Empyrean Defense

About this game

Latest news

• Announcements·1 Oct 2026Official

  Highpoint Station, Assassinate Ability, Phase Disruptor & More

  Greetings, Commanders! A new challenge has arrived. Empyrean Defense has been updated with an entirely new mission: Highpoint Station. High above the frozen valleys, General Zharos has launched an all out aerial assault against a vital radar network.Mission Overview: Highpoint Station takes the battle into a snow covered mountain range where three radar installations provide critical early warning against enemy air attacks. General Zharos has deployed aircraft from multiple directions in an attempt to destroy the network and blind the surrounding regions. All three radar installations must survive. If even one is destroyed, the mission is lost. With no ground forces approaching, your defenses must be built entirely around controlling the skies. Tactical Intel:Protect the Network: Three radar installations are positioned across separate mountain peaks. Divide your defenses carefully and keep every installation operational.Airborne Assault: Highpoint Station features an entirely airborne enemy force. Flak Cannons, Missile Launcher Sites, and other anti-air defenses will be essential from the opening wave.New Enemy - Tactical Support Jet: This heavily armored aircraft is equipped with a powerful forward-mounted rotary cannon. Its durability allows it to draw defensive fire while other aircraft advance behind it.Multiple Approaches: Enemy aircraft will converge on the radar network from different directions. A strong defense around one installation may leave another dangerously exposed.Emergency Repairs: Make sure to equip the Repair ability before the mission to restore damaged radar installations during the assault. ✨ New FeaturesAdded Highpoint Station, an entirely new campaign mission set high in the snowy mountainsAdded the Tactical Support Jet, a heavily armored enemy aircraft equipped with a forward-mounted rotary cannonAdded the Assassinate ability, a Tier II single target attack that instantly eliminates an enemy (excluding high value targets)Added the Bounty C...
  Read full article on Community Announcements (steve)

• Patch Notes·11 Jul 2026Official

  Early Access Update

  Greetings, Commanders!It's been an exciting few weeks! Since Steam Next Fest, Empyrean Defense has officially launched into Early Access, and I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who downloaded the demo, wishlisted the game, picked up a copy, left a review, or supported development through one of the Founder Packs. Your support truly means a lot.Now that the game is in your hands, my focus is on gathering feedback and seeing how everyone experiences the game. Every review, suggestion, and bug report helps me better understand what should be prioritized as development continues.I'm already planning the first post-launch update, which will focus on improving the overall experience through quality-of-life improvements, balance adjustments where needed, and additional content, including new missions.Thank you again for being part of the Early Access launch. I'm excited to continue improving Empyrean Defense and share more with you in the coming months.See you in the next update!
  Read full article on Community Announcements (steve)

• Announcements·15 Jun 2026Official

  Balance Updates, Localization Fixes, and Demo Polish

  This update is now live on the Empyrean Defense Steam Demo and Playtest. Thanks to everyone who’s been playing and sending feedback, many of the updates below came directly from your reports.🔧 ImprovementsAdded in-game objectives reminders on Sidewinder Pass (full version) and Graywake Reach (demo) to keep mission goals top of mindAdded interaction animations to the Market, Foundry, and Abilities panelsAdded economy production information to site panels, making it easier to understand the output and efficiency of economic structures\ Added reminders when deploying if you have unused skill points or haven't equipped an ability yet⚖️ Balance ChangesUpdated the Rocket Strike abilityNow fires two rockets per activation at a slightly reduced damage per rocket, resulting in higher overall base damageUpdated the Triple Threat skillThe third bonus rocket now deals double damage and has a distinct purple trail so it's easy to spot in the chaos🐛 Bug FixesFixed various localization issues across multiple languagesMouse cursor now starts centered on the screen when entering a levelDevelopment is focused on refining the demo experience for Steam Next Fest, while continuing to redesign and improve missions for Early Access.Full patch notes and development details are available on the Empyrean Defense wiki:https://empyrean-defense.github.io/
  Read full article on Community Announcements (steve)

• Patch Notes·10 Jun 2026Official

  Empyrean Defense on Steam Deck & Controller

  While Empyrean Defense has always been designed first and foremost as a PC strategy experience with mouse & keyboard, it has also been built with full controller support from the beginning and optimized to play great on Steam Deck.Full Controller SupportWhether you prefer mouse & keyboard or a controller, Empyrean Defense supports both playstyles. Building and upgrading sites, navigating menus, managing targeting priorities, deploying active abilities, and interacting with progression systems have all been designed with controller accessibility in mind.Steam Deck CompatibilityThroughout development, Empyrean Defense has been regularly tested on Steam Deck and provides a great handheld experience.While the game has not yet undergone Valve's official Steam Deck verification review process, the current demo is fully playable on Steam Deck using the default control layout.Looking AheadSteam Deck support will continue to be an important consideration throughout Early Access and future updates. Whether you're defending the Empyrean Realm from your desk, the couch, or on the go, the goal remains the same: delivering a fast paced, strategic tower defense experience that feels great to play.Thank you to everyone who has tried the demo and supported Empyrean Defense so far. If you own a Steam Deck and have been waiting for an excuse to jump in, now is a great time to join the fight.
  Read full article on Community Announcements (steve)

• Announcements·5 Jun 2026Official

  New Equipment, Skills, and Craftsman Achievement

  This update is now live on the Empyrean Defense Steam Demo and Playtest. Thanks to everyone who’s been playing and sending feedback, many of the updates below came directly from your reports.✨ New FeaturesAdded the Ballistics Solver equipmentA precision targeting computer that analyzes ballistic trajectories in real time, increasing the critical hit chance of all defense sites by 5%Added the Overcharge Module equipmentA nanite enhanced power relay that pushes all defense sites beyond their rated limits, increasing the rate of fire of all defense sites by 8%Added the Lethal Precision skillCritical hits deal 10% additional damageAdded the War Dividend skillEarn 100 credits upon completing each waveAdded the Craftsman achievementCraft your first piece of equipment⚖️ Balance Changes\ Added the Fortification Payload equipment to the Market, allowing it to be purchased directly in addition to being crafted through the FoundryDevelopment is focused on refining the demo experience for Steam Next Fest, while continuing to redesign and improve missions for Early Access.Full patch notes and development details are available on the Empyrean Defense wiki:https://empyrean-defense.github.io/
  Read full article on Community Announcements (steve)