Pax Autocratica

Pax Autocratica is a satirical sci-fi indie game that combines a totalitarian colony simulation with fast-paced first-person shooter elements and roguelite mechanics. "It’s a game about power. How it’s built, how it corrupts, and how it consumes", according to the developers (Multiverse).

The game essentially comprises two main parts. In the city-building and management aspect of the game, known as the totalitarian colony simulation, players take on the role of a dictator. They establish an autocratic regime, enact draconian laws, and oppress the population. They assign citizens to tasks such as mining, gathering, hauling, researching and manufacturing weapons, armour, food and supplies. By doing so, they expand the colony, manage production, and maintain a balance between their citizens' fear, loyalty, and rebellion. 

Outside the colony, in the Tyris system, players can fight alongside their army in first-person mode. These battles offer fast-paced action, at times featuring 'bullet hell' chaos. Players fight alongside their troops in roguelite FPS battles ranging from hostile ships to mechanised battlefields filled with infantry, tanks, and mechs. For an Early Access title, the game offers a lot in this regard. Defeated enemies leave behind useful materials and resources needed to expand the base. Weakened enemies can be captured on the battlefield and taken back to the colony. There, players can imprison them, re-educate them to become loyal citizens or literally "sacrifice them to feed the strong". The game uses dark humour and satirical undertones to offset the bleakness of the dystopian setting, but it isn't quite as light-hearted as Helldivers.

During each expedition, players collect roguelite cores to grow stronger, survive for longer, and venture deeper into enemy territory. Weapon Cores alter the handling of guns. Combination Cores create synergies between different core sets. Others strengthen the troops fighting alongside the player. All of these factors make runs different. 

Pax Autocratica was originally a completely different game. Called Earth From Another Sun (EFAS), it was intended to be much larger in scale and feature MMO systems, PvP and guilds, as well as NFTs and Web3 elements. However, in mid-2025, the developers explained that EFAS 'didn’t reflect the game's tone or mechanics', so they refined it into something more focused, in line with the idea of 'peace through autocracy' - and without NFTs or Web3. Accordingly, they restructured the game to be played offline with 'pause-anytime' support, while retaining co-op for roguelite FPS battles. Furthermore, progression was accelerated and logistics were streamlined. Base management also incorporated moral and ideological choices.

Pax Autocratica was released on 10 August 2026 on PC via Early Access, priced at €29.99. It is the third game from the US studio, which was founded in California in 2016. Multiverse expects the game to remain in Early Access for around two years. However, this timeframe may change depending on development progress and player feedback. During this period, the developers intend to expand the colony and combat elements of the game, as well as adding co-op multiplayer functionality. The Early Access version already contains the full colony-to-combat gameplay loop.

Conclusion

Luckily, the developers abandoned the original concept in favour of blending totalitarian colony simulation with fast-paced first-person shooter elements. Now, Pax Autocratica can evolve while in Early Access.

Features

• Wild mix of genres, but one that works well
• Action-packed battles with bullet-hell elements
• Grim colony simulation with satirical undertones