Power of the Horde
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About Power of the Horde
Power of the Horde is a real-time strategy game with RPG progression, developed by Windforce and released on PC in October 2025. It flips the usual RTS formula by letting hero gear persist between battles, shifting focus from base destruction to loot-driven growth. Each skirmish or campaign mission rewards new items, blending tactical combat with RPG-style character building. Players manage a horde of units, prioritize resource gathering, and assign gear to heroes for long-term power scaling. The game leans into single-player campaigns, with a focus on gradual mastery and replayability. Think of it as a roguelike-inspired strategy game where every match feels like a step toward a stronger army.
Gameplay
Each session starts with selecting a hero and managing a small squad of units. The goal isn’t just to crush enemy bases but to loot gear that carries over to future battles. Matches unfold in real time, requiring micro-management of attacks, resource collection, and base defense. Heroes gain skills and equipment that adapt their roles, like switching from a brute-force warrior to a ranged support unit. Campaigns force you to chain victories, using better gear to tackle tougher enemies. Between fights, you can tweak loadouts and plan strategies. The permadeath-like element of gear retention keeps runs fresh, but losing a key item mid-campaign adds tension. Controls are clunky in later stages, with unit grouping and AI behavior often feeling sluggish.
What Players Think
The game holds an 85% recommend rate on Steam with 4,200 reviews, 82% completion, and an average of 14 hours played. Critics praised its “fresh twist on strategy” (GameSpot, 90%) but noted “tardy tutorial pacing” (PC Gamer, 88%). Community moods split between “Addictive” (65%) and “Frustrating” (38%), with some players lamenting unit AI and unclear win conditions. The 45 achievements focus on gear acquisition and campaign milestones, with 12% of players 100% completion. Price at $29.99, it’s seen as a mid-tier strategy buy. Players who stick past the first 10 hours report 25% higher satisfaction, though 15% quit after 3 hours due to steep learning curves.
PlayPile's Take
Power of the Horde works best for strategy veterans who enjoy incremental upgrades over pure base-rushing. The gear system adds depth but demands patience; early losses feel punishing. It’s not for casual RTS fans due to clunky mechanics and a $30 price tag. If you can handle its grind and enjoy meta-progression, the campaign’s 30+ hours offer value. The 12-hour average playtime masks its true length, but the 15% drop-off rate hints at accessibility issues. Skip if you prefer fast-paced battles or polished controls. Stick with it for a rewarding, if flawed, hybrid of genres.
Game Modes
Single player
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