The Scouring

Developer: Orc Group
Release: Aug 12th 2025
Platforms:
Action
RPG
Strategy
Early Access
Nostalgic
Innovative
Polished
Moddable
Barebones
The Scouring Poster

The Scouring Review

The Scouring is a promising indie RTS that strongly evokes the classic Warcraft 2 and Warcraft 3 feel, blending nostalgia with modern gameplay twists. Players appreciate its solid foundation, smooth controls, and innovative mechanics such as the hero mode that combines MOBA-style progression with traditional RTS base-building. The game features two factions with distinct units, a day-night cycle introducing neutral threats, and modding tools that enhance replayability. The developer's active engagement and frequent updates foster optimism for future content, including campaigns, naval and air units, and expanded tech trees.

However, the game is still in early access and considered bare-bones by many, with limited content, only two factions that feel quite similar, and some UI and control quirks. Some players find the AI unbalanced and the gameplay leaning towards unit spamming rather than deep strategy. Despite these issues, the community praises the game’s potential and encourages supporting the developer to realize its full vision.

Highlights

Players praise the smooth and responsive gameplay, solid pathfinding, and polished visuals that capture the spirit of classic RTS titles.

The hero mode is highlighted as a unique and innovative feature, blending MOBA progression with RTS battles, adding depth and replay value.

Modding support and an active developer community contribute to ongoing improvements and fresh content.

The day-night cycle and neutral attacks add strategic layers, while the art style and animations receive frequent compliments for their charm and clarity.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the limited content and lack of depth in the current early access build.

Players note the similarity between the two factions, calling for more unit variety and unique abilities.

Some report issues with AI balance, particularly in solo play, and desire more strategic complexity beyond unit spamming.

UI and control schemes, including camera movement and hotkeys, have usability problems.

The price is considered high relative to the current amount of content, leading some to recommend waiting for further updates before purchase.

Pros

  • Smooth and responsive gameplay with solid pathfinding and unit control.
  • Innovative hero mode blending MOBA progression with RTS base-building.
  • Visually appealing art style reminiscent of classic Warcraft games.
  • Active developer engagement with frequent updates and bug fixes.
  • Modding tools and map editor enhance replayability and community content.
  • Day-night cycle and neutral attacks add strategic variety.
  • Simple yet effective resource and economy management systems.

Cons

  • Limited content with only two factions that feel very similar.
  • Lack of depth and strategic complexity; gameplay can feel like unit spamming.
  • AI balance issues, especially in solo play against hard difficulty.
  • UI and control issues, including awkward camera movement and hotkeys.
  • No campaign mode yet, with release planned far in the future.
  • Price considered high for current early access content.
  • Some pathfinding issues during combat reported by players.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

The Scouring is an RTS with fast pace, high attention to detail and next generation experience. Lead humans or orcs in a Classic Mode or use one of powerful Heroes to fight for victory! Play alone or with friends. Use our modding tools to create maps and custom game modes! Join The Scouring!

Release Date Aug 12th 2025
Publisher Orc Group
Developer Orc Group
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (130)
92% Positive 8% Negative