Slitherine’s Veil of Ashes Brings Hardcore RTS Tactics to a Dark Steampunk World

By Ryan Messina Gaming News
24 July 2026 no comments

What is Veil of Ashes?

Veil of Ashes is an upcoming real-time strategy and tactics game developed by Greifenmaer and published by Slitherine. Set in a dark, alternate-history steampunk universe, players build armies of infantry and colossal tanks to fight for territory across highly destructible maps.

Slitherine recently announced their publishing partnership at Slitherine Next, revealing a focus on heavy mechanization. The core gameplay loops around seizing strategic points to earn Reinforcement Points. Players use these points to summon heavier machinery and request tactical strikes on the battlefield.

Factions and Tactical Gameplay Mechanics

The battlefield in Veil of Ashes is highly reactive and permanently scarred by combat. Destroyed mechs and colossal behemoth units do not just disappear. Instead, their wrecks remain to block terrain and can even be garrisoned by advancing infantry squads. Every successful commander must integrate these environmental hazards into their strategy.

At launch, the game focuses heavily on the clash between the Sacrum Imperium and the Lohenreich, with a third faction, The Communes, slated for the future. The Sacrum Imperium operates as a zealous theocracy dominating the Mediterranean.

They utilize super-heavy Cataphractus tanks to overwhelm opponents with sheer firepower. In contrast, the Lohenreich is a crumbling Central European feudal empire fielding knights in Lanzierer armored vehicles alongside traditional Panzerknecht soldiers.

Also, learn more about Tempest Rising’s new third faction, the Veti, coming later this year!

What multiplayer and campaign modes are included?

Players can engage in up to 4v4 multiplayer skirmishes in both PvP and PvE formats, or tackle a dynamic, semi-procedural single-player campaign. The campaign features branching narrative events and a strategic overworld map layered with time-sensitive objectives.

The skirmish mode introduces two distinct match types to test different army compositions and pacing. In Breakthrough, one team is tasked with defending key positions across the map from the start while the other relentlessly attacks. Conquest requires players to actively capture and control neutral sectors to gain battlefield dominance.

Battle between Cataphractus Gemini and Lanzierer tanks #veilofashes #rtsgame #rttgame #wargame #strategygame #tanks pic.twitter.com/FzcvjwUyI1

— Greifenmaer | Veil of Ashes | RTT Game (@Greifenmaer) July 16, 2026

A World Powered by Cinium and Conflict

The lore of Veil of Ashes is anchored by an alternate timeline where a global inferno destroyed the world in 1704. From this cataclysm came Cinium, a highly energetic, white substance that kickstarted a new industrial revolution.

Fast forward 200 years, and the world is a grim wasteland of ash deserts and perpetual gray skies. The remaining empires rely entirely on Cinium to power their steam-driven war machines. This resource scarcity drives the central conflict, forcing players to adapt and survive as they fight over what little habitable land is left.

Ryan Messina

A video game enthusiast ever since I first got my hands on a Game Boy. Over the years, I've played many different games across various genres, discovering hidden gems and niche titles along the way. I'm also passionate about technology, always up-to-date with the latest news and insight in the PC and Console market. Ready to share and bring you the latest news !

Slitherine's Veil of Ashes Brings Hardcore RTS Tactics to a Dark Steampunk World

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