Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak

Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak is a prequel to the renowned space strategy series Homeworld, which surprisingly sets its action on land – on the scorching sands of the home planet Kharak, long before humanity set out for the stars. The player commands a mobile desert fleet led by the enormous tracked carrier Kapisi, around which all strategic operations take place, including resource gathering, research, and unit construction directly within the moving base that serves as the heart of the entire campaign.

Transferring the series from three-dimensional space to the two-dimensional surface of the desert was a bold design choice that preserved the typical emphasis on tactical command of unit groups, formations, and use of terrain, but fundamentally transformed the way space is handled – elevation differences and visibility across the dunes replaced the third dimension of space battles. The battlefield is vast and open, with dunes and valleys affecting visibility and maneuvering, while the entire campaign, featuring a gripping story about uncovering humanity's ancient past and mysterious artifacts, smoothly connects the individual missions into a coherent narrative. Visually, the game feels highly atmospheric, almost melancholic, thanks to the combination of desert landscape, dust storms, and industrial vehicle design, accompanied by music that carries on the series' characteristic orchestral sound.

Critics particularly praised the courage to bring a familiar brand into a new setting without losing its strategic soul, as well as the quality storytelling and dense atmosphere the game managed to build even without a space backdrop. Deserts of Kharak is today regarded as a successful and thoughtful entry point into the world of Homeworld for new players, and proof that the developers managed to create a fresh and distinctive strategic experience with respect for the series' legacy – one that holds up well even on its own, without knowledge of the later installments.

Why play: For both series fans and newcomers, it offers a fresh, thoughtful entry into the world of Homeworld – dense storytelling and strategic skill without a space backdrop, holding up well on its own.