Ara: History Untold is gearing up for its biggest update yet, along with the announcement of its first premium DLC, Untold Scenarios. As part of a significant shift in the game’s long-term development strategy, Stardock Entertainment has officially joined as the production manager, working alongside developer Oxide Games and publisher Xbox Game Studios.
Though Oxide remains the lead developer, Stardock—known for Galactic Civilizations and Sins of a Solar Empire—has been involved with Ara since before its launch in September 2024. Their new role marks a deeper collaboration aimed at enhancing the game’s strategy systems and community engagement.
“With a decade of world-class strategy game design experience, Stardock is well placed to take Ara: History Untold to the next level,” said Stardock Entertainment and Oxide Games CEO Brad Wardell. “By continuing to build on community interaction, we hope to unlock Ara’s full potential.”
What’s Next for Ara: History Untold
The upcoming months are packed with major updates and improvements. A preview build for Version 1.4 will go live in May and June and is expected to include:
- Revamped warfare systems
- Enhanced AI behavior across key areas
- Performance upgrades and balancing fixes
- Multiple quality-of-life changes
The first paid DLC, Untold Scenarios, is scheduled for release in June and will introduce:
- New historical scenarios and custom maps
- Additional in-game events
- New amenities and tech tree options
Looking Ahead: Version 2.0
Beyond the 1.4 update and new DLC, the development team is already preparing Version 2.0, promising broader redesigns and deeper gameplay evolution. This includes system overhauls aimed at expanding Ara’s strategic complexity and player engagement.
A New Rival in the 4X Genre
With competition from other historical 4X titles and the looming release of Civilization VII, Ara: History Untold continues to stake its claim by focusing on nation-building, supply management, and development over constant warfare. It offers a distinct twist on the genre while maintaining the core strategy appeal.
As stated in our earlier review: “Ara: History Untold delivers a thrilling spin on the genre. It’s development and expansion rather than conquest, giving a welcome strategy experience. There’s scope for expansion, but it’s a good player in the 4X genre.”
With a structured roadmap and the experienced team at Stardock joining Oxide Games, Ara: History Untold is ready to push the limits of the 4X space.