If you are looking for a survival strategy title that will genuinely test your nerves, They Are Billions is an absolute standout in the massive catalog of PC games. Developed by Numantian Games, this unique steampunk real-time strategy game dumps you into a bleak, post-apocalyptic world completely overrun by the infected. You are tasked with building a functioning colony, managing limited resources, and setting up heavy defenses against literal swarms of the undead. I wanted to write this article because it beautifully blends deep city-building elements with brutal tower defense mechanics, making it one of the most highly addictive and punishing strategy titles you can install on your gaming rig today.
Storyline
The narrative setup is brilliantly straightforward and immediately sets a desperate, high-stakes tone. Set in the distant 22nd century, a devastating zombie apocalypse has wiped out almost all of humanity, leaving only a few thousand desperate survivors scattered across the globe. You take on the role of a colony commander under the orders of the New Empire, tasked with reclaiming the rotting world one heavily fortified settlement at a time. The real story, however, emerges from your own nail-biting survival efforts. There are no safe zones here; one tiny breach in your perimeter wall can result in a massive domino effect, turning your thriving steampunk city into an infected wasteland in mere seconds.
Gaming Experience
The actual gameplay loop is where this title completely shines and keeps you coming back despite the brutal difficulty. You have to carefully balance expanding your territory to gather essential resources like wood, stone, and oil while making sure you have enough snipers and ballistas to guard the gates. The custom game engine handles up to 20,000 individual zombies on your screen at once, making the final horde attacks look absolutely terrifying. Luckily, you have the lifesaver ability to pause the action at any time to issue precise commands, allowing you to carefully plan your intricate base defense without needing lightning-fast reflexes.