The Crust

Early Access

Release Date: July 15, 2024 Early Access

An economic strategy which is about colonizing the Moon, as well exploring it and discovering its secrets. The Crust has us take care of the colonists, expand the base and develop new technologies. We can play in the sandbox mode or in campaign mode with different endings.

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[1:20] The Crust - Early Access Launch Trailer

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Plot
Mechanics

The Crust is an economic strategy focused on colonizing the Moon. It is the debut of the Montenegrin developer VEOM Studio. They raised part of the funds needed to create the game from crowdfunding on Kickstarter.

Plot

In the game, players take on the role of the manager of a company colonizing the Moon, with modern technology at its disposal. In campaign mode, we have a chance to discover the events that led to the presence of humankind on the Silver Globe. During various main missions and side events, we discover the secrets of a new, dangerous area, leading to different endings of the story.

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Mechanics

The Crust offers two modes: campaign and sandbox. This first one allows us to immerse ourselves in the narrative about the first steps of humanity in the colonization of the Moon. In the second one, we are provided with all the tools and resources at the beginning of the game, which allows us to use our own creativity to experiment and freely build a base.

The gameplay can be divided into three levels: subsurface mining, construction on the lunar surface, and planetary exploration. The purpose of the former is creating an extraction network for resources needed for the development of the colony. We can find increasingly valuable materials and extract them more effectively as we unlock upgrades.

Thanks to the extracted raw materials, we can build the infrastructure of our base as part of the second level. For example: the construction of vehicle factories allows for faster expansion, and research facilities enable trade and the development of diplomatic relations with Earth.

The last level offers a panoramic view of the entire Moon. Thanks to this, we have the opportunity to explore and expand. Equipped with rovers and trained scouts, we can discover not only new areas for expansion, but also previously unexplored mysteries and ancient craters.

During the game, we gain points by completing expeditions and fulfilling contracts. They are necessary for the development of the technology tree, which includes the areas of engineering, management and foundations. The acquired knowledge and skills enable the construction of new machines or buildings, the development of social ties, and ensuring survival on the surface of the Moon.

In addition to mining infrastructure, we must provide space for colonists. For this purpose, it is necessary to prepare residential quarters, kitchens, as well as workplaces and research areas. Each of these buildings depends on oxygen and electricity generators, which affects their number and distribution. Additionally, when creating jobs, the characteristics and skills of each of the colonists should be taken into in order to optimize their efficiency and productivity.

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