Martin JørgensenStarsector – epic space strategy and RPG in one package
We tested Starsector (formerly known as Starfarer) on a Windows 11 PC, and after just a few hours we could see why it has such a dedicated fanbase. It feels like a blend of RPG, strategy, and hardcore space trading — and it’s also a game where you set the pace and direction.
What’s new in version 0.98a?
We played the latest version, 0.98a, and the improvements are obvious:
- The Abyss has been added as a new region, and the new enemies there are some of the most challenging we’ve faced in a single-player space game.
- The new ships and weapons open up many more tactical options — especially when you experiment with loadouts.
- Autosave saved us more than once when we got a little too bold in battle.
- The map is easier to read now, which made a real difference during long expeditions.
- With the Java 17 update, we noticed significantly better performance — especially during large engagements with many ships.
Gameplay and features in Starsector
Modding and community
One of the first things we tried after the base game was installing a couple of mods — and the community truly keeps Starsector alive. Mods range from small quality-of-life tweaks to entirely new factions and systems.
Open galaxy to explore
We quickly got hooked on venturing into uncharted territory. The universe feels enormous, and the procedural generation means there’s always something new — for example, we discovered an abandoned ship with rare resources that kick-started our first colony.
Fleet command
Building a fleet is an experience in itself. We started small with a handful of frigates and ended up with an armada of cruisers and carriers. Keeping the economy balanced required tough priorities.
Tactical space battles
Battles are intense, even in 2D. We quickly learned that the pause key is worth its weight in gold when coordinating your forces. It feels like a mix of real-time strategy and action.
Trade, smuggling, and economy
One of the more entertaining moments was smuggling contraband into an embargoed market — for a big profit. We also got nabbed by patrols a couple of times, which was costly. The economy feels dynamic and offers many ways to earn (or lose) credits.
Colonization
Once we had enough resources, we established our first colony. That’s when the system’s complexity really stood out — from buildings to defenses against pirates. It felt like managing a small empire in the middle of a chaotic universe.
Top 5 tips for Starsector
We ran dry far from civilized space and had to scrap half the fleet to make it back — an expensive lesson.
It’s tempting to go big early, but maintenance will eat your economy. A compact fleet is much easier to manage at the start.
The pause function gives you the time to analyze the battlefield and issue orders without everything turning into chaos.
We tried too early — and got wiped out in minutes. The Abyss requires a strong fleet and solid resources.
Mods can change everything from visuals to gameplay and add hundreds of extra hours. Even small mods made a huge difference for us.
