Proxy Studios, the creators of Warhammer 40K Gladius: Relics of War, have unleashed a new post-apocalyptic 4X strategy game, Zephon. Set on a near-future Earth devastated by a blend of alien horrors and technological collapse, Zephon challenges players to guide survivors through the ruins, navigating unexpected disasters and eldritch horror. This game seeks to stand tall among genre heavyweights. Does it succeed? Let’s dive into this grim landscape.
Zephon plunges humanity into a near-future apocalypse of alien origin. The Earth, ravaged by mutated animals, rogue AI, and violent wildlife, becomes a battlefield for survival. The game excels in delivering an atmospheric and deeply unsettling post-apocalyptic setting. Erupting volcanoes and much more create a dynamic and hostile environment.
Proxy Studios’ focus on world-building is evident. The new post-apocalyptic game world—cliffsides, ruins, and deformed woodland occupied by violent wildlife and expanding NPCs acting out their agendas—feels alive and treacherous. Players must collect caches full of rewards, capture outposts, and expand their reach—one turn at a time.
The eldritch horror element adds depth, with horrors praying to heedless gods lurking in the shadows. The clash between Zephon and Acrin continues across the shattered planet, with humanity caught in the middle. You’ll make strange new discoveries that could spell salvation—or doom.
At its core, Zephon is a tactical combat-focused 4X strategy game. Players must navigate intense battles while juggling resource management and diplomacy. Combat takes place directly on the hex-based map, eliminating the need to switch modes. This integration of systems and sets of traits enhances the strategic depth.
The game’s tactical combat system borrows heavily from Gladius but introduces fresh twists. Players can plan optimal build orders amongst 3 asymmetric paths—Human, Voice, and Cyber—or combine them in surprising ways. Each leader’s unique abilities, weapon systems, and branching narrative quests add layers to the gameplay.
The late-game dynamic is particularly intriguing. The ongoing clash between Zephon and Acrin brings high-stakes choices. Players must pick sides or stand alone, determining who survives in the wreckage. This element recalls the Horus Heresy’s epic scale, where factions battle for dominance amidst ruin.
City-building in Zephon requires careful planning. Each city hex bestows resource multipliers, forcing players to specialise. With 11 tiered resources, players must strike a balance between expansion and sustainability. The generation of a new post-apocalyptic game world ensures no two sessions feel the same.
Building outposts and fortifying key points becomes vital. However, the game warns against overextension—mankind strives to catch up to the new masters of the Earth, but unchecked expansion can spell disaster. Post-apocalyptic survivalism—through a blend of magic and cyberpunk aesthetics—before achieving transhuman transcendence is the ultimate goal.
One standout element is the freedom to customise your empire. From aligning with the brutal Acrin to striking alliances with Reaver non-player factions permeating the world, players can shape their journey. The prophecy that has brought the Acrin to Earth becomes a central focus, unlocking new game modifiers—all tied to the survival of humanity.
The research mechanics in Zephon are another area where Proxy Studios innovates. Technologies are spread across 10 tiers, covering units, operations, buildings, and abilities. The system builds on familiar elements but adds its own flavour by offering open-ended pathways for technological advancement.
Each leader’s affinity affects their research focus, with paths tailored for Human, Cyber, or Voice factions. For example, players aligned with Cyber can pursue advanced robotics and hacking tools, while Voice leaders explore mysticism, blending magic and cyberpunk aesthetics—before achieving transhuman transcendence.
The game also allows players to pivot their research to gain access to off-faction technologies. Want to tame mutated animals while wielding cybernetic enhancements? That’s entirely possible. Exact modifier numbers in tooltips and the easy-to-browse in-game compendium—so you don’t have to scour for information—make navigating the research system straightforward.
This flexibility ensures replayability while keeping players engaged in long-term planning. Strange new discoveries that could reshape your strategy are just a few research choices away, making this one of Zephon’s standout features.
Diplomatic encounters—each AI comes with likes and dislikes based on their character—are key to staving off defeat. Negotiations are integral as players establish alliances—or use their influence to antagonise opponents. Acrin and Reaver non-player factions permeate the world, creating opportunities and threats.
The narrative decisions are as impactful as the tactical ones. Players must navigate help and economic crashes, making each choice count. These moments tie directly to the prophecy that has brought the Acrin to Earth, unlocking new game modifiers—all part of the immersive experience.
Furthermore, the balance between city-building and diplomacy requires precision. Players must use exact modifier numbers in tooltips and the easy-to-browse in-game compendium—so you don’t have to scour for information elsewhere.
Proxy Studios have learned from their Gladius experience. Improvements like clearer unit ranges, better artifact systems, and an easy-to-browse in-game compendium—so you don’t have to scour external guides—enhance playability. However, some challenges remain. For instance, the balance of city loyalty systems can feel restrictive.
Faction variety is more limited than in Gladius. While the three core paths—Human, Voice, and Cyber—offer depth, players may miss the Dominion of the Blood Angels-style diversity of Warhammer 40K. Despite this, the narrative depth of leaders like the Bringer of Sorrow or Fafnir Rann keeps the experience engaging.
With eight leaders and 150 technologies spread across 10 tiers—units, buildings, and abilities—Zephon offers robust replayability. The addition of game mutators and customisable pre-game settings allows players to tailor their experience. However, the game’s small roster might benefit from future expansions.
The narrative branches, from alliances to confrontations, ensure no two playthroughs are alike. Whether Zephon agreed to take land or rallied to a cause, the choices resonate across the gameplay. Zephon briefly reverted to familiar mechanics but builds on them to create a fresh experience.
Zephon is a testament to Proxy Studios’ growth. By blending tactical combat, compelling lore, and strategic depth, the game stands as a strong contender in the 4X genre. While it doesn’t revolutionise the field, it delivers a unique and satisfying experience.
For fans of Warhammer 40K or those intrigued by the great crusade and Horus Heresy, Zephon offers a fresh take on survival strategy. Whether you’re a veteran of Gladius or exploring Proxy Studios’ work for the first time, this post-apocalyptic 4X strategy game is well worth your time.
