CnC-style RTS game Tempest Rising adds the two features it needed most

Do you long for Command and Conquer 5? Save the 2020 remastered collection, we haven't seen a new main-series C&C game in 15 years. Perhaps we never will again. But Tempest Rising is filling that gap. Smart, strategic, and storming its way into my heart to the pounding industrial beats of a soundtrack featuring the iconic Frank Klepacki, the 2025 RTS game is the closest we've had in a while to a true Command and Conquer successor. Now, a fresh update from developer Slipgate Ironworks is introducing the highly requested 3v3 mode, new spectator tools, single-player speed controls, and even more improvements to boot.

Tempest Rising doesn't waste time in establishing parallels. The GDF is basically the GDI; an organized, regimented group of world peacekeepers. The Tempest Dynasty is your self-styled people's army, and effectively the equivalent to the Brotherhood of Nod. The two are battling for global control and the supply of Tempest, a radiation-enhanced, organic fuel source much like Tiberium. Slipgate Ironworks even went to the trouble of telling us it hopes the game will inspire EA to "make a new Command and Conquer game as it should be made."

If you're going to make such a statement, delivering one of the best RTS games in years is a strong way to do it, and Ed's Tempest Rising review praises Slipgate's achievements, hailing it as "more than an homage." It not only delivers a fitting tribute to the classic, he explains but still manages to break out and offer "a visual style and mechanical flourishes all of its own." The new Tempest Rising update proves the team's commitment to continuing to build on that base, and it starts off with a direct response to player requests.

"The most common feedback we've seen by far since launch has been players wanting to experience larger-scale matches," Slipgate writes. "We're very happy to announce that 3v3 / six-player matches are coming in next week's update." These will be available in custom and skirmish modes. Alongside this, the fully formed spectator mode is now complete, offering tools such as in-game viewer chat, live stats, camera locks that can follow a player's movement, and a fog-of-war toggle.

Perhaps you're more of a single-player enthusiast, or you're still just learning the ropes. You'll now be able to pause at any time while playing solo, and can adjust game speed to find the pace you feel comfortable at. Additionally, the campaign has been given a balance pass to help it feel even slicker than before. If you're looking to practice your builds, there's a new option to load into a sandbox skirmish without any opposing bots, letting you freely experiment to your heart's content.

Alongside these changes comes a new map set in Kyoto, available in both four-player and six-player variants. Two other maps have also been adjusted to support the 3v3 mode. Slipgate also promises some improvements to key bindings, and eight more team colors to choose from. If you're already playing Tempest Rising, there's a lot in here to love; if you haven't tried it yet, there's never been a better time to join the crowd.

The Tempest Rising 3v3 update launches Tuesday September 9. You can read the full blog post courtesy of Splitgate Ironworks, where you're also able to offer your feedback for future changes.

If you can't get enough tactics in your life, here are the best strategy games in 2025. No messing around. We've also got a guide to the best gaming chair for PC, so you can lord it over your units in total comfort.

Do you think we'll ever see Command and Conquer make a return? If not, which games have taken its place in your heart? Let us know in the PCGamesN community Discord server, where you'll find thousands of readers to share your thoughts with.