Forget Building a Settlement, Just Put the Whole Thing on Rails
In the crowded world of colony simulators, it takes a truly unique idea to stand out. Russian developer Funzen Games has just drilled its way into the spotlight with the announcement of ‘Underground Nomads,’ a game that asks a simple, brilliant question: what if your entire dwarf colony lived on a massive, ever-expanding drill train headed for the center of the planet?
The concept is as wild as it sounds. In ‘Underground Nomads,’ you are the commander of a hardy clan of dwarves who have embarked on the ultimate expedition: a journey to the planet’s core to find a legendary lost city. Your vehicle, your home, and your primary tool is a gigantic drill train that you must manage, upgrade, and defend as you carve your way through the unknown depths. It’s a fantastic fusion of base-building, resource management, and survival that has us ready to sign up for the expedition.
All the Responsibilities of a Train-Bound Clan Leader
As the commander, you’ll be juggling a lot more than just driving the train. Your primary responsibility is managing your crew of dwarves. According to the developers, each dwarf will have unique abilities and skills, making every member of your clan a valuable asset. Assigning the right dwarf to the right job will be crucial for setting up efficient production chains and ensuring the smooth operation of your mobile fortress.
The train itself is your ever-evolving colony. As you gather resources from expeditions into the surrounding rock, you’ll be able to upgrade your drill and add new compartments and wagons to your train. This allows you to expand your production capabilities, improve your crew’s living conditions, and better prepare for the dangers that lurk in the deep. But with great expansion comes great risk; the announcement trailer shows that you’ll also have to deal with internal threats like fires and equipment failures, adding a layer of crisis management to the experience.
| Key Gameplay Features | Your Role as Commander |
|---|---|
| Drill Train Command | Lead a clan of dwarves on a massive, customizable drill train. |
| Crew Management | Assign dwarves with unique skills to various tasks and manage their needs. |
| Resource Gathering | Launch expeditions from the train to gather valuable resources from the underground. |
| Train Customization | Upgrade your train with new compartments, wagons, and improved equipment. |
| Survival & Crisis Management | Protect your crew from external threats and internal disasters like fires and accidents. |
A Journey to the Center of the Earth, Dwarf-Style
The ultimate goal of ‘Underground Nomads’ is to reach the core of the planet and rediscover a forgotten dwarven city. This provides a clear, driving narrative for the sandbox-style gameplay. Every upgrade, every expedition, and every new crew member brings you one step closer to your final destination. The journey promises to be filled with challenges and discoveries as you push deeper into uncharted territory.
The game features a vibrant, stylized art style that brings the dwarven world to life. Based on the announcement trailer, the aesthetic is colorful and charming, creating a visually appealing contrast to the dark and dangerous underground setting. With the game planned for release in 2026, there’s plenty of time for the developers to polish this promising concept.
Conclusion
‘Underground Nomads’ has one of the most exciting and original concepts we’ve seen in the colony sim genre in a long time. The combination of dwarven lore, train-based logistics, and deep management systems creates a compelling package. It’s a game that could appeal to fans of ‘Frostpunk,’ ‘Deep Rock Galactic,’ and classic management sims alike. We’ll be keeping a close eye on this one as it chugs its way toward release. In the meantime, you can wishlist the game and even request access to the playtest on Steam.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Underground Nomads?
‘Underground Nomads’ is a colony simulation game where you manage a clan of dwarves living on a giant, mobile drill train. Your goal is to travel to the planet’s core and find a lost city.
Who is developing the game?
The game is being developed by Funzen Games, an independent Russian development studio.
What is the main gameplay loop?
Players will manage their dwarf crew, send them on expeditions to gather resources, use those resources to upgrade and expand the train, and defend their moving colony from various dangers.
When is the release date for Underground Nomads?
The game is currently scheduled for release in 2026. A specific date has not been announced yet.
What platforms will it be on?
A Steam page for the game is live now for PC. Other platforms have not been confirmed.
Can I play the game early?
Yes, the developers have opened up requests for playtest access via the game’s official Steam page. You can sign up now for a chance to play before the official release.