Solo-developed historical strategy game combines generational family management, turn-based decisions, and research informed by historians and Jamestown archaeologists.
October 2026 – Independent developer DelosX has announced that Salt and Soil: A Frontier Family Sim, a historical turn-based strategy game spanning nearly three centuries of American history, will launch into Steam Early Access on November 9, 2026. Developed by solo creator Roman, the game challenges players to guide an American frontier family through generations of social, economic, and historical change, with events informed by historical research and feedback from historians and archaeologists.
Set between 1607 and 1900, Salt and Soil places players in charge of a family homestead, where each turn represents a single year. At the conclusion of every year, family members gather to discuss important decisions that will shape their future. From surviving devastating harvests and periods of war to navigating the California Gold Rush and the expansion of America’s railroad network, players must balance the needs of their household against the challenges of an evolving nation.
A Historical Strategy Experience Built on Research
Historical authenticity plays a central role in the development of Salt and Soil, with DelosX consulting academic research, historians, and archaeological organisations to ensure its depiction of significant events remains grounded in documented history.
Among those who have examined the game is historian Dr. Joe Hall-Patton, who specialises in the American West and operates the YouTube channel The Cynical Historian. During a six-hour livestream, Hall-Patton explored two scenarios and discussed their historical context, including land disputes in California and the publication of nineteenth-century county histories.
One particular event, set in 1879, allows players to commission an engraving of their homestead for inclusion in a county history published by Thompson & West. Hall-Patton demonstrated the historical basis of this practice by retrieving an original 1880 publication from his personal collection.
Following the livestream, Hall-Patton praised the developer’s attention to historical detail, stating, “I thoroughly enjoyed the amount of thought you put into bringing up something significant each year.”
Recreating the Expansion of America’s Railroad Network
The game also incorporates historical railroad data supplied with permission by Jeremy Atack, an economic historian at Vanderbilt University. His research documents the expansion of American railroads between 1826 and 1911, including the opening dates of individual railway sections.
Using this information, Salt and Soil recreates the development of major railroad routes across North America, allowing railway connections to reach players’ homesteads according to their historical opening dates. These developments introduce new buildings, economic opportunities, and decisions for the family council.
Originally intended to support a single railroad route in the game’s Gold Rush scenario, the system eventually expanded to incorporate major North American railway lines from 1830 to 1900.
Archaeological Research Shapes the Jamestown Experience
DelosX also sought feedback from Jamestown Rediscovery, the archaeological organisation responsible for excavations at the original James Fort site in Virginia since 1994.
Following a review of the game’s opening chapter, which explores the establishment of the first permanent English settlement in North America, researchers identified several historical inaccuracies. These included the estimated population during the devastating Starving Time winter of 1609–1610 and the inclusion of a marketplace that did not exist in 1608.
The developer subsequently revised these details to better reflect the archaeological findings, with Jamestown Rediscovery acknowledged in the game’s credits.
“I’m not a historian, so I send every chapter to people who know more than I do,” said Roman, developer of Salt and Soil. “I’m happiest when what comes back is corrections.”
Community Playtests Highlight Historical Atmosphere
Ahead of its Early Access release, Salt and Soil underwent two community playtests during August and September, each involving approximately 500 participants.
According to survey results shared by DelosX, 68% of respondents selected historical events and frontier atmosphere as the game’s strongest elements, highlighting the importance of its research-driven approach to worldbuilding and storytelling.
Players will have another opportunity to experience the game during Steam Next Fest, running October 19–26, 2026, ahead of its Early Access launch.
Release Information
Salt and Soil: A Frontier Family Sim launches into Steam Early Access on November 9, 2026, for PC, with support for 10 languages. DelosX is currently targeting a full release during the first half of 2027.
Players can wishlist the game on Steam and watch the official trailer for an introduction to its historical strategy gameplay.
Steam Store: https://store.steampowered.com/app/4551060/Salt_and_Soil_A_Frontier_Family_Sim/
About DelosX
DelosX is an independent game development studio led by solo developer Roman. Its historical strategy title Salt and Soil: A Frontier Family Sim combines turn-based family management with research-informed events spanning American history from the early colonial period through the nineteenth century.
###
