumulative harm.

Upgrade your troops, arm your soldiers, and demonstrate that humanity's resolve is unbreakable, even in the face of merciless machines. In Terminator: Dark Fate - Defiance, keep fighting.

[Asid]

Use the Movement units to unleash enhanced strength
Mon, September 25, 2023




In Terminator: Dark Fate - Defiance, the Movement introduces a new upgrading system for its units in the never-ending struggle against the machine insurrection. Prepare for improved firepower, strengthened armour, and strategic adaptability that will redefine the battlefield and swing the balance of victory.

Revolutionising your arsenal
The mighty units of the Movement are at the centre of this metamorphosis, each adapting to better battle the advancing AI menace. The Movement is reinventing mobility and firepower through thoughtful engineering and repurposing.

Heavy trailer - towed carnage



The Heavy Trailer is a towed heavy armament platform that houses a 120mm gun within an armoured turret. This weapon was inspired by rediscovered army cannons, which were then installed on a towable platform for improved mobility. The platform must be stabilised after movement utilising support devices for best precision.

Tactical powerhouse



Devastating mobility



Adaptable force



Equipped with "Junk" armour, which provides improved protection against numerous forms of damage while bringing trade-offs such as diminished dynamics and increased fuel consumption.

Versatility in action



Enhanced with steel armour, significantly boosting defence against various damage types.

Unyielding defence



This strong combination of steel and cage armour provides maximum protection against all damage types, even energy-based strikes.

[Asid]

Terminator: Dark Fate - Defiance is touching down at Steam Next Fest
Fri, September 29, 2023



Terminator: Dark Fate - Defiance is debuting at Steam Next Fest. You'll have the chance to jump right into the action with an exclusive demo beginning on October 9th at 5 PM GMT and ending on October 16that the same time.

What is ahead for you? As you tackle three missions from the single-player campaign, be ready for an epic journey. Additionally, you’ll test your tactical skills on a skirmish battlefield.

In order to make this game truly exceptional, we need your open input. An easily accessible button to give us your feedback will be located inside the demo.

Don't pass up the chance to participate in this. Prepare to download, play, and enjoy yourself.

[Asid]

Terminator: Dark Fate - Defiance Demo Feedback analysis & our next steps plan
Tue, October 24, 2023



We firstly wanted to express our gratitude to everyone who was able to download and use the demo last week. For us, it has been a huge success seeing so many individuals playing and enjoying the demo. Moreover, it gave us the opportunity to collect a lot of feedback that we will use to improve the game.

The demo missions only offered a glimpse of what to expect, which might not have given you the best representation of how action-packed and exciting this game is. However, we hope this piqued your interest and that you're looking forward to playing more upon the release.

Today we wanted to share with you some of the things we learned from the demo feedback and our plans for the future to make the game better before it is released.


Story and script
Some players found the initial demo missions to be somewhat scripted. These early missions were designed to introduce players to the game's story, but we want to assure you that, starting from Mission 3, you'll encounter more open missions with RPG elements. You'll have the freedom to make your own decisions and shape the story as you progress. Additionally, we're exploring options to allow players to skip early missions, especially for those who have already played them in the demo.

Cutscenes
One of the strengths of Terminator: Dark Fate - Defiance is its deep narrative-driven gameplay, which immerses players in the storytelling. The cutscenes in the early missions help you become fully engaged in the single-player campaign. However, if you're craving more action, you can jump into the skirmish mode!

Defensive nature of the missions
We are aware that the first three missions have a defensive nature, and since they are the introductory ones they don't represent the actual mission structure through the rest of the game. Consider these missions as opportunities to learn the game's mechanics and familiarise yourself with the game world. It's the beginning of the game and it lays the groundwork for what's to come.

Tutorials
We've noticed that many players struggled with the basic mechanics. To address this, we are adding in additional tutorial information that can be accessed, which helps teach the basics of unit control.

Performance
We understand that some of you have experienced performance issues, and we are actively optimising the game. While we are working on these optimizations, we recommend always checking the system requirements for a smoother gameplay experience in the meantime.

Interface
We've observed player confusion regarding vehicle identification, especially distinguishing between allied and abandoned vehicles. To address this, we're planning to implement player units and vehicles, enemy units and friendly AI controlled units.


We want to express our gratitude for the valuable feedback you've provided. It's instrumental in helping us enhance the game before release. Stay tuned for more exciting updates ahead!

[Asid]

Year One Roadmap
Thu, April 4, 2024




Greetings players,

We have been hard at work on new plans, and we are now ready to tell you what is in store for the first year of post-release development of the game.



Free Updates
The initial free updates will primarily concentrate on enhancing multiplayer and skirmish modes, introducing new maps, modes, and features, including the first Multiplayer Co-op maps.

Subsequently, a campaign update will be released, offering customizable difficulty options, and a new mission for T-Force within the main campaign.

Further multiplayer updates are scheduled for later in the year with even more maps, more Co-Op games, and also in game chat. Alongside all of this will be ongoing quality-of-life improvements.

Premium Content
We are currently developing the first DLC to be released this year — a campaign that explores the continuing war between man and machine from a fresh perspective. In this DLC, players will have the opportunity to play as the Machines themselves. Expect new mission locations, units, and many other exciting additions as the story continues.

[Asid]

Update v1.04.995.1
Wed, 28 August 2024



Hi everyone,

There is a new Terminator update available. This should fix some issues related to the new two maps that some players have been experiencing.

Here is the small Changelog:
    • On the Canal map, some buildings that were impossible to enter have been fixed. The rest of such buildings act as decorations - their design has been slightly changed to make this more obvious.
    • On the Island map, a building where squads could descend under the landscape has been fixed.
    • On the Island map, path issues on some stairs have been fixed.
    • In the Nueva Tortuga mission, the difficulty of the duel with the squad of furies has been reduced.
    • Increased the number of slots in the last reinforcement of the Final mission (Galveston) so that the player can call all of their units.

[Asid]

Upcoming Gameplay Reveal for "We Are Legion" DLC
Fri, 18 October 2024



We’re thrilled to announce the gameplay reveal for "We Are Legion", the latest DLC for Terminator: Dark Fate - Defiance.

Mark your calendars for October 21st. Join us on the Slitherine YouTube channel for the
premiere, where we’ll showcase the new features that await you.

Don’t miss this chance to see what’s in store as we expand the battle for humanity. Get ready to join the fight.

Stay tuned and see you there.

[Asid]

"We Are Legion" DLC launching December 10th
Mon, 21 October 2024



Mark your calendars. The "We Are Legion" DLC for Terminator: Dark Fate - Defiance will be launching on December 10th.




The gameplay has been unveiled, and if you missed the live reveal, you can watch it here:




As a bonus, don?t forget to download your exclusive wallpaper to gear up for the release.

Stay vigilant, and look out for more updates as we countdown to the exciting launch.

[Asid]

We are Legion - Dev Diary #1 part 1
Mon, 4 November 2024



Questions Answered on the ?We Are Legion? DLC

Hi there. I?m Mark, the Senior Producer on Terminator: Dark Fate - Defiance. So here we are, a few weeks out from the release of the first major DLC. We are releasing ?We Are Legion? on the 10th December and are all very excited about getting it out to you all to play.




I wanted to answer some of the questions that players in the community have been asking about the new DLC. I find that it's a fine balance of giving information, but not wanting to spoil the story or the experience. As the new DLC is story based, in the same vein of the first T-Force campaign, I would still want players to have surprises and shocks as they play. So, I will do my best not to give too much away (in the knowledge that I?m sure there will be streamers out there that will stream the game before you?ve played it - do try to avoid spoilers).

Here we go:

Why a Machine focussed DLC?
As we have said, the new DLC is going to be Legion based, with you playing the side of the Machines. Why did we choose this, rather than just continuing with the story in the main game? We saw a lot of community comments early in the game's life-cycle about ?Wouldn?t it be great to play as the Machines!?, and early on decided that we would like to provide that too, but to an extreme. So, the path of the first DLC was formed.

Will there be more human campaigns?
Yes indeed. The plan is, as always, to see the journey from the first game story through to where we see the future war in the Dark Fate movie, with the Resistance fighting Rev 7?s & 8?s (and getting their asses kicked), but eventually, getting to a point where they are hopefully ?winning the war?. This will see more advanced human tech and equipment (hovering drop ships, augmented resistance fighters like Grace, etc), and more advanced Legion units (Rev 7?s splitting themselves and morphing bladed weapons and tentacles).
We plan continuing the story of Alex Church as he helps bring the Resistance together, as well as bringing in other forces to join, from both internal (and external) of the US.
I guess the question is also, ?Will there be more ?Legion focussed? campaigns??. I can answer that by saying, if you enjoy ?We Are Legion?, then there would definitely be the option of more similar campaigns in the future. If everybody hates it, then maybe not.

Are we getting new Legion Units?
This is the most asked question since the DLC was announced. Well, there are new units in the game, but these are primarily given to other factions (mainly the Integrators, as many sharp eyed players may have seen, in the gameplay reveal, the Integrators are sporting new weapon platforms).
Integrator Armored Carrier with Legion plasma weapon

Integrator Platform: A Legion Hunter Platform, converted to manual control and mounted on a semi-trailer wheel chassis

Legion however are getting a whole upgrade on how the army management works, as well as full customisation for all the units.

This means that you will be able to not only customize the weapons on your units (and I mean, heavily customize weapons, with a greater array of weapons being attached to units and vehicles that did not support them in the original game, as well as units being armed with different weapons at the same time).

You will also be able to upgrade and customize many elements of your various units, by researching and ?buying? new features. These can be added onto your reinforcement units.

We also have ?blueprints?. Blueprints are like ?production templates?, and allow customized units to be added to the reinforcement roster, with these new unit versions to be fielded during re-inforcement or within the core of your Legion army.
Each unit has a number of slots that can be upgraded.

New Legion Army customization screen

So, upgraded legs, for increased speed, upgraded torsos for increased armor protection, updated vision chips for accuracy, etc. There is a restricted number of upgrades allowed per variant, so you can create specific units for specific jobs.

You may have a Rev blueprint type with increased speed and rate of fire for speedy assaults, but another Rev type that is the normal speed, but has higher armor, damage and accuracy, and carries two variants of machine guns, for a slower but more powerful follow up unit!

Not only can you upgrade units like this, but you will be able to assign additional abilities to units to make them ?something else?. For example, a drone could have the ability to drop smoke grenades, making a very unique, speedy unit perfect for smoke cover. Or a legion tank can be created with an artillery-caliber gun (155mm), capable of demolishing any human fortification. Or even a spider with a self-destruct ability to explode its reactor, making it a useful bomb when damaged.

Legion Artillery: Multi-Barrel Plasma Cannon. Significantly higher rate of fire than basic artillery, but less range and damage.

Legion Tank Weapon Customisation: Heavy rotary 30mm cannons. This weapon turns your tank into a mobile grinder capable of grinding both infantry and not heavily armored vehicles

Legion Tank Weapon Customisation: Heavy 155mm cannons. The most powerful high-explosive weapon, capable of destroying any fortification

As you can see, you will be able to tinker with your army to produce something unique to your needs and strategies.

In conclusion, we?re thrilled to share insights about the upcoming ?We Are Legion? DLC for Terminator: Dark Fate - Defiance, set to launch on December 10th. We hope this peek into the new features and campaign elements has sparked your excitement.
But this is just the beginning. Stay tuned for Part 2, where I, Mark, will be back to answer even more of your burning questions. Your feedback and curiosity drive our development, and we?re eager to engage with you further. Until then, keep an eye out for more updates as we count down to the release.

[Asid]

Terminator: Dark Fate - Defiance: We are Legion - Dev Diary #1 part 2
Fri, 8 November



Questions Answered on the ?We Are Legion? DLC

Hi there. I?m Mark, the Senior Producer on Terminator: Dark Fate - Defiance and here?s the second part of Dev Diary #1

Does this campaign follow the T-Force Story, or is it separate?
Yes it does follow the events that occurred in the main game (which is why, anybody who has completed the first story may get more out of it than if you haven?t finished the main story, though we do give enough ?backstory? for any players starting the DLC without completing the main game).
We see the ongoing story from a different perspective, and we hopefully answer a few questions that were remaining from the first story too. (Did somebody say Prototype?)
And will we see any returning characters from the main game? Well, that would be telling?.. (but yes, we do!).

Is the new Campaign set in the same locations as the first campaign?
As the story is continuing, we do begin in some very familiar locations. A lot of the new story does occur around the southern US states but as anybody would have seen in the announcement trailer and free wallpaper, we also are moving to some other locations in the US too, that are outside of the initial US map we provided.




Are there any new Multiplayer or Skirmish Maps with the DLC?
For the DLC, there won?t be additional maps given for Skirmish or MP. But, as we move into the new year, we will continue adding campaign maps into the Skirmish and Multiplayer lists as we have done through 2024. So, expect to see maps from the DLC appear in Skirmish and MP updates throughout 2025.
There are also some new features that will also find their way eventually into Skirmish & Multiplayer. For example, the army customisation that I mentioned above may appear in some form (setting up your army before a battle!).




Is there new music?
There have been new, Legion themed tracks produced. There are 12 new tracks in the DLC, to get you into the ?Legion vibe?.

What were the difficulties with coming up with characters for the machines when they have been mostly "Shoot first ask questions never" throughout the franchise?
This was definitely a challenge. We were aware that if the whole campaign was an emotionless machine speaking to you in binary, it may become frustrating. So, there are a couple of ?human? elements injected into the story, alongside Legion. So whilst you are ?Playing Legion?, as we?ve seen in the first game, there are times when Legion will call upon human factions to help their cause (Chihuahua for example, or the occasional Founder!! (no spoilers)). So, missions will not just be Legion speaking to you like an angry answer machine.

I hope that you have many more questions and we would love to answer them. So, if you want to learn more, there is a strong community on the official discord channel where I?m always about answering your questions (unless Marketing sends a kill-bot after me to shut me up).