Homeworld 3 Release Date, Gameplay, Story, Trailers

Homeworld 3 is the first numbered entry to the Homeworld series after almost three decades – the first mainline game published by Gearbox since acquiring the franchise and remastering the first two games. In this article, we talk about the details about Homeworld 3, including its release date, gameplay, story, and trailers.

Homeworld 3 Release Date: May 13, 2024

Homeworld 3 Official Overview Trailer

Homeworld 3 was released exclusively on PC through Steam, GOG, and the Epic Games Store on May 13, 2024. The game was developed by Blackbird Interactive (Hardspace: Shipbreaker, Minecraft Legends) and published by Gearbox Software (Borderlands, Risk of Rain).

Homeworld 3 Story

Homeworld 3 Official Story Trailer

The Homeworld 3 story is set years after the conclusion of the first two games. The successful opening of the hyperspace gate network led to the “Age of S’jet,” a golden age of trade and development across the galaxy. However, prior to the start of the game’s events, the eminent Karan S’Jet disappears as she attempts to go past the edge of the galaxy.

At the same time as Karan’s disappearance, a mysterious force known as The Anomaly started appearing from where she disappeared. The Anomaly quickly spread across the galaxy, darkening star systems and threatening the end of the Age of S’jet.

Players control Imogen S’jet, twenty years after the disappearance of Karan, as the galaxy’s last hope against The Anomaly scourge. As Karan’s successor, Imogen will navigate the politics resulting from Karan’s disappearance, as well as having to lead the galaxy against this new existential threat.

Homeworld 3 Gameplay

Homeworld 3 Extended Gameplay Trailer

Homeworld 3 is a real-time strategy game played in a three-dimensional space, setting it apart from most RTS games. This does prove some level of added difficulty, especially for those who are new to the genre, but it is compensated by the added immersion that working in three-dimensional space provides.

The game’s campaign plays out the story through mission levels. Players control their fleet and their base to produce new ships, gather resources, research new technology, and develop their faction in order to complete that level’s objectives. Cutscenes play out events after each completed level.

The game also has a War Games mode, previously previewed as a playable demo. War Games mode is the same as the game’s regular gameplay but with an added roguelike twist.

Pushing players to use their wits in randomized scenarios, every session is a unique tapestry woven with three challenging missions, each promising a distinct set of objectives and conflicts. This structure ensures a diverse and engaging experience every time players embark on their interstellar journey.

For those looking to extend their experience or modify some of the gameplay, the game also offers native modding support.

Finally, the game also offers multiplayer game modes, in both PVP battles as well as three-player co-op in War Games mode. Either with them or against them, you will have to bring your best shot when playing multiplayer.

Homeworld 3 Edition Differences

Homeworld 3 is available for purchase in three different editions: Standard Edition, Deluxe Edition, and the Fleet Command Edition. Getting the Fleet Command Edition gives players the most content post-launch, and allows access to the game three days early on May 10, 2024. On top of the contents of the Deluxe Edition, players also get a digital soundtrack and in-game cosmetics.

Purchasing the Deluxe Edition grants players the Year One Pass, which will include three post-launch DLC drops that “expand the co-op War Games mode with new playable factions and artifacts.”