They Are Billions

Build and defend a steampunk colony in a world overrun by zombies.

Challenging Real-Time Strategy Meets Tower Defense

They Are Billions offers a fresh take on real-time strategy by dropping players into a post-apocalyptic steampunk world ravaged by relentless zombie swarms. Rather than facing balanced AI armies, the primary threat is the overwhelming number of undead, forcing a significant shift in traditional RTS tactics.

Here, players manage a fledgling colony, gathering resources, constructing buildings, and training forces, all while preparing for unpredictable waves of zombies. Every map is randomly generated, ensuring a unique set of challenges on each playthrough. Survival hinges as much on careful resource management and strategic expansion as it does on military might.

Unique Gameplay Blend

The gameplay fuses classic base-building and resource extraction with heavy tower defense elements. Early on, scattered zombies force players to balance cautious expansion with the need for rapid economic growth. Walls, towers, and traps become vital as even a single zombie breaking through can lead to a chain reaction of infection and devastation.

Periodic mega-swarms, known as "hordes," test the colony’s defenses in dramatic, high-stakes encounters. These moments elevate tension and require players to plan defenses meticulously, as a poorly positioned tower or missed weak point can mean total destruction.

Steampunk Aesthetics and Atmosphere

They Are Billions boasts a dark, richly detailed steampunk world. Visuals are crisp, with buildings and units featuring intricate mechanical designs. The game atmosphere is enhanced by a brooding color palette and foreboding soundtrack, adding weight to the ever-present threat of the undead.

Although some may find the graphics simple compared to other modern RTS titles, the art direction suits the game's tone and keeps action clear, even when thousands of zombies fill the screen.

Modes and Replay Value

Players can test their skills in Survival Mode, striving to last as long as possible, or in Campaign Mode, which introduces story elements, hero missions, and persistent upgrades. The adaptive AI and random map layouts give the game high replayability, while leaderboards and challenge modes offer avenues for competitive players.

Performance and Learning Curve

The game is well-optimized, capable of handling large hordes with minimal slowdown on most systems. However, the experience is punishing: newcomers may find the difficulty daunting, especially given the permadeath mechanics and fast escalation of threats. Success depends on learning from failures, gradually developing better layouts and strategies.