Mastering the post-apocalyptic strategy of They Are Billions requires a firm grasp of both its structured campaign modes and unforgiving open-ended survival scenarios. Whether expanding human settlements or holding off massive undead hordes, players must balance economic growth with airtight defensive tactics. Understanding how to adapt your strategy between story-driven missions and endless survival maps is essential for keeping your colony alive.
Understanding Campaign Mechanics and Mission Types
The campaign mode introduces unique structure through standard RTS scenarios, tactical hero exploration, and tactical swarm barricade battles. Traditional colony-building missions require players to manage resources, build housing, and fulfill specific population objectives while keeping infected swarms at bay. Meanwhile, hero missions focus on controlling a single protagonist to retrieve valuable tech points, while swarm missions test your defensive placement against incoming waves using earned empire points.
Core Strategies for Survival Mode Success
In Survival mode, player freedom increases dramatically because all technology and building trees are accessible from the start. Success relies heavily on rapid initial scouting using quiet units like Rangers to identify choking points and key resources before making noise. Keeping initial expansion controlled helps prevent early breaches, which can easily cascade into total colony destruction.
Building Robust Base Defenses and Chokepoints
A resilient defense relies on multi-layered walls combined with high-priority long-range firepower. Utilizing natural chokepoints allows players to pool defensive assets efficiently while protecting vital housing districts and energy centers. Placing Snipers to target special infected and pairing them with splash-damage units like Thanatos or Shock Towers creates a formidable defensive perimeter.
Managing Economy and Army Compositions
Maintaining a strong economy is the backbone of any lasting colony, as every unit and defensive structure demands upkeep. Players must scale food, wood, and stone production while carefully managing worker supplies brought in by regular train arrivals or expanded housing. Combining versatile army compositions—such as Rangers for quiet clearing, Soldiers for crowd control, and Snipers for high-value targets—ensures your force can handle any threat.