Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic: Early Start

Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic – Early Start is a downloadable content (DLC) expansion for the city-building and economic simulation game Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic. Developed by 3Division and published by Hooded Horse, the DLC was released on May 22, 2025. This expansion allows players to begin their socialist republic as early as the 1930s, offering a deeper and more historically grounded gameplay experience.

The Early Start DLC introduces several new features to the game. Players can now choose to start their republic in the 1930s, 1940s, or 1950s, each era offering unique challenges and opportunities. The DLC includes over 90 new vehicles, including era-appropriate Soviet and NATO designs, such as steam-powered trains, trams, buses, and ships. Additionally, the expansion adds new buildings and a revised tech tree to reflect the technological progress of these earlier eras. Two new maps, Moscow and St. Petersburg, are also included, providing fresh environments for players to develop their republics.

Promotion for the Early Start DLC was carried out through various digital platforms and official channels. Kalypso Media announced the release on their website and social media platforms, highlighting the new gameplay mechanics and features. The DLC was also featured in newsletters and press releases to inform the Workers & Resources community and attract new players. A launch trailer was released to showcase the new content and generate interest among the game's fanbase.

Reception to the Early Start DLC has been mixed. Some players appreciated the added depth and complexity introduced by the new historical starting points and era-specific content. However, others criticized the DLC for introducing mechanics that felt disconnected from the core gameplay, such as the emphasis on early 20th-century technology and infrastructure. Despite these critiques, the DLC offered a fresh perspective on governance and strategy within the Workers & Resources universe, though its reception was divided among the community.