A Year Of Rain is a real-time strategy game with indie and RPG elements that places players in command of armies across a harsh, war-torn world. The title emphasizes team coordination in both story-driven and competitive settings, where base building, resource management, and hero-led combat form the core loop. Factions bring distinct playstyles, and the design supports two-player cooperation throughout most experiences.
Gameplay
Players select one of three factions and engage in real-time strategy that blends base construction, resource collection, unit production, and direct combat. Structures and units receive upgrades that improve output and combat effectiveness. Each army operates under the leadership of a legendary hero who anchors the force and provides specialized capabilities. Three roles are available in team matches, granting access to unique technologies that shape overall strategy. An AI companion can receive orders to execute specific troop movements if a human partner is unavailable. The system rewards careful planning around upgrades and role synergies rather than raw speed alone.
Game Modes
The co-op campaign supports exactly two players and follows a narrative arc involving key characters and locations. Participants coordinate defenses against ambushes, explore hidden elements, and conduct large-scale battles while advancing the shared story. Skirmish mode focuses on 2v2 team matches built from the outset for competitive balance. New players access built-in build orders to learn faction mechanics, while experienced competitors review detailed match statistics to refine performance. All modes allow faction choice and hero selection, with team play extending to campaign and skirmish alike.
Factions and Heroes
Three distinct factions drive the conflict. House Rupah operates under Jaidee Rupah, who seeks to expand into unclaimed territories and establish lasting influence. The Restless Regiment follows Lady Llorona, whose forces display either mechanical obedience or intense loyalty rooted in purpose or past conflicts. The Wild Banners unite nomads, hunters, tribes, and remnants of older societies that reject centralized civilization, emphasizing survival through mobility and adaptation. Each faction supplies three heroes who lead armies and unlock specialized options during matches.
Is It Worth Playing?
Reception stands at mixed levels based on hundreds of user reviews. The game suits players who enjoy coordinated real-time strategy sessions with a partner, particularly those drawn to role-based team mechanics and a focused two-player campaign. Skirmish options provide competitive depth for those comfortable with build-order learning curves and post-match analysis. Availability remains on PC with no ongoing seasonal content confirmed after the 2020 release. Individuals seeking straightforward single-player experiences or frequent large-scale updates may find the scope limited, while fans of smaller-team RTS coordination can explore the faction variety and hero leadership systems directly.
