Relic Entertainment's "Earth vs Mars," the tactical strategy title that's been quietly carving out its niche as a spiritual successor to the beloved Advance Wars series, just dropped a massive 1.2.0 update. More than just a content injection, this patch brings a crucial feature for portable play. Our intel confirms it's now officially Steam Deck Verified, alongside a raft of new tactical options that will undoubtedly shake up the meta.

Here are the key changes we’re looking at:

  • Steam Deck Status: Fully Verified with dedicated performance and UI optimizations for seamless portable play.
  • New Units: Three new Splice-O-Tron creatures (Red Panda, Beaver, Scorpion) introduce fresh hybrid unit combinations and tactical depth.
  • Commander Depth: Nine new commander passives, designed to foster distinct playstyles and encourage long-term strategic planning.
  • Challenge Modes: Two high-stakes modes – Brutal and Permadeath – for players craving a truly punishing campaign experience.

Update Breakdown: A Strategic Refresh for Earth vs Mars

Steam Deck Verification: A Game-Changer for Portable Strategy

This is huge, folks. For a turn-based strategy game like Earth vs Mars, which originally launched in October 2025, getting Steam Deck Verified is a massive win. The developers weren't just slapping a sticker on it; they've highlighted that the game has been "fully optimised to perform well and for the UI to look good on the smaller screen too." As veteran gamers, we know a well-optimized UI on a portable device isn't a luxury; it's a necessity. This move solidifies its position as a go-to for on-the-go tactical sessions, a true boon for players who want their Advance Wars-like fix anytime, anywhere.

Content Drop: Deeper Tactics and Higher Stakes in 1.2.0

Beyond the Deck compatibility, the 1.2.0 Update expands the game's core experience, adding serious replayability and challenge. We're always on the lookout for updates that genuinely evolve gameplay, and this one looks promising:

  • New Splice-O-Tron Creatures: The introduction of the Red Panda, the Beaver, and the Scorpion as new Splice-O-Tron creatures is exciting. New units always mean new hybrid combinations and, crucially, fresh tactical options. We're eager to see how these shake up established strategies and create new min-maxing opportunities.
  • Expanded Commander Passives: Nine new commander passives? That's a significant boost to strategic diversity. This kind of addition encourages players to explore distinct playstyles and provides more depth for long-term strategic planning. It's a clear nod to players who love to theory-craft and adapt their approach.
  • High-Stakes Modes: For the hardcore crowd, the new Brutal and Permadeath modes are exactly what we want to see. These high-stakes challenges are designed for players who've mastered the campaign and are looking for that next level of difficulty. Permadeath, especially, raises the stakes considerably and will test even the most seasoned tacticians.

Our Take: Earth vs Mars Doubles Down on its Niche

With this 1.2.0 update, Relic Entertainment is not just patching Earth vs Mars; they're clearly invested in its future. The Steam Deck verification significantly broadens its appeal, making it a viable and attractive option for a massive segment of the PC gaming market. Coupled with the substantial content injection – new units, commander passives, and challenging modes – this update shows a commitment to deepening the gameplay experience. Originally launching last October, this update, arriving last week, truly evolves the game. If you’ve been on the fence about diving into this Advance Wars-like gem, or if you're a strategic mind looking for a new challenge, now is absolutely the time to check it out.

A new trailer for the update is also available, offering a visual breakdown of the additions, though viewers will need to accept YouTube's cookie preferences to view it directly.

Release Details

  • Original Release Date: 29th October 2025
  • Platform: ⚛ Proton / Wine (PC)