Pompeii: The Legacy, an innovative city-building game from solo developer Zeljko Kos at Siscia Games, is set to launch in Steam Early Access on September 16, 2025, offering players a chance to rebuild the iconic Roman city of Pompeii. Set 20 years after the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, the game tasks players with leading a Roman family to reconstruct the city over generations, blending historical accuracy with creative liberty. Inspired by classics like Cities: Skylines and Caesar, it features a narrative-driven campaign spanning over 200 years, where players manage resources, construct infrastructure like aqueducts and roads, and navigate Roman social hierarchies by interacting with emperors like Trajan and Marcus Aurelius. The Early Access version includes three modes: a full campaign with quests, a sandbox mode for open-ended building, and a creative mode with no restrictions. A public demo, available from July 24 to August 3, 2025, lets players explore the opening chapter, with updates like an improved trade system and sandbox mode already enhancing the experience based on community feedback. Wishlist the game on Steam or follow @zzeljkokos on X for updates.
Immersive Mechanics and Historical Depth Await
Pompeii: The Legacy stands out with its deep logistical systems and historical immersion, drawing from Kos’s experience on titles like Patron and Aquatico. Players must strategically place buildings like sawmills near resources for passive bonuses, manage finite resources with a stock system to prepare for natural disasters like Vesuvius eruptions, and balance trade routes to ensure prosperity. Two research branches—Technology and Philosophy—offer unique gameplay advantages, while a pacifist mode caters to players who prefer diplomacy over military conquest. The game’s dynamic world includes challenges like earthquakes and political intrigue, with every decision shaping the city and family legacy. Community buzz on X, such as posts from @PCGamesN, highlights its potential as a Cities: Skylines rival, with fans praising its blend of strategy and Roman history. A Next Fest demo with sandbox mode and new quests is live, and Kos plans to release a detailed roadmap before launch. For more, check the Steam page or join the Siscia Games Discord to share feedback and shape this ambitious indie project.
