Shards of Stone
A Warcraft 2-inspired RTS that runs in the browser
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What is Shards of Stone?
Shards of Stone is a free-to-play, browser-based real-time strategy (RTS) that recreates classic RTS scope with modern web tech, letting players build bases, command large armies, and play campaigns or PvP without downloads. The game offers nine distinct factions (Dwarves, Goblins, Ratmen, Lizardmen, Wood Elves, High Elves, Dark Elves, Humans, Undead) each with unique units, buildings, heroes, and tiered tech trees to master. It supports single-player campaigns (two full campaigns, 32 missions), skirmish modes, ranked 1v1 multiplayer with deterministic lockstep networking, and an AI Commander powered by an LLM that accepts voice or typed commands. Designed to run across desktop, tablet, and mobile, it offers cloud saves, cross-device progress sync, multiple render modes (classic 2D sprites, pre-baked 3D sprites, and experimental Live 3D on desktop) and an integrated map editor to create and publish custom maps for the community.
Shards of Stone pricing
Pricing model: Freemium
Shards of Stone is offered as a completely free-to-play game with no paywalls; players can play instantly in the browser for free, and creating a free account enables cloud saves and cross-device sync. There are no paid tiers or pay-to-win items listed on the site; every unit, building, and campaign mission is available to all players without purchase.
Shards of Stone pros
- True browser play—no download or install required
- Completely free with no pay-to-win mechanics
- Nine fully distinct factions with unique playstyles
- Large content volume: 200+ units and 300+ buildings
- Deep hero progression with 32 legendary heroes and tiered ability trees
- Extensive tech and spell systems (490+ upgrades, 270+ spells)
- Two full campaigns totaling 32 story missions with cinematics
- Deterministic lockstep networking for stable 1v1 multiplayer
- LLM-powered AI Commander that uses voice and text commands
- AI vs AI spectator mode with adjustable speed and live stats
- Three render modes letting players choose performance vs visuals
- Cross-device cloud saves and progress synchronization
- Built-in full-featured map editor with publish/browse support
- Touch-friendly controls and UI for tablet and mobile play
- Experimental Live 3D for desktop users while keeping mobile lightweight
Shards of Stone cons
- Live 3D mode is desktop-only, limiting parity with mobile visuals
- Large feature set may cause steeper learning curve for new players
- Single-developer origin could mean slower pace for large updates
- Some advanced features (full WebGL) may be experimental/unstable
- Browser performance may vary across older devices and browsers
- No stated formal matchmaking beyond 1v1 ranked (limited match types)
- Campaign content currently focuses on two factions only
- Reliance on external AI services for assets could impact future availability
Frequently asked questions about Shards of Stone
Do I need to download anything to play?
No download is required; Shards of Stone runs directly in modern browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) and supports desktop, tablet, and mobile play, though the experimental Live 3D renderer is desktop-only.
Is the game free to play?
Yes; the site states the game is completely free with no paywalls and no pay-to-win mechanics, and all units, buildings, and campaign missions are free for everyone.
How many factions and units are available?
There are nine playable factions and over 200 combat units across those factions, with each faction featuring unique units, buildings, heroes, and tech progressions.
What single-player content is available?
Shards of Stone includes two full campaigns comprising 32 story missions across four acts, with hero progression, cinematic briefings, boss encounters, and varied mission types like escort, survival, and full RTS battles.
What multiplayer modes does the game support?
The game supports real-time 1v1 ranked multiplayer using deterministic lockstep networking, with in-game chat and full stat tracking; players can also set up custom skirmish matches and play on community maps.
How does the AI Commander work?
The AI Commander is powered by a large language model that adapts strategy in real time, speaks in race-specific voices, accepts voice commands (hold V) or typed commands, and can be used as a solo opponent or to stage AI vs AI matches for spectating.
Can I create and share custom maps?
Yes; a built-in map editor provides terrain tools, entity placement, and publishing features so creators can publish maps to the community and browse community-created maps.
Will my progress carry across devices?
Yes; creating a free account enables cloud saves so progress, heroes, and unlocks sync across desktop, tablet, and mobile devices.
What rendering options are available for visuals?
Players can toggle between classic hand-painted 2D sprites, pre-baked 3D sprites (default), and an experimental Live 3D WebGL renderer (desktop only), and the site includes an in-game 3D Model Viewer in Extras.
Who made Shards of Stone and how was it built?
Shards of Stone is a solo passion project by Adam Sturrock, built using modern tools and AI-assisted asset generation (Claude Code for architecture, Google Gemini for art, Suno for music, ElevenLabs for voices) and web technologies including Next.js, TypeScript, and an HTML5 Canvas renderer.