Empires of the Undergrowth - Exploding Ants is a strategy simulation expansion that adds new ant and termite species to the core experience of managing insect colonies in real-time battles across forest floors and underground tunnels. Players direct worker and soldier units to gather resources, expand nests, and repel invaders while incorporating explosive self-sacrifice tactics drawn from real biological behaviors.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on colony management and tactical combat. Workers collect food and build structures while soldiers defend against rival insects. The expansion introduces autothysis as a defensive option where select units rupture internal glands to detonate, damaging nearby enemies at the cost of their own lives. This mechanic requires careful planning around unit production and positioning to offset the permanent loss of fighters.
Three new ant units from the C. explodens species expand options for one faction. Standard workers handle routine tasks without special traits. Regular soldiers explode on command to inflict area damage and apply a brief slow effect. Upgrades increase blast radius, enable chain reactions between multiple detonations, or leave damaging residue pools. Major soldiers reduce incoming frontal damage and can anchor in place to boost armor on adjacent allies.
Two new termite units from the N. taracua species add variety to the opposing side. Soldiers perform asymmetric snapping attacks for high underground damage or surface stuns while propelling themselves to safety. Workers gain explosive potential only after surviving long enough for blue laccase enzymes to develop in their abdomens. Upgrades accelerate maturation, boost explosion damage output, or extend the duration of lingering effects like confusion or toxicity.
Game Modes
Freeplay Mode and Custom Games allow unrestricted experimentation with the new species on various maps. Remix mode lets players insert the exploding units into existing campaign scenarios for altered challenges. Story Mode supports unlocking the new units for formicarium defense runs where players protect their home colony over extended periods.
Two additional levels draw directly from campaign themes. One returns to The Harvest map to eliminate a fire ant colony. The other revisits the Front Line rainforest setting for multi-night survival against waves of attackers. These stages highlight the new explosive capabilities in structured objectives that mirror the base campaign structure.
Strategic Considerations
Explosive units demand trade-offs in colony economy. Heavy reliance on autothysis requires robust worker networks to replenish losses quickly, while sparing termite workers for explosions means diverting them from essential nest maintenance. Upgrades provide meaningful customization, such as wider blast zones or persistent damage fields, but players must weigh the investment against immediate defensive needs.
Combat flows through layered engagements where surface clashes and underground tunnels interact. Ant major soldiers provide frontline stability while termite soldiers disrupt from below. The expansion integrates these elements without altering the fundamental pace of resource gathering and unit command.
Is It Worth Playing?
The expansion released on March 24, 2025, and has received Very Positive reviews, with 87 percent of 118 user ratings positive. It appeals to players who enjoy detailed colony simulation combined with tactical decision-making around high-risk abilities. Those already invested in the base game will find the new units and levels add fresh layers to established modes without requiring a complete shift in playstyle. The content suits strategy fans comfortable with managing trade-offs between unit preservation and aggressive sacrifice tactics.
