A chaotic space game with pirates, zombies, and tons of loot
Space Pirates and Zombies (often shortened to SPAZ) is a top-down space game where you command your own small pirate fleet across a procedurally generated galaxy filled with treasure, enemies, factions, and mutated zombie threats.
It sounds almost like a joke on paper: spaceships, pirates, and zombies in the same game. But after testing Space Pirates and Zombies on a Windows 11 PC, it quickly becomes clear why the game still has a small, loyal fan base. It isn’t the prettiest space game today, and the interface clearly shows its age. In return, it has that “just one more mission” pull—especially once you start upgrading your fleet and understanding how the galaxy fits together.
Space combat with strategy under the hood
In Space Pirates and Zombies, you fly around a 2D galaxy where you’ll fight, gather resources, upgrade ships, and decide which factions to help or exploit. Combat plays out in real time, and the handling feels more physical than in many other top-down shooters. Your ships drift, turn, and respond with a sense of weight, which gives battles a slightly more tactical feel.
The best thing about the game isn’t just the shooting. It’s the mix of combat, exploration, and slow-but-steady progression. You start small, but gradually gain access to better weapons, tougher ships, and more advanced modules. According to the game’s official Steam page, it features hundreds of star systems, 70 components, and a galaxy full of factions, missions, and zombie infections.
Life as a space pirate is more fun than it looks
An older write-up on our Danish sister site actually captured the vibe well: You’re a space pirate on the hunt for valuable loot, but between the jackpots lurk monsters, hostile fleets, and plenty of situations where greed gets punished fast.
During our testing, it was the small decisions that made the game interesting. Do you attack a weakened faction to score resources? Do you spend materials on new weapons now or wait for a better ship? And is it even a good idea to fly into an area where enemies are stronger than your fleet? Space Pirates and Zombies isn’t brutally hard, but it does require a bit of patience before the systems click.
Graphics, audio, and atmosphere
The graphics are functional rather than impressive. Explosions, projectiles, and ships still have charm, but don’t expect modern effects or a cinematic presentation. The simple visual style suits the gameplay because it makes the on-screen action easy to read.
The audio gets the job done without stealing the spotlight. Weapons, engines, and explosions have the right arcade feel, and the music adds a light sci‑fi vibe in the background. It’s not a game you’ll remember for its soundtrack, but it all works together.
Space Pirates and Zombies for PC, Mac, and Linux
Space Pirates and Zombies can be played on Windows, Mac, and Linux via storefronts like Steam and GOG. GOG also shows that the game is available with offline installers for Windows, Mac, and Linux, which is great if you prefer DRM‑free games and manual installation.
It’s worth noting that Space Pirates and Zombies isn’t a modern free‑to‑play game. It’s a paid indie title, and “download” usually means you’ll install it through a store like Steam or GOG after purchase.
Who should download Space Pirates and Zombies?
Space Pirates and Zombies is especially worth trying if you like games with slow progression, space battles, loot, upgrades, and a healthy dose of chaos. It doesn’t feel like a big AAA space game, but more like an older, enthusiast indie project where the gameplay loop matters more than presentation.
If you’re instead looking for flashy 3D graphics, modern tutorial systems, or instant action with no explanation, the game can feel a bit heavy at first. You’ll need to accept its age and give the mechanics a little time.
Top 5 tips for Space Pirates and Zombies
Don’t upgrade too fast
It’s tempting to spend resources right away, but it often pays to wait until you have access to better ships or weapons.
Choose your battles carefully
If the enemy seems too strong, retreating isn’t cowardice. In Space Pirates and Zombies, a bad fight can get expensive fast.
Keep an eye on the factions
You can help, exploit, or avoid different factions. It adds more depth than just shooting everything that moves.
Test different weapon combinations
Some weapons work better against certain enemies than others. Spend a little time experimenting before you lock into one playstyle.
Give it the first hour
The start can feel clunky, but once upgrades, the map, and ship systems begin to make sense, the game becomes far more addictive.