Is this game connected to the original Homeworld games?

Yes, Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak is a direct prequel, set on the planet Kharak about a century before the events of Homeworld 1, detailing the origins of many key elements of the series' lore.

Do I need to play the previous Homeworld games to understand the story?

Not necessarily. While it enriches the experience, Deserts of Kharak tells a self-contained story that serves as an excellent introduction to the Homeworld universe for new players.

What kind of units are there?

The game features a variety of ground and air units, including light attack vehicles, armored assault vehicles, support cruisers, artillery, and air superiority fighters, each with specific roles.

Is there a multiplayer component?

Yes, the game includes a robust multiplayer mode where players can battle each other in various competitive scenarios, utilizing all available factions and units.

Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak

In short: Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak is a strategy game released in 2016 by Blackbird Interactive, available on PC. Our score: 8.5/10 (highly recommended).

A real-time strategy prequel to the Homeworld series, set on the planet Kharak, where players lead a scientific expedition to locate an ancient artifact while battling enemy factions.

Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak is a real-time strategy (RTS) game developed by Blackbird Interactive and published by Gearbox Software. Released in 2016, it serves as a prequel to the critically acclaimed Homeworld series, taking players to the planet Kharak approximately a century before the events of the original games. The game distinguishes itself with its unique blend of traditional RTS mechanics and the iconic Homeworld art style and lore, adapted for ground-based vehicular combat. The narrative of Deserts of Kharak is deeply embedded in the Homeworld universe's rich mythology. Players assume command of Rachel S'jet, chief science officer of the Northern Coalition, as she leads an expedition into the deep deserts of Kharak. Their mission: to investigate an anomalous energy signature, believed to be tied to the planet's salvation and the key to averting an impending ecological collapse. Along the way, they must contend with hostile Gaalsien forces, a rival faction determined to stop their progress and claim the artifact for themselves. The core gameplay revolves around resource management, base building (mobile carriers), and tactical combat across vast, desert landscapes. Players must strategically deploy a variety of land and air units, utilizing elevation, cover, and unit abilities to gain an advantage. The game emphasizes intelligent positioning and flanking maneuvers, rewarding thoughtful engagement over brute force. The persistent unit veterancy system, where units…

Game details

Developer: Blackbird Interactive
Publisher: Gearbox Publishing
Release year: 2016
Platforms: PC
Category: strategy

Our review

Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak successfully brings the beloved Homeworld universe to a ground-based RTS. The tactical combat is engaging, rewarding clever positioning and unit composition. The story is a compelling prequel, deepening the lore, and the visual design is stunning, capturing the harsh beauty of Kharak. While some might miss the grand scale of space battles, this is a masterful adaptation.

Pros

Engaging tactical ground combat
Rich Homeworld lore expansion
Stunning art style and environments
Satisfying unit progression

Cons

Campaign can feel a bit short
Some may prefer space combat over ground

FAQ

Is this game connected to the original Homeworld games?: Yes, Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak is a direct prequel, set on the planet Kharak about a century before the events of Homeworld 1, detailing the origins of many key elements of the series' lore.
Do I need to play the previous Homeworld games to understand the story?: Not necessarily. While it enriches the experience, Deserts of Kharak tells a self-contained story that serves as an excellent introduction to the Homeworld universe for new players.
What kind of units are there?: The game features a variety of ground and air units, including light attack vehicles, armored assault vehicles, support cruisers, artillery, and air superiority fighters, each with specific roles.
Is there a multiplayer component?: Yes, the game includes a robust multiplayer mode where players can battle each other in various competitive scenarios, utilizing all available factions and units.

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Last updated: 01/04/2026