8-Bit Armies is a quasi-retro real-time strategy game that uses a simplified version of the Command & Conquer formula, featuring 25 campaign missions, 12 co-op missions, 8-player multiplayer, and destructible environments. Its specific visual theme involves a 3D engine with blocky graphics inspired by 8-bit video games.
Resource management is based on harvesters and refineries. The resources are then converted into credits used to build barracks, motor pools, turrets and other types of buildings. Armies can be built quickly by queuing up units so resources are spent as soon as they are available. Structures can also be repaired. Missions have three difficulty levels with primary and secondary objectives.
Skirmish and multiplayer games have three modes or victory conditions: Annihilation (destroy all enemy units and structure), Destroy HD (instant win after destroying the enemy headquarters) and Production Only (win after destroying all production facilities such as the HQ, factories and refineries).
The base game has only a single faction, the Renegades. An additional Guardians faction is available as free DLC for multiplayer matches, while the Guardians campaign is commercial DLC.
