They Were Here First is a single-player action RPG and incremental horde survivor FPS on PC. Players control a robot dropped onto a hostile world to extract resources while defending against waves of native creatures that escalate dramatically in number and intensity.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on activating and protecting an Extractor unit that draws power from the planet's ore deposits. Once online, the device draws attention from the local wildlife, triggering escalating waves that begin small and swell into massive hordes numbering in the hundreds of thousands. Combat involves direct shooting combined with strategic placement of defensive structures along approach routes. Loot collected from fallen creatures includes coins, gems, and energy that fuel progression between attempts.
Between waves or after a run ends, players return to a Fabricator station to rebuild and enhance their robotic chassis. Improvements cover base health, movement speed, and additional abilities that alter how threats are handled on the field. The Armory system allows unlocking new weapons and refining them into stronger variants through repeated use and resource investment. These upgrades carry forward permanently, so each new attempt begins with accumulated advantages rather than starting from scratch.
Defense extends beyond personal combat. Fortifications can be positioned to cover key paths, the claim area can be expanded outward, and orbital support from an overhead ship provides temporary aid during intense moments. If the player character falls or the Extractor is destroyed, the run continues through the expenditure of extra lives, allowing the tide to be pushed back without losing all progress made in that session.
Game Modes
The experience revolves around repeated runs against growing hordes in a single persistent world setting. Each attempt focuses on powering the Extractor, surviving the resulting creature surges, and using collected resources to strengthen future efforts. There are no separate named modes; the gameplay emphasizes incremental survival and base expansion within the same core scenario. Progression systems encourage longer sessions as unlocks compound and defenses scale to handle larger threats.
Progression and Systems
Persistent unlocks form the backbone of long-term play. Weapons and chassis modifications remain available across runs, turning early failures into stepping stones for stronger performances. Resource management involves balancing immediate survival needs against investments that pay off over multiple attempts. The combination of direct action, defensive building, and upgrade choices creates a loop where players gradually transform from a basic salvage unit into a more capable Worldbreaker.
Is It Worth Playing?
They Were Here First suits players who enjoy horde survival games with roguelite progression and light tower defense elements. The single-player focus allows uninterrupted experimentation with loadouts and strategies without relying on teammates. Since the title remains unreleased with no player reviews or update history available, any decision to play rests on interest in the described systems of wave defense, permanent upgrades, and escalating challenges. Those drawn to incremental power growth and managing overwhelming enemy numbers will find the core loop aligned with their preferences.