In Red Dust Colony, players must issue commands for construction, resource gathering, and other tasks while managing the needs of their colonists, such as energy, oxygen, temperature, food, and morale. The game features a detailed gas simulation, requiring players to set up systems for power grids, atmosphere regulation, temperature control, and more. As players progress, they can research new technologies to unlock additional stations, building blocks, and capabilities.
The game presents a variety of environmental challenges, including dust storms, meteor strikes, solar flares, and extreme temperature variations, which players must adapt to in order to survive. Colonists have individual skills, traits, attributes, moods, and conditions that must be managed, and players can craft pills and vaccines to maintain their health. Map exploration uncovers mysteries such as unknown fauna and ancient robots that need to be dealt with, adding depth and intrigue to the gameplay.
With inspiration drawn from popular titles like Rimworld, Oxygen Not Included, and Space Haven, Red Dust Colony offers a rich and challenging experience for players who enjoy colony management and survival games with a unique setting and aesthetic.
- Issue commands for construction, resource gathering and other task and assign priorities.
- Manage colonist needs like energy, oxygen, temperature, food, toilet, moraleSetup systems for power grids, atmosphere regulation, temperature control, logistics, crafting, lights and more.
- Grid based gameplay.
- Research new technologies to unlock new stations, building blocks and capabilities.
- Adapt to environmental challenges like dust storms, meteor strikes, solar flares and extreme temperature variationsReach self sufficiency before consumable resources run out.
- Manage colonist health, immune system, diseases and craft pills and vaccinesSetup entertainment for colonists and decorationsInspiration: Rimworld, Oxygen Not Included, Space Haven.
- Detailed gas simulation including oxygen, co2, hazardous gasses.
- Plants react to the lighting system, build greenhouses and use the sun's light or setup indoor lights.
- Colonists have skills, traits, attributes, moods, morale and conditions.
- Map exploration uncovers mysteries such as previously unknown fauna and ancient robots that need to be dealt with.
Gameplay and storyline
In an alternate timeline where space exploration advanced more rapidly, the 1970s mark the beginning of humanity's expansion into the solar system. As the leader of the first Martian colony, you must build your base, manage resources, and ensure the survival of your colonists using the technology of the era. Your mission is to establish a self-sustaining presence on the Red Planet, conduct scientific research, and lay the foundation for future colonization efforts. The challenges are immense, but the rewards are even greater as you shape the course of human history and our place in the universe.
Red Dust Colony combines the base-building and resource management elements of games like RimWorld and Oxygen Not Included with the challenges of survival in a hostile environment. The game features a detailed gas simulation system, where you must manage oxygen levels, temperature, and hazardous gasses to keep your colonists alive. Other inspirations include Space Haven and classic sci-fi aesthetics of the 1970s.
Roleplay
In Red Dust Colony, you have the freedom to shape your colony's identity. Will you prioritize scientific research and push the boundaries of human knowledge, or will you focus on expanding your base and exploiting the planet's resources? You could establish a utopian society based on equality and cooperation, or you might resort to authoritarian measures to maintain order and efficiency. The choice is yours, but remember that every decision has consequences that will affect your colonists and the future of humanity on Mars.
Design and Build
Customize – Design your Martian base using a grid-based system, placing each module, corridor, and facility according to your preferences and needs.
Functional – Every structure serves a purpose, from living quarters and research labs to greenhouses and entertainment areas. Your colonists will interact with these facilities, and their placement will affect their moods and productivity.
Red Dust Colony offers a high degree of freedom in base design and construction. You can create a symmetrical, efficiently laid-out base or opt for a more organic, sprawling design. The choice is yours, but keep in mind that the layout of your base will have an impact on your colonists' well-being and the overall functionality of your colony.
Simulated environment
Atmosphere – Maintain optimal oxygen levels and manage CO2 scrubbing to ensure your colonists can breathe comfortably.
Temperature – Regulate temperature to protect your colonists from the extreme variations of the Martian climate.
Hazards – Deal with environmental challenges such as dust storms, meteor strikes, and solar flares that can damage your base and threaten your colonists' lives.
Power – Set up a reliable power grid to keep your base running and support essential systems like life support and research facilities.
Comfort – Consider the placement of facilities and the overall layout of your base to minimize noise pollution and maximize colonist comfort.
The game's detailed simulation of the Martian environment adds depth and challenge to the base-building experience. You must carefully manage your resources and adapt to the changing conditions on the planet's surface to ensure the survival and well-being of your colonists.
Colonist Simulation
Skills and traits – Each colonist has a unique set of skills, attributes, and traits that affect their performance and interactions with others.
Moods – Colonists' moods are influenced by factors such as living conditions, work assignments, and relationships with other colonists.
Health – Monitor your colonists' health, including their immune systems, and be prepared to deal with diseases and injuries.
Mental states – Colonists may experience mental breakdowns if their needs are not met or if they are subjected to excessive stress.
In Red Dust Colony, your colonists are not merely workers but complex individuals with their own personalities, needs, and desires. The game simulates their skills, moods, health, and relationships, creating a rich and immersive experience where your decisions have a direct impact on the lives of your colonists.
Unique features
Explore the Martian surface and uncover mysteries, such as ancient alien artifacts or long-lost robotic probes.
Develop new technologies to improve your base's capabilities and unlock new possibilities for expansion and survival.
Manage a detailed lighting system that affects plant growth in greenhouses and influences colonist moods and productivity.
Deal with the psychological challenges of isolation and confinement as your colonists struggle to maintain their mental health in the harsh Martian environment.
Balance the needs of individual colonists with the greater good of the colony, making difficult decisions that will shape the future of humanity on Mars.
We're Lorin and Cristina, the couple behind "Red Dust Colony." Combining our love for gaming and our respective skills, we've been working hard to create a unique space-colony simulation experience. Although we both have full-time jobs, we've poured our hearts into this project during our spare time.
I'm Lorin, and I've been working in the game industry for 14 years. My background in game programming has been essential in shaping the mechanics and feel of "Red Dust Colony." I've taken on the roles of programming, game design, sound, and tooling, drawing inspiration from my love for technical games like colony simulators and factory automation games.
I'm Cristina, a lifelong artist with a keen eye for aesthetics. In "Red Dust Colony," I've brought my skills to the table by handling the game's modeling, texturing, animations, and UI/UX design. My ability to adapt to any style and deliver stunning visuals has been instrumental in creating the game's unique atmosphere and immersive environment. When I'm not working on the game, I apply my expertise as a Product Designer.
We can't forget about our two furry friends, Rocky and Maya. They've taken on the roles of creative chewpervisor and chief barketing officer. Their presence and antics never fail to bring smiles to our faces and keep us motivated during long hours of work.
Balancing our full-time jobs with our passion for game development hasn't been easy, but it's a challenge we've embraced wholeheartedly. We're excited to share "Red Dust Colony" with the gaming community and hope that our dedication and love for the craft shine through in the final product.
