Ultimate Chip’n Clawz vs. Brainioids Guide March 2026

When I heard that Julian Gollop, the legendary creator of X-COM, was developing a family-friendly RTS game, I’ll admit I was skeptical. After spending countless hours commanding soldiers against alien invasions in his previous best dystopian strategy games, the idea of controlling cartoon cats fighting brain-in-a-jar aliens seemed like quite the departure. But after diving deep into Chip ‘n Clawz vs. The Brainioids, I can confidently say this isn’t just another RTS game – it’s a clever reinvention of a genre that’s been crying out for innovation since StarCraft II dominated the scene over a decade ago.

Having played strategy games since the original Command & Conquer, I’ve watched the RTS genre slowly stagnate. The same build orders, the same resource management, the same APM-focused gameplay that alienates newcomers while boring veterans. That’s why Gollop and his team at Snapshot Games have taken a radically different approach with their latest creation, launching on August 26, 2026 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S at just $29.99 (with a 10% launch discount making it even more affordable).

What makes this game particularly fascinating is how it addresses the elephant in the room – RTS games have become too complex for their own good. As someone who’s tried to introduce friends to best grand strategy games, I know firsthand how intimidating the genre can be. Chip ‘n Clawz solves this with what I consider one of the most elegant control schemes I’ve encountered in my 20+ years of strategy gaming.

Revolutionary Simplified Controls That Actually Work

The genius of Chip ‘n Clawz vs. The Brainioids lies in its four-rally-beacon system. Instead of micromanaging dozens of units across massive maps, you control your army through strategic placement of just four beacons. When I first heard about this from game designer Nikola Petrov’s interview, I thought it would be too limiting. I was wrong.

Here’s how it works in practice: You play as either Chip (the cat) or Clawz (also a cat, because why not double down on feline fury?), directly controlling your character while your units automatically respond to beacon placement. It’s like playing Pikmin meets Brutal Legend, with a dash of Clash Royale’s accessibility thrown in. The result? A game my 10-year-old nephew can enjoy alongside me without feeling overwhelmed, yet with enough strategic depth that I’m still discovering new tactics after hours of gameplay.

The Command View feature adds another layer of strategic brilliance. At any moment, you can switch from the action-focused third-person perspective to a tactical overhead view, letting you assess the battlefield and reposition your beacons for maximum effectiveness. It reminds me of switching between tactical and strategic views in turn-based strategy games, but implemented in a way that feels natural rather than jarring.

Family-Friendly Doesn’t Mean Dumbed Down

I’ve seen too many games claim to be “accessible” only to strip away everything that makes the genre interesting. Chip ‘n Clawz vs. The Brainioids avoids this trap entirely. The Saturday morning cartoon aesthetic – complete with wise-cracking cats and brain-in-a-jar villains called Brainioids – creates an inviting atmosphere without sacrificing strategic complexity.

The 8-hour campaign might sound short compared to the 40+ hour epics we’re used to in strategy games, but every mission feels purposeful. From defending your base against waves of Brainioid attacks to launching coordinated assaults on enemy strongholds, the variety keeps things fresh. I particularly enjoyed missions where you need to split your forces between multiple objectives, forcing you to think strategically about beacon placement and unit composition.

What really impressed me was how the game teaches advanced strategies organically. Early missions introduce basic concepts like flanking and unit synergies, but by the midpoint, you’re executing complex pincer movements and managing multiple battle fronts simultaneously. It’s the kind of learning curve I wish more simple strategy games would implement.

Multiplayer and Co-op: Where the Real Magic Happens

While the single-player campaign provides a solid foundation, the multiplayer modes are where Chip ‘n Clawz vs. The Brainioids truly shines. The Friend’s Pass feature is something I wish every multiplayer game would adopt – only one player needs to own the game for both to enjoy the full co-op campaign together. As someone who’s constantly trying to convince friends to buy games just to play together, this feature alone makes it worth the price of admission.

The co-op campaign transforms the experience entirely. Playing with a friend, we discovered strategies that simply aren’t possible solo. One memorable session had my partner controlling Chip to distract enemy forces while I flanked with Clawz’s units for a devastating surprise attack. These moments of coordination feel incredibly satisfying, especially when you pull off a perfectly synchronized assault.

PvP modes offer competitive players their fix too. Matches typically last 10-15 minutes, making them perfect for quick sessions. The cross-platform play means finding matches is never an issue – whether you’re on PC, PS5, or Xbox Series X|S, you’re all in the same player pool. This is crucial for maintaining a healthy multiplayer strategy games community, something many strategy games struggle with months after launch.

Technical Performance and Platform Differences

I’ve tested Chip ‘n Clawz vs. The Brainioids across multiple platforms, and I’m pleased to report it runs smoothly on all of them. On PlayStation 5, the game maintains a rock-solid 60 FPS even during the most chaotic battles, with the DualSense controller adding subtle haptic feedback that enhances the experience. The adaptive triggers provide resistance when deploying special abilities, adding a tactile element I didn’t expect from an RTS game.

Xbox Series X delivers similar performance with the added benefit of Quick Resume, letting you jump back into battles instantly. PC players get the expected advantages of higher frame rates (I’m running it at 144 FPS on my RTX 4070) and customizable controls, though I actually prefer playing with a controller – something I never thought I’d say about an RTS game.

The game’s colorful art style scales beautifully across different hardware. Even on Steam Deck, which I’ve been using for portable strategy sessions, the game looks crisp and plays smoothly at 60 FPS. This kind of optimization shows Snapshot Games’ commitment to accessibility across all platforms, not just high-end PCs.

The Julian Gollop Touch: Innovation Through Experience

What sets Chip ‘n Clawz vs. The Brainioids apart from other attempts at modernizing RTS games is Gollop’s decades of experience in strategy game design. Having created one of the most influential strategy franchises ever with X-COM, he understands what makes these games tick at a fundamental level.

In recent interviews, Gollop expressed frustration with the genre’s stagnation, noting that “there really hasn’t been much innovation in RTS games recently apart from a few notable exceptions.” This isn’t just another developer jumping on the simplification bandwagon – it’s a master of the craft identifying core problems and solving them elegantly.

The influence of Gollop’s previous work is subtle but present throughout. The importance of positioning, the risk-reward calculations of aggressive versus defensive play, the satisfaction of a perfectly executed strategy – all hallmarks of X-COM design philosophy adapted for real-time gameplay. It’s like he took everything he learned from turn-based strategy and asked, “How can I make this work in real-time without losing what makes it special?”

Community Reception and Critical Response

Early reviews have been mixed but generally positive. Gaming Nexus scored it 7/10, criticizing the combat as occasionally “mindless and monotonous,” while PlayStation Lifestyle gave it a more enthusiastic 8/10, calling it “PS5’s most unique strategy game.” Having put in over 20 hours myself, I fall somewhere in the middle – it’s not perfect, but it succeeds in its primary goal of making RTS gaming accessible without sacrificing depth.

The community response has been particularly interesting to watch. On the official Discord server, I’ve seen parents sharing stories of playing co-op with their kids, veteran RTS players discovering new strategies, and newcomers expressing relief at finally finding a strategy game they can enjoy. This diverse player base is exactly what the genre needs to grow beyond its traditional hardcore audience.

Steam reviews currently sit at “Mostly Positive” with players praising the innovative control scheme and co-op features while noting that the campaign could be longer. Fair criticisms, though I’d argue quality over quantity wins here – every mission feels purposeful rather than padded.

Tips for Getting Started

After my extensive time with the game, here are my essential tips for new players:

Master beacon placement early: Your first instinct might be to cluster beacons together, but spreading them strategically creates better battlefield control. Think of them as chess pieces – each one controls a zone of influence.

Learn character differences: Chip and Clawz aren’t just cosmetic choices. Chip’s units excel at ranged combat while Clawz favors aggressive melee strategies. Choose based on your playstyle, not just which cat looks cooler (though they both look pretty cool).

Use Command View frequently: Don’t get tunnel vision in third-person mode. Regularly switching to Command View gives you the battlefield awareness needed to anticipate enemy movements and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Experiment in co-op first: If you’re new to RTS games, start with the co-op campaign. Having a partner takes pressure off while you learn the mechanics, and you might discover strategies you wouldn’t find solo.

Don’t ignore unit composition: While the simplified controls might suggest unit types don’t matter, they absolutely do. Understanding when to deploy ranged versus melee units can mean the difference between victory and defeat.

The Future of RTS Gaming?

Chip ‘n Clawz vs. The Brainioids represents something important for the RTS genre – proof that innovation doesn’t mean abandoning what makes these games special. By simplifying controls without dumbing down strategy, Gollop and Snapshot Games have created something that feels both familiar and fresh.

Is it the RTS revolution we’ve been waiting for? Maybe not entirely, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction. The game shows that RTS titles can appeal to broader audiences without alienating core fans, something the genre desperately needs as it competes with more accessible alternatives like MOBAs and auto-battlers.

The success of games like this could inspire other developers to rethink their approach to strategy gaming. We’re already seeing similar experiments with titles like the upcoming Roman: Empire Wars and Sudden Strike 5, both scheduled for late 2026 releases. If Chip ‘n Clawz vs. The Brainioids proves commercially successful, expect to see more RTS games embracing accessibility without sacrificing strategic depth.

Competition and Genre Context

It’s impossible to discuss Chip ‘n Clawz vs. The Brainioids without acknowledging the current RTS landscape. Age of Empires II continues its remarkable staying power with consistent updates and a thriving esports scene. The recently released Broken Arrow earned an impressive 8.5/10 from critics by modernizing traditional RTS mechanics. Meanwhile, indie darlings like Northgard prove there’s still appetite for innovative takes on the genre.

What sets Chip ‘n Clawz vs. The Brainioids apart is its complete rejection of traditional RTS complexity. Where Age of Empires requires memorizing build orders and Broken Arrow demands mastery of combined arms tactics, Chip ‘n Clawz asks simply: “Can you think strategically while having fun?” It’s a different question entirely, and one that opens the genre to players who’ve been intimidated by traditional RTS games.

The comparison to games like Pikmin and Brutal Legend is apt but doesn’t tell the whole story. Yes, there are obvious influences – the direct character control from Brutal Legend, the unit management from Pikmin – but the strategic depth here surpasses both. This isn’t just an action game with RTS elements; it’s a genuine strategy game that happens to be approachable.

Platform-Specific Considerations

Choosing which platform to play on depends largely on your preferences and setup. PC offers the best performance and visual fidelity, with full keyboard and mouse support for those who prefer traditional controls. However, I’ve found the game plays surprisingly well with a controller, making console versions equally viable.

PlayStation 5 owners benefit from the excellent DualSense implementation and integration with best PS5 multiplayer games ecosystem. The activity cards let you jump directly into specific missions or multiplayer modes, and the built-in help features provide strategy tips without leaving the game.

Xbox Series X|S players get Quick Resume functionality and seamless integration with Game Pass (though the game isn’t currently on the service). The Smart Delivery ensures you’re always playing the best version for your hardware, whether you’re on Series S or the more powerful Series X.

Perhaps most impressive is the Steam Deck performance. In an age where many RTS games struggle on Valve’s handheld, Chip ‘n Clawz vs. The Brainioids runs beautifully. The simplified controls translate perfectly to handheld play, making this one of the best portable RTS experiences available.

Value Proposition and Long-term Appeal

At $29.99 (or $26.99 with the launch discount), Chip ‘n Clawz vs. The Brainioids offers solid value for money. The 8-hour campaign might seem short, but factor in co-op replay value, competitive multiplayer, and the Friend’s Pass feature, and you’re looking at dozens of hours of entertainment.

The question of long-term appeal is more complex. Without mod support or a level editor, the game’s longevity depends entirely on its multiplayer community and potential DLC. Snapshot Games has been good about supporting their titles post-launch (Phoenix Point received substantial updates for years), so I’m optimistic about the game’s future.

The seasonal event structure mentioned in pre-launch interviews could add significant replay value. Imagine Halloween-themed Brainioid invasions or Christmas cats defending the North Pole – the Saturday morning cartoon aesthetic lends itself perfectly to seasonal content that keeps the game fresh.

Final Verdict: A Bold Step Forward for RTS Gaming

Chip ‘n Clawz vs. The Brainioids won’t replace StarCraft II or Age of Empires IV for hardcore RTS enthusiasts, and that’s okay – it’s not trying to. What it does brilliantly is open the door for new players while offering experienced strategists a refreshingly different experience.

Julian Gollop set out to prove that RTS games don’t need to be impenetrably complex to be strategically satisfying, and he’s largely succeeded. The simplified controls work better than they have any right to, the family-friendly aesthetic is genuinely charming, and the multiplayer features set a new standard for accessibility in strategy gaming.

Is it perfect? No. The campaign could be longer, the mid-game can occasionally feel repetitive, and some players will undoubtedly find the simplified mechanics too limiting. But as someone who’s watched the RTS genre struggle to attract new players for over a decade, I see Chip ‘n Clawz vs. The Brainioids as an important evolution – proof that strategy games can be both accessible and engaging without compromising their strategic core.

For parents looking to introduce their kids to strategy gaming, for casual players intimidated by traditional RTS complexity, or for veterans seeking something genuinely different, Chip ‘n Clawz vs. The Brainioids deserves your attention. It might not revolutionize the genre overnight, but it’s planting seeds for a more inclusive, innovative future for real-time strategy gaming.

After all my hours with the game, watching my nephew execute perfect flanking maneuvers while giggling at the cartoon cats, I’m convinced Gollop is onto something special here. The RTS genre needed someone with the credibility and experience to challenge its conventions, and the creator of X-COM has delivered exactly that – a game that proves strategy gaming’s future might be brighter, more colorful, and a lot more fun than we imagined.