Last year, Stardock announced the return of Elemental, one of its classic 4X strategy series. This Reforged release would combine all the elements of the original trio of games while also improving on them for a brand-new experience. The title was released into early access back in October 2025, letting the developer finish off the title with user feedback. Now, the finished product is almost here, with a March 17, 2026, release date now being attached to it.
The new version has been upgraded to 64-bit, letting Stardock expand the title into what it envisioned back in 2008. The new edition is also touting updated visuals and an improved UI design. Modding tools and Steam Workshop support are confirmed as features too.
"What makes Elemental unique is that it"s a strategy game in an RPG world. The world really is your sandbox," said Brad Wardell, CEO of Stardock. "You create your own character, fantasy civilization and bring them into a vast world that is different each game."
Here"s how Stardock described Elemental: Reforged"s feature set from the full version that"s landing next month:
- A world of unique characters. Players can design their own units with desired visual customization and attributes, recruit champions, equip gear and watch them develop over the course of a game.
- Three Story-Driven Campaigns. The original Elemental trilogy’s campaigns are all included: Prelude, The Fallen Enchantress, and The Legendary Heroes, each exploring an era in the history of this world and its ultimate destiny.
- Hereditary Dynasties. Sovereign rulers can marry, have children, and pass down traits and visual characteristics across generations.
- Deep Crafting System. Create unique weapons, armor, enchantments, and magical artifacts to equip your armies.
- Hundreds of New Quests, Characters, and Dungeons. Never-before-seen content, including new storylines, encounters, and explorable locations that expand the world far beyond the original games.
- 12 Distinct Civilizations. Each with unique traits, playstyles, and visual identities.
- World Terraforming. Reshape the land itself using shards of elemental magic.
- Tactical Combat. Turn-based battles with intelligent, non-cheating AI.
- Full Modding Suite with Steam Workshop. Create and share custom maps, scenarios, and total conversions.
Don"t forget to check out our interview with Brad Wardell over here, where he speaks about the development troubles of the original games during the late 2000s and how they are being remedied in the remaster.
Elemental: Reforged will be rolling out of Steam early access on March 17.
Disclaimer: Neowin"s relationship to Stardock