Savage: The Battle for Newerth vs Savage 2: A Tortured Soul
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Savage: The Battle for Newerth is a groundbreaking multiplayer title developed by S2 Games that seamlessly combines first-person shooter mechanics with real-time strategy elements. Players can choose to fight on the frontline as a combatant or take on the role of a Commander to manage resources, construct bases, and direct team strategy from a top-down perspective. Originally released in September 2003 and later made open source, the game has been continuously improved by its dedicated community and the Savage XR team. Set in a rich universe blending fantasy and science fiction, it offers a unique competitive warfare experience that earned critical acclaim and multiple Independent Games Festival awards.
Savage 2: A Tortured Soul builds upon the story from the original title, delivering intense multiplayer action where players can choose between the Legion of Man and the Beast Horde. Featuring unique mechanics that combine RTS and combat, matches support up to 62 players battling online for control over resources and power. Players can select commanders, organize battle squads, and experience a hybrid genre combining elements of role-playing, strategy, and fantasy. Alongside its extensive multiplayer conquest mode, the game includes a dedicated single-player tutorial and practice mode to help players hone their skills before entering the massive online battles.
- Innovative blend of RTS and FPS genres
- Award-winning independent game design
- Free and open-source community support
- Engaging team-based tactical gameplay
- Combines RTS and action genres
- Supports up to 62 players
- Includes a single-player tutorial
- Free to play availability
- Released in an unpolished initial state lacking basic tutorials
- Steep learning curve for new players
- Dated graphics compared to modern titles
- Steep learning curve for new players
- Relies heavily on active multiplayer servers
- Mixed critical reception
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Savage: The Battle for Newerth
View all →A thrilling blend of action, shooter, and real-time strategy gameplay.
Alternatives to Savage 2: A Tortured Soul
View all →An innovative hybrid of first-person shooter and real-time strategy gameplay set in a fantasy sci-fi world.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth games are free and blend FPS with RTS, but Savage: The Battle for Newerth has higher critical acclaim and community support, while Savage 2 offers larger battles and more races.
Key differences
- •Maximum players per match: 62 in Savage 2 vs unspecified (likely lower) in Newerth.
- •Critical reception: 60/100 for Savage 2 vs 83/100 for Newerth.
- •Race variety: Savage 2 includes three core races plus unlockable Hellbourne; Newerth offers only human and beast factions.
- •Tutorial availability: Savage 2 includes a dedicated single‑player tutorial; Newerth launched without basic tutorials.
- •Release date and updates: Newerth (2003) has community‑driven patches; Savage 2 (2008) relies on active multiplayer servers.
Gameplay & fun factor
Newerth’s innovative hybrid and award‑winning design are praised (83 crit score) versus mixed reception for Savage 2.
Platform availability
Both are multiplayer PC titles from S2 Games; no platform differences specified.
Price & value
Both are free to play with $0 MSRP.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Savage 2 supports up to 62 players per match, larger scale than Newerth’s unspecified player cap.
Content & replayability
Savage 2 offers three main races plus unlockable Hellbourne and larger conquest maps.
Difficulty & accessibility
Newerth lacks tutorials, making entry harder; Savage 2 provides a single‑player tutorial.
Graphics & performance
Newerth is noted as dated but still receives community updates; Savage 2’s graphics not specified but no mention of updates.
Choose Savage: The Battle for Newerth if…
Players who prioritize critical acclaim, community support, and innovative hybrid gameplay.
Choose Savage 2: A Tortured Soul if…
Players who want massive 60+ player battles and multiple races.
Common questions
Is either game paid?
Both are free to play with a $0 MSRP.
Which game has better tutorials for new players?
Savage 2 includes a dedicated single‑player tutorial; Newerth launched without basic tutorials.
Which title is more highly rated by critics?
Savage: The Battle for Newerth has a critic score of 83/100, compared to 60/100 for Savage 2.