Huge Christmas update brings new faction splits, tons of units and structures, plus major optimizations.

Update 0.9

Unit Split

In the spirit of Christmas, we want to share our thanks for your glorious support by releasing one massive update to close off the year. It is truly giant, featuring the long-awaited Unit Split, completely differentiating the two human factions, Centauri and Sol. This adds a total of 21 new units and 13 new structures, fully nailing down the distinction between the two.

Performance is also greatly improved thanks to a plethora of optimizations leading to much smoother gameplay, even on older systems.

But that is not all, and so to keep things simple and intuitive, here is a rough rundown of what to expect in the update:

With this update live, we now deep-dive entirely into AI and the Campaign, laser-focused on delivering a polished experience for 1.0, which we expect to release sometime next year.

So on that note, enjoy the update — and once more, a giant thank you for supporting us and believing in us. We truly are eternally grateful.

Kind and sincere regards from the dev team!

AI infantry cannot be commanded into vehicle transports yet

AI collision avoidance is still heavily work-in-progress

AI occasionally builds structures with their exit blocked, leading to unit pile-ups

Added: Structures degrade/die when not linked to a HQ/Nest

Added: Inviting and commanding AI units (up to 8) to your group as FPS player

Added: Deep foundations to all human structures, vastly improving placement

Added: Aim compensation for alien turrets (such as the Scorpion's tail)

Added: Destroy structure button for RTS Commander

Added: All Game Master UI elements are now draggable windows

Added: Refinery ramps are disabled if in the air (only 1 max)

Added: Strategy game mode match variables (starting/map resources, tech tier limits, starting distance)

Changed: Intro to Silica mission is now from the POV of Centauri faction

Improved: Jump/fall speeds of infantry and aliens for a better feel and movement control

Improved: Overhauled starting locations in all maps

Improved: Detach from wall-walking as alien when trying to walk perpendicular to wall surface

Improved: New starting spawn algorithm for Strategy game mode for fairer positions

Added: Texture streaming to terrain surfaces

Fixed: Massive performance loss from turrets performing line of sight checks on complex structures

Improved: Objects and projectiles no longer use light probes, dramatically improving performance

Improved: Projectiles do not show model nor shadows when farther away

Improved: Structures use combined LOD groups for improved performance

Improved: Structure lights optimized by enabling them only if within distance of camera

Improved: Drawing of crystal fields optimized

Improved: Alien structures do not cause navmesh recalculations

Improved: Construction sites do not cause navmesh recalculations

Improved: UI Map icons outside of the view range are no longer calculated

Removed: Custom camera culling of structures which caused stutters

Added: Aliens will try destroy destructible objects if it blocks them

Fixed: Units would sometimes incorrectly aim with the first shot with arcing projectiles

Fixed: AI would sometimes not shoot at a target when their aim tolerance was low

Fixed: Alien flying creatures getting stuck often

Fixed: If Harvesters are stuck when docking the Refinery, they are teleported

Improved: Alien creature navigation through crystal fields

Improved: Alien creature obstacle avoidance

Added: Bomb bay view and impact location indication for aircraft with bombs

Added: Indication that a structure is not linked (alien and human)

Added: Time scale display to bottom right

Added: Clicking the HQ icon shows all construction options

Added: RTS minimap alerts for important events

Added: Pulsing of structure icons on RTS minimap if unlinked

Fixed: Menus sometimes getting stuck after repeatedly opening and closing them

Changed: Large FPS minimap shows while TAB is held down

Changed: Small FPS minimap view distance to fixed 350m radius

Changed: Chat is now accessible even when no team is chosen

Improved: Overhauled main menu with better categorization

Fixed: Sandbox Game Master can now hear/talk to all players in voice chat

Fixed: Vehicles with scaled wheels incorrectly calculated spin, resulting in incorrect speed

Fixed: Desynch in sleeping wheeled vehicle position versus physics position when nudged

Fixed: Projectiles could hit owner when moving at speed (Dragonfly)

Fixed: Goliath was easy to kill with area damage due to disabled obsolete weak point

Fixed: When a unit was teleported it would sometimes snap back to the previous position

Fixed: When a unit exited a vehicle it would sometimes be inside it and take damage

Fixed: Numerous save/load issues in Strategy

Fixed: When a save was double-clicked in the load menu, it loaded the save incorrectly

Changed: Upgraded to Unity 6000.0.58f2 to utilize numerous improvements and fixes

Added: Multiple player teams are now possible in Sandbox

Added: Support for binding server to input IP via XML

Added: Option to cancel joining a server in the popup

Added: ExitServer command for server admins

Added: Unlinked Structures command for server admins to disable structure decay for a given team

Added: Setting of ports via command line args

Optimized: Dedicated Server match will end round and restart after 5 minutes of no players present

Added: Turrets are disabled if their structure is unlinked

Added: Structures pause production if they are unlinked

Added: Structures cannot be repaired if structure is unlinked

Fixed: Build queue is cancelled when structure is destroyed

Fixed: When teleporting via Teleport Station, you could remain concealed

Changed: General rebalance of many human units given the Sol/Centauri split

Changed: Passive repair only to 50% of full health instead of 75%

Changed: Tech Tier system no longer based on structure but team

Changed: Tech Tier drops to zero if no Research Facility/Quantum Cortex built, but returns once rebuilt

Changed: Increased accuracy of Heavy infantry rockets

Changed: Removed restriction of building within enemy build radius

Changed: HQ build range increased to 600m

[Update] Silica V0.9 - Unit split

Siege Mode!

A brand-new update just dropped on Baltarus, and it’s bringing the action to a whole new level.

This exciting new game mode is all about intense, close-quarters combat, whether you are playing solo or teaming up with friends.

Protect your base against relentless hordes of enemies or fiercely attack your opponent as a Soldier or commander! The choice is yours!

Load your weapons, suit up and prepare for battle to stay in control of the battlefield. Are you ready to face the relentless enemy onslaught?

Although the focus has been on the new Siege game mode, there have been numerous fixes and improvements. See the patch notes for all the details:

• Fixed: Human FPS weapon lowers correctly now

• Fixed: Alien camera would face zero by default, despite spawn orientation

• Fixed: Dead aliens would slide across the ground

• Fixed: Occasional NaN error for projectile hits

• Changed: Intro mission optimized and improved

We hope you're as excited as we are about this update! We’d love to hear what you think, so jump into the comments and share your feedback!

We're thrilled to announce that we'll be part of the CZ / SK Week, happening from November 11-18! To celebrate, we’re expanding our online presence and officially launching our TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitch channels. Follow us and stay tuned for exciting updates on the game's development—big news is coming your way!

To make things even more thrilling, we’re hosting a special giveaway for our most dedicated fans. Simply subscribe or visit our social media pages and 

 for a chance to win. We’re giving away 5 game keys, so you can invite your friends to join you on the battlefield. Don’t miss out!

Update 0.8.98 : Siege Mode!

New update introduces the Alien Queen to the Strategy game mode!

Update 0.8.49

"The Queen calls to her spawn, an inaudible link of the mind. She nests, interfacing with the biotic mass using her tendrils. They listen to her every command, yet, migrating leaves her vulnerable - an opportune moment for her elimination..." 

-- Elite Captain Brenn of the Heavy Ordnance Unit

Today's update introduces the Alien Queen to the Strategy game mode, whose elimination results in a loss for the Aliens, previously tied to the Nest. As an added bonus there are a multitude of performance optimizations, primarily improving late game performance with tons of units, as well as a plethora of fixes and improvements. Not forgotten are improvements and fixes to voice chat, which suffered from occasional looping.

The Queen herself is a formidable opponent, capable of defending herself should the need arise, though given her importance to the success of the Alien swarm, it is best to keep her safe and protected in a Nest.

With the above complete, our focus now shifts to improved respawn mechanics, AI collision avoidance, and the introduction of control points to all maps, providing additional objectives to capture and hold. Further performance improvements will continue to be worked on throughout the year.

Thank you all for your support, your feedback, and your patience.

Please take care and see you on Baltarus!"

Hail to the Queen!

The long-awaited voice chat and proximity chat are finally here.

Update 0.8.40

After a period of radio silence regarding updates, we are introducing a new batch of additions, changes, and fixes to enhance your experience with update 0.8.40.

The most significant addition is the long-awaited voice chat and proximity chat, enabling you to easily communicate with all the players on the battlefield. To speak in the game, simply press and hold "V" on the keyboard or button 4 on your mouse.

But remember, with great power comes great responsibility, so always be respectful to your fellow players and refrain from offensive behavior.

As always, the full changelog is listed below.

In-game voice communication is here!

We are introducing a special bundle for all fans of unconventional RTS games.

Silica and Original War bundle.

For all fans of unconventional RTS games, we have prepared the Strategic Pack Bundle on Steam, which includes Silica and Original War.

Venture into the distant corners of the universe and compete for valuable materials on the arid deserts of planet Baltarus, or travel 2 million years into the past and change the course of human history.

Silica offers a unique blend of careful strategic planning as a Commander in RTS mode, but you can always switch to FPS and enjoy adrenaline-infused infantry and vehicular warfare. 

Original War puts you in the boots of time-travelers on a quest for world dominance and combines RTS with RPG elements, along with two story-driven campaigns. 

Enjoy a 20% discount on both games when you purchase this bundle.

Strategy Pack Bundle just landed on Steam

Update 0.8.32 brings balancing changes and more!

Update 0.8.32

As you can see, Dram is delivering on the promises he made when he released the roadmap, and another update is here! It mainly focuses on balancing various unit attributes but also introduces a new vehicle and visual effects. See the full changelog below.

Additionally, Silica will be part of the 

As usual, please let us know what you think on our social channels and Discord. If you enjoy our game, consider giving us a review.

We look forward to seeing you in Baltarus!

Attention, a new update has just landed!

The update 0.8.29 is here, including new ambient life.

Update 0.8.29

the vast dunes of the Baltarus deserts just got more dangerous as new life emerges from the depths. Download our latest update and experience the close encounter of a worm kind for yourself. But the sand worms are not the only additions in update 0.8.29, as you can see in the changelog below.

We have worms for you!

The second update of this year just landed online.

Update 0.8.23

Last week, we shared our development roadmap for this year. If you missed it, you can find it 

. Today, an update for version 0.8.23 landed on Steam, introducing several balancing changes and finally bringing the long-awaited Hover Bike for faster transportation of human infantry units.

Don't forget to give us feedback on our social media or support the development by purchasing our 

Second update of 2024

Take a look back at the year 2023 with us, find out what's in store for Silica in 2024 and check our first update of the year.

The year 2023 in review, the roadmap for 2024 and v.0.8.22 changelog

First of all, we’d like to wish you all a happy 2024, and thank you for your constant support and feedback last year. During that time, Dram was able to address many issues and bugs, and also managed to implement new features which were highly appraised.

Silica was announced on April 6th, 2023 as the first game under our renewed 

. It entered Early Access on Steam less than a month later. So far it’s been a pretty wild ride.

Over the past year, we’ve delivered nearly 25 updates, ranging from simple hotfixes to the reworking of entire features like:  

That’s what 2023 looked like. Now let’s discuss what comes next – a.k.a the Roadmap for Silica in 2024!

The original plan was to release 1.0 and exit Early Access in May 2024. Unfortunately, there are still plenty of things we’d like to finish before that happens. We want Silica to be in the best condition possible, so we’ve decided to push the release date back to Q4 of 2024.

Following that, Q3 and Q4 will be dedicated to the full release of Silica 1.0!

As you can see, there’s a lot to do and much to look forward to. If you‘re interested in a more detailed description of the roadmap, check out the video made by Dram. And if you want to show off that you’re a part of the Silica community, 

Finally, to show you that work on Silica never stops, here’s the changelog for the latest game update v.0.8.22:

 We look forward to having you with us in 2024, and hope that Silica 1.0 will meet your expectations.

Thank you for your support and see you on Baltarus!

The year 2023 in review, the roadmap for 2024 and the latest changelog

New Map: new UI, Quality of life improvement, new map and much more!

Update 0.8.138

A new look update!

Our main beat with this update is the brand-new UI changes!

This update will make the interface visually appealing and more intuitive providing a better experience while fighting for resources on Baltarus or exploring a new map!

One of the biggest highlights of this update is the addition of Black Isle, a brand-new battlefield on Centaurus. Prepare for intense combat as you explore its rugged terrain and uncover new strategic possibilities. 

 for better performance, so now when you miss a shot, you can’t blame lag! (Don’t worry, you can still blame your teammates. That’s tradition.)

 is finally here! Now you can sit back in your tank, take aim, and pick off those pesky aliens from across the map. Tactical camping has never been this satisfying.

 Finally, we implemented a few other quality of life changes:

Added: Initial version of structure repair (passive and active, WIP)

Added: Camera panning to RTS mode via holding RMB (WIP)

Fixed: Rifleman wasn't constructible in Siege

Fixed: Sandbox set Gamemaster Team to proper faction team when using Direct Control

Improved: Sun intensity reduced when looking towards the sun

Improved: Alien node placement overhauled, allowing placing in explored areas and placing even if previous is incomplete

Improved: Spawn as any unlocked infantry if you have it researched in Strategy

Improved: Smooth camera transition between getting in/out of vehicles

Improved: Smooth camera transition between switching to/from direct control in RTS mode

Improved: Vision mode is retained when entering/exiting vehicle

Improved: Camera RMB panning in Commander view

Fixed: AI ranged weapon targeting sometimes failed, refusing to fire

Changed: Alien FPS and RTS UI entirely overhauled

Changed: Sol FPS and RTS UI entirely overhauled

Changed: Centauri FPS and RTS UI entirely overhauled

Changed: Direct control post-process effects fade away over 2s

Improved: Direct control post-process effects

Improved: RTS Harvester/Shrimp indicator now also shows total number

Added: UI tooltips to control groups, selected units and repair

Added: Staging and End screens for Sandbox

Added: Repairing indicator to structure outlines

Added: Maximum placement range display to all structures

Changed: Default memory budget sizes to prevent clurred out textures

Added: Save/load system for singleplayer (very WIP!)

Fixed: Special UI not showing on first select in Sandbox

Fixed: Projectile hit detection sometimes failed on characters or aliens

Fixed: Sync Sandbox Gamestate on player connect

Fixed: Decals were not shown on terrain in Monument Valley

Fixed: On character death in vehicle, hands were up

Fixed: Player characters are no longer thrown out of destroyed vehicles

Fixed: Aliens sometimes slid across the ground after death

Fixed: Players sometimes spawned under terrain in Sandbox

Improved: Infantry death view is from head bone

Changed: Show '-' instead of '999' when ping cannot be gotten for servers

Changed: Strategy game mode FPS respawn time from 10s to 5s

Changed: All unit and structure construction times reduced by half

latest news

Unit Split

[Update] Silica V0.9 - Unit split

A new look update!

[Update] Silica V0.8.138: A new look update!

🎉 Silica 20% Off – Bring a Friend & Conquer Baltarus! 🚀

Master the Battlefield: Silica's RTS Event and Essential Tips!

Crimson Peak

New map available: Crimson Peak

New map: Polaris Outpost

[Update] Silica V0.8.115 - New map: Polaris Outpost

Steam Awards: Nominate Silica

Update 0.8.98 : Siege Mode!

New Map Has Arrived!

[Update] Silica V0.8.102: New map: The Maw!

DevBlog #1- Sol's Structures and Centaurus

Screenshot contest- Autumn 2024

How to use the Free cam.

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