Outerstellar

Outerstellar is a free-to-play sci-fi survival PvP game that has been in Early Access since November 2023. Strange Horizons built a strong update track record over that period, shipping four major content releases: the Rebirth overhaul (May 24, 2024), the Stormfall game mode (September 26, 2024), the Hoverbike Update (October 30, 2025), and the Beacon Update (December 9, 2025). A feature patch followed in January 2026. However, on August 21, 2026, the developer posted a major announcement revealing that the original Outerstellar is being retired in favor of a new game called Outerstellar Aura. The post explicitly states the studio will "sunset" the original game once Outerstellar Aura passes Steam verification and existing players are migrated. A teaser post on August 20, 2026 had hinted something big was coming. Outerstellar Aura is described as a rebuilt version of the game with updated aesthetics, new PvE threats, and an improved new player experience — it already has its own Steam page. Long-standing Outerstellar players will receive free access to the new game and early playtest builds. As of today (August 27, 2026), the original game has not yet been delisted — it remains purchasable on Steam. But no further content development for the original Outerstellar has been announced, and the studio's focus has clearly shifted entirely to Outerstellar Aura. The game is in a holding pattern: still available, but awaiting shutdown once the successor is ready.