Microids Launches Major Free Update for Empire of the Ants: Swarm Together

Paris, July 16, 2025 – The video game industry continues to evolve as Microids, in collaboration with the development studio Tower Five, announces the rollout of the highly anticipated first major free update for their popular title, Empire of the Ants, aptly named Swarm Together. This update is designed to enhance player engagement through improved replayability, strategic gameplay, and cooperative multiplayer experiences.

Empire of the Ants, a real-time strategy game inspired by Bernard Werber's bestselling saga, immerses players in a miniature ecosystem where they assume the role of an ant striving to protect its colony. The recent update introduces new game modes, tactical powers, units, and a range of balancing improvements aimed at refining the overall gameplay experience.

The update features several new game modes including a Horde Mode that allows players to survive against endless waves of enemies, a Story Challenge Mode for replaying missions with scoring systems, and a 2 Players vs. 2 AI Mode for large-scale battles. These enhancements aim to provide fresh challenges for both solo players and friends collaborating in co-op mode.

The introduction of new units, such as the stealthy Paussy, which can pilfer resources undetected, alongside new powers like Pheromone Storm, adds depth to the strategic elements of gameplay. The update also implements quality-of-life improvements, such as three new AI difficulty levels, expanded loadout options, and a global rebalancing of existing characters and units. According to Antoine Bourdon, CEO of Tower Five, “This update is a direct response to our community’s feedback, ensuring that both veterans and newcomers can find joy and challenge in the game.”

The immersive campaign mode spans approximately 20 hours, allowing players to engage in strategic combat while navigating the expansive environments inspired by Werber’s narrative. Players can explore a photorealistic forest, interact with local wildlife, and experience different seasonal attributes that influence gameplay.

Empire of the Ants is available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. The multiplayer mode, which is cross-platform compatible, enables players to compete in ranked skirmishes or in casual settings, fostering a vibrant online community. This update is expected to significantly revitalize the player base and attract new users keen on strategic gameplay in a beautifully rendered environment.

The implications of this update extend beyond mere gameplay enhancements; it reflects the broader industry trend of ongoing support for video game titles post-launch. As the gaming landscape shifts towards a service-oriented approach, updates like Swarm Together are pivotal in sustaining player interest and engagement over time. The success of this update could set a precedent for future releases in the industry, influencing how developers approach post-launch content and community involvement.

In summary, the Swarm Together update for Empire of the Ants not only enriches the gameplay experience but also showcases Microids' commitment to enhancing player satisfaction through innovative and responsive game design. As players dive into this updated version, the anticipation will be on whether this strategy will translate into increased player retention and engagement in the long term.