Core Gameplay Cycle

• BUILD: Start each mission with limited resources and a vulnerable site. Construct walls, place turrets, and shape the terrain to channel enemy movements and create defensible positions. Thoughtful layouts provide breathing room while exposing gaps can invite catastrophe, so planning is essential.
• DEFEND: When the assault begins, you fight alongside your fortifications. Reinforce weak points, repair damage, and adapt to changing threats in real time. Turrets deliver sustained fire, but victory hinges on coordination, positioning, and understanding how enemy forces exploit terrain on each world.
• UPGRADE: Between waves, return to the dropship to invest in new structures, stronger defenses, and improved weapons. Upgrade decisions shape the next phase and let your tactics evolve over the course of a run, creating a dynamic progression that rewards foresight and teamwork.

Each mission weaves these phases into a continuous rhythm. As enemy pressure increases, your choices in build and upgrade influence how you survive the next onslaught, keeping the experience tense and replayable.

Local Co-op Experience

Stratum Defence Team is designed for shared-screen play and classic couch co‑op. Sitting side by side, players coordinate roles, share scarce resources, and adapt together as the defense is tested. The game rewards clear communication, quick decisions, and seamless collaboration—whether you’re tackling a short run or planning a longer campaign with friends.

Hostile Worlds

Defend extraction outposts across distinct planetary environments, each presenting its own enemy forces and battlefield layouts. Terrain and threats vary by world, requiring you to understand both surroundings and tactics. The right layout, timing, and placement of defenses adapt to evolving waves, making every world a fresh strategic puzzle.