AETHUS

AETHUS

Released Mar 2026

Explore a vast underground world to mine and craft hundreds of items while building up your modular Outpost on the surface, to prospect for gems, refine resources and farm hydroponic crops in this top-down sci-fi survival-crafter where the story always provides a reason to dig deeper.

94% positive · 2,082 reviews
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence

Where to buy

Steam $19.99
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Evaluation

AETHUS launched on March 6, 2026 as a fully complete v1.0 product. The developer explicitly stated at launch that this is "a full, complete, polished experience, day one" with "30+ hours of content all in one go, with no in-app purchases." On that same launch day post, the developer directly addressed post-launch expectations: "All that said, AETHUS is a 'complete' experience… don't expect additional story content or anything, this is a full, finished narrative." Since launch, the developer shipped a steady stream of patches — roughly weekly through June 2026 — adding quality-of-life features, a gamepad support update, a seasonal spring event, and bug fixes. None of these communications announce new paid DLC, story expansions, or future major content additions. The two DLC items listed on the store (a Supporter's Pack and Soundtrack) both released on launch day and are fully delivered. The one-week post-launch update (March 13, 2026) outlined near-term plans like sandbox mode, localization, and seasonal updates — all of which fall into the category of polish and QOL work rather than new content commitments. The developer also mentioned the possibility of future games or AETHUS universe projects, but explicitly framed these as things years out, not additions to the current game. Today's date is September 3, 2026 — nearly six months since the last developer communication on June 23, 2026 (a minor bug-fix patch). The game launched outside the recently-launched window as of today. With a clear developer statement that no additional story content is planned, all DLC released, and no announced future content, AETHUS is a complete standalone product.
Evidence
Developer explicitly stated at launch: 'AETHUS is a fully complete, v1.0 game with no Early Access' and 'don't expect additional story content or anything, this is a full, finished narrative.' Post-launch plans are limited to bug fixes, gamepad support, and localization.
news post · Mar 6, 2026 source development ending
high
Patch 1.035 delivered official gamepad and Steam Deck support — a feature promised at launch. Represents fulfillment of a stated post-launch commitment.
news post · Jun 2, 2026 source content shipped
medium

Content

2 of 2 released · no outstanding content
Released
Mar 2026

Media

Details

Publisher
Pawsmonaut Games
Achievements
40
Platform
Windows
Controller
full support
Steam Deck
Playable
Players
Single-player

About this game

About AETHUS®

You are Maeve, ex-mining engineer for the Astral Resource Corporation - ARC - a galactic megacorp that profits by draining entire planets of their resources.

As you take on your own mining claim, you'll explore the remnants of a doomed science expedition and the abandoned facilities they've left behind as Maeve strives to build a stable life of her own, outside of ARC’s control.

Armed with nothing but her basic mining equipment, tales from her beloved grandad, and her loyal AI drone companion, can you unravel the mystery of an incredibly powerful new element and uncover the dark secrets that the corpos would rather keep buried?

Key Features

Use the simple but powerful modular building system to create your own mining operations hub filled with dozens of types of refining, processing and crafting stations.

Grow plants, raise fish and prospect for gems in your cozy habitats which you can decorate with almost any item you come across.

Descend underground and use lasers, explosives, drills and more to gather hundreds of different resources from your mining claim then refine them and craft new tools for exploration.

Upgrade your suit and mining drone companion to explore deeper and further into the world.

Built from the ground-up with story at its heart, uncover a dystopian corporate conspiracy and decide how far you’re willing to go for the truth.

Story is not an afterthought in AETHUS - there's always new narrative to drive you forward.

Looking for a laid-back exploration experience? Maybe a hardcore survival challenge? Want to mix and match?...

Use the available Game Modifiers to set up your perfect game settings, then adjust them at any time while playing. 

AETHUS was created by Pawsmonaut Games - a solo-indie developer based in Edinburgh, Scotland.

I am self-published, self-funded, and fully committed to old-fashioned ethical game development.

No use of generative AI, no early access, no microtransactions or battle passes.

This game contains effects that may make it unsuitable for people with photosensitive conditions.

Player discretion is advised.

Last evaluated Sep 3, 2026
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