Savage: The Battle for Newerth

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Savage: The Battle for Newerth is a 2003 online game that mixes real-time strategy and first-person shooter elements. Made by S2 Games, it is set in a science-fantasy future where humans have rebuilt society after the apocalypse but are threatened by intelligent beasts led by a sorceress. The game is multiplayer only; there is no single-player mode.

In each match, two or more teams compete on maps. Most games have one human team and one beast team, but any setup is possible. The goal is to destroy the enemy’s main building: the Stronghold for humans or the Lair for beasts. Each team has a commander who plays like an RTS boss, while other players take on shooter or melee roles. Humans are strong at defense and ranged attacks, while beasts excel in offense and close combat.

A commander directs the team, builds structures, and researches technology. They can create up to ten NPC workers who gather resources, build, repair, mine, or attack. Commanders can issue orders to all teammates and can promote some players to “Officer,” who can give orders and provide a healing aura to nearby teammates.

When a player dies, they respawn after buying new units and weapons using gold. Gold is earned by killing enemies and damaging buildings. The game starts only after both teams have a commander.

Savage was released in 2003, became freeware in 2006, and its source code was released to the public. Official development has ended, but fans kept the game alive. A popular community version called Savage XR added improvements like new models, animations, music, and better mod support, though it is not open-source due to cheating concerns. Newerth.com, the XR site, closed in 2022, but the community continues the project.

The game ran on Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X, with NA release on September 9, 2003; EU release in 2004; and Mac release in 2005.

Reception was positive from Eurogamer, which gave it 8/10 for its RTS-style gameplay and flexible play styles, while noting some glitches and the lack of beginner tutorials. Savage also won the 2004 Seumas McNally Grand Prize for best indie game.