Reimagining the Journey to Mars
First released in 2018, Surviving Mars quickly earned praise for its complex blend of city-building and survival on the unforgiving Martian surface. Known for its deep resource management, infrastructure planning, and sci-fi mysteries, the game became a fan-favorite among strategy enthusiasts.
Now, after eight years, Paradox Interactive—once again partnering with original developer Haemimont Games—has unveiled Surviving Mars: Relaunched. This full-scale remaster promises to deliver a modern, richer, and more engaging experience than ever before.
While it stays true to the original’s spirit, the Relaunched edition elevates every aspect of the game. As the colony commander, players must secure oxygen, water, and power, while also balancing the needs, behaviors, and demands of a growing population. Every choice, from resource allocation to exploration of the Martian surface, directly impacts the colony’s survival.
Major Upgrades and Features
Revamped Graphics and User Interface
The Relaunched edition boasts significantly enhanced visuals. Colony domes, Martian landscapes, and lighting effects have been redesigned to take full advantage of modern hardware on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Dust storms swirl across the desert, metallic surfaces gleam in the sun, and colonies feel more alive than ever.
The user interface has also been completely overhauled. Resource tracking, drone management, and expansion planning are now far more intuitive, offering newcomers a smoother learning curve while still satisfying veteran players who want granular control.
Martian Assembly – Politics on the Red Planet
The standout new feature is the Martian Assembly, which introduces politics and governance into the gameplay. Colonists now form factions with their own agendas—ranging from better living conditions to demands for autonomy. Players must balance competing interests, pass laws, and issue policies to maintain stability.
Some choices may even lead to dramatic scenarios, such as colonies declaring full independence from Earth, transforming the late game into a political and strategic showdown. This system ensures every playthrough feels fresh and dynamic.
Cross-Platform Mod Support
Another breakthrough is the introduction of a cross-platform modding system. Players can now create, share, and install custom content—such as new buildings, parks, or sci-fi mystery scenarios—across PC and consoles alike.
This marks the first time console players can fully engage with Surviving Mars’s thriving modding community. Paradox has confirmed that mods will be browsable, installable, and manageable directly in-game, ensuring a seamless experience.
Complete DLC Integration + New Content
Surviving Mars: Relaunched comes with all previously released expansions and content packs, each reworked for the remaster:
- Space Race: Adds competing colonies funded by different sponsors.
- Green Planet: Introduces terraforming projects to make Mars habitable.
- Project Laika: Brings animals into the colony, enriching biodiversity.
- Additional packs like Marsvision Song Contest, In-Dome Buildings Pack, Mars Lifestyle Radio, and Revelation Radio.
On top of this, Paradox has teased brand-new content exclusive to the Relaunched edition, though details remain under wraps.
Haemimont Games Returns
In a move celebrated by fans, Paradox confirmed that Haemimont Games, the studio behind the original release, has returned to lead development. Since 2021, Abstraction Games had handled DLC production, but Haemimont’s comeback promises to maintain the original vision while expanding on it with modern improvements.
Paradox also announced it had fully acquired Haemimont Games in 2025, signaling a stronger long-term partnership for future projects.
Pricing and Upgrade Options
Surviving Mars: Relaunched will retail for $39.99 (USD) (£34.99 / €39.99). Existing owners of the original game on the same platform (PC, PlayStation, or Xbox) will be eligible for a discounted upgrade price of $19.99 (£17.50 / €19.99).
The remaster will launch soon on PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Paradox will reveal release dates, system requirements, and developer diaries in the coming weeks.
Vision and Expectations
This Relaunch isn’t just a facelift—it’s a statement of Paradox’s ambition to reshape its strategy catalog. With its enhanced graphics, refined UI, political depth, and universal modding system, Surviving Mars: Relaunched is positioned as the ultimate edition of the franchise.
By combining all previous DLC with fresh features, Paradox and Haemimont aim to reestablish Surviving Mars as a cornerstone of modern city-building sims, appealing to both strategy veterans and new players discovering the Red Planet for the first time.
Surviving Mars: Relaunched is more than a remaster—it’s a rebirth. From glittering domes in the Martian dust to political struggles that define the fate of your colony, this new edition promises hours of depth, challenge, and creativity.
Stay tuned to Paradox Interactive’s official website and social channels for release updates and developer insights.
Are you ready to step back onto Mars and build a thriving empire amid the dust storms? The Red Planet awaits.