Stormworks: Search and Destroy

Stormworks: Search and Destroy is a DLC for the 2020 arcade simulator Stormworks: Build and Rescue. Both the basic version of the game and the expansion were developed by Geometa studio.

Mechanics

This is a rare example of an add-on that heavily changes the basic premise of the game. We still build vehicles and flying machines, but while in Stormworks: Build and Rescue we used them to carry out rescue operations, in Search and Destroy our creations are used to fight wars against artificial intelligence and other players.

Such a change required many novelties. First of all, add-on introduces weapons as parts that we can use while building machines. We get cannons, machine guns and missiles. There is also a lot of secondary weapons, including a pistol, a machine gun, grenades and C4. The update added these items to the base game, but without the DLC they have only a cosmetic role.

The other big change is the introduction of a new mission type, where we fight AI for control of islands in a large-scale virtual war. We have to attack enemy territories, fortify our own areas, conduct patrols and launch attacks, as well as defend against AI offensives.

Game modes

In addition to solo play and online co-op, the add-on (like Stormworks: Build and Rescue) allows for PvP play, where we compete against other players.

Technical aspects

Search and Destroy is a non standalone expansion, so the full version of Stormworks: Build and Rescue is required to play.