Rising Front Breaks Free: The WW1 Sandbox Sim You’ve Been Waiting For is Finally 1.0
After three long years in Early Access, Sandstorm Studios’ Rising Front has officially launched its 1.0 version. For those who’ve been clamoring for a sandbox war simulation that blends the chaotic intensity of Battlefield 1 with the physics-driven madness of TABS, your wait is over. This isn't just a patch; it's a colossal overhaul that brings a decade of potential battlefield fantasies to life. We’ve seen plenty of games stumble at this hurdle, but the sheer volume of content and polish in this 1.0 release suggests Rising Front is poised to become a definitive title in the genre.
The Bottom Line: A Sandbox War Sim Reborn
Rising Front 1.0 is a complete re-imagining of the game’s potential, delivering massive, player-controlled battles across multiple historical periods with an unprecedented level of unit management and tactical freedom. The addition of nearly year's worth of development into this single update, boasting thousands of simultaneous units, historical accuracy in its iconic vehicles, and robust community integration via Steam Workshop, solidifies its position as a must-have for strategy and simulation enthusiasts.
The Core Experience: From Trenches to Tanks
At its heart, Rising Front offers an unparalleled WW1 simulation experience. The ability to command armies from a high-level strategic view or dive into the fray in first-person offers a dynamic and engaging gameplay loop. This duality isn't new, but the sheer scale and variety introduced in the 1.0 update push it into new territory. The game doesn't pigeonhole itself into just one conflict; you'll find scenarios spanning the American Revolutionary War and the Franco-Prussian War, adding significant replayability beyond the Western Front.
The Colossal 1.0 Update: More Than Just a Polish
Primary developer Jack of Sandstorm Studios describes the 1.0 update as "nearly a full year in development" and a "colossal update that changes a huge portion of the game." Our analysis confirms this sentiment. This isn't a case of slapping on a few new features; it’s a fundamental evolution of the game.
Key Additions and Improvements:
- Massive Scale: Engagements with over 1,000 units simultaneously are now a reality.
- Vehicle Variety: Full support for player-controlled and AI-driven tanks, armored cars, and cavalry. Notable inclusions:
- British Mark IV Tank
- French Renault FT17
- German Sturmpanzerwagen A7v (including flamethrower variant)
- Post-WW1 Char 2C Super-Heavy Tank
- Dragoons, Lancers, Carabiniers
- Revolutionary era units like Pulaski's Legion
- Expanded Arsenal: Six new weapons and significant improvements to existing ones.
- New Environments: Seven brand-new maps and one reworked existing map.
- Enhanced AI: Bots can now utilize grenades, adding a new layer of tactical depth.
- Remastered Scenarios: All official scenarios have been rebuilt from the ground up.
- Controller & Steam Deck Support: Full integration for modern playstyles.
- Buildables and Weather: Dozens of new buildables and more dynamic weather systems.
Leveraging the Power of the Community
Rising Front has always been built with its players in mind, and the 1.0 launch solidifies this. With an impressive 89% positive player rating from its Early Access run, the community has clearly embraced the game's vision. Full Steam Workshop support means you're not limited to the developer's creations; the community's ingenuity will undoubtedly flood the game with new scenarios, units, and mods, further extending its lifespan and appeal. This is how a sandbox game truly thrives – by becoming a platform for player creativity.
Why Now is the Time to Jump In
The move to version 1.0 is a significant indicator of a game's maturity and developer commitment. For Rising Front, this update signifies the culmination of years of hard work and a promise for the future. Sandstorm Studios' proactive approach – Jack is already monitoring forums and Discord for feedback and promising further updates – instills confidence that this isn't an endpoint, but rather a powerful new beginning.
Furthermore, a special 20% discount is available on Steam until Friday, January 23rd, bringing the price down to a very accessible $11.99 / £10.23. This is the perfect opportunity to grab a game that offers vast strategic depth, historical immersion, and a robust platform for endless battlefield recreation. We anticipate this title will quickly become a go-to for anyone who enjoys granular control over massive warfare.
Rising Front 1.0: At a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer | Sandstorm Studios |
| Platform | PC (Steam) |
| Genre | Sandbox War Simulation |
| Early Access Launch | 3 years ago |
| 1.0 Release Date | January 11, 2026 |
| Current Player Rating | 89% Positive |
| Launch Discount | 20% off until Jan 23 |
| Discounted Price | $11.99 / £10.23 |
| Max Units | 1,000+ simultaneously |
| Key Features | Multi-era combat, aerial/first-person views, Steam Workshop, extensive vehicle/unit roster, robust scenario editor. |