A new alpha release of historic real-time strategy game 0 A.D. is available to download.
The ancient warfare game has been in continual development since 2002, but only became an open-source project in 2009. Following its shift to an open-source development model the team behind the game began to make alpha versions available for download.
7 years and 1.3 million downloads later brings us to today and the release of 0 A.D. alpha 22, codenamed “Venustas”.
This snapshot of the game sees a stack of new features and improvements, including hundreds of high-quality models, animations and textures to replace lower-quality art. This visual bump will be a treat for new and old players alike.
Talking of new players, newcomers can now find orientation through a new tutorial mode (titled “Learn to Play” in the main menu). This serves as a concise introduction to the game, its mechanics, and how to play.
A new ‘capture the relic’ game mode tasks toy with tracking down a wagon containing the ‘sacred remains of a great leader’. The team that manages to keep all relics for a set amount of time wins the match.
Two new songs have been added to soundtrack your skill and strategy while playing. All music in the game can be listened to online (and downloaded) from play0ad.com/media/music.
Single players preferring offline campaigns will be pleased to hear that improved AI features in this alpha.
Other changes in 0 A.D. Alpha 22 include:
- 12 new maps
- Configuration-free Multiplayer Hosting
- Aura and Heal Range Visualization
- Twelve new maps, including scripted enemies, rising water and a tutorial
- Espionage Technology, Team Bonuses and Hero Auras
- Petra AI Diplomacy and Attack Strategies
- Summary Screen Graphs
- Cinema Path Editing
- Buddy System
A full list of the changes in alpha 22 can be found on this 0 A.D. wiki page.
Install 0 AD on Ubuntu 16.04 LTS+
You can install the latest alpha release of 0 AD on Ubuntu by using the game’s official PPA. To add it to your software sources run this command:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:wfg/0ad
And to install the game run:
sudo apt update && sudo apt install 0ad 0ad-data