StarDrive
Released Apr 2013
As a space bear, human or any other race, venture forth into the galaxy, create custom ships, conquer new worlds, build new colonies and defend your very existence against those who would take what is yours.
44% positive · 1,487 reviews
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Where to buy
Steam $29.99
Can't confirm — worth a look
We couldn't confirm these stores carry this game.
Green Man Gaming Steam key Search IndieGala Steam key Search Prices in USD, as listed by each store.
Buying through an affiliate store helps support the site
Evaluation
StarDrive launched on April 26, 2013 and received a steady stream of patches and updates through early 2014. The developer's most notable post-launch communications include a October 11, 2013 "State of the Game" post explicitly describing StarDrive as "feature complete and comprehensive," and ongoing patch work culminating in the January 18, 2014 Patch 1.15, which notably added "a satisfying conclusion to the Remnant quest line" — the game's one identifiable major content addition post-launch. By March 2014, the developer's attention had visibly shifted: the news posts from that period focus on StarDrive 2, with a development video log posted on March 17, 2014 and a PC Gamer interview on April 27, 2014 where the developer discusses the sequel alongside other 4X games. No further patches, content announcements, or developer communications for the original StarDrive appear after April 2014. The developer explicitly called the game "feature complete" in October 2013, and all subsequent activity confirms development concluded around the time of the January 2014 patch. StarDrive 2 was released in 2015 as a standalone sequel, further confirming the original game's development had ended.
Evidence
Developer posts a video development log for StarDrive 2, signaling a shift in focus to the sequel
Patch 1.15 released, adding a conclusion to the Remnant quest line — the last identifiable major content addition to the game
Media
Details
Developer
Publisher
—
Achievements
—
Platform
Windows
Controller
—
Steam Deck
Not rated
Players
Single-player
About this game
StarDrive sets a new benchmark for the ‘4X Space Strategy’ genre. Starting with a single planet and a small number of space-worthy vessels, you must venture forth into the galaxy, conquer new worlds, build new colonies and defend your very existence against those who would take what is yours. How you play is your decision. Use diplomacy or brute force. Trade, spy and research your way to galactic domination. Make friends, or create mortal enemies…
The heart of StarDrive is its ship design and combat engine.
StarDrive takes a modular approach to ship design, allowing the player to create custom ships where the composition and placement of ship modules really matters to the performance of a ship.. In combat, if your portside armour is taking a beating, then rotate around and show them the starboard side! Hide behind a friendly capital ship’s shields; warp into and out of the fray, launch fighters, lay mines, and so much more.
The heart of StarDrive is its ship design and combat engine.
StarDrive takes a modular approach to ship design, allowing the player to create custom ships where the composition and placement of ship modules really matters to the performance of a ship.. In combat, if your portside armour is taking a beating, then rotate around and show them the starboard side! Hide behind a friendly capital ship’s shields; warp into and out of the fray, launch fighters, lay mines, and so much more.
Key Features
- Real time gameplay with a seamless zoom from a grand strategic view to a close-up action view
- Choose from 8 beautifully rendered alien races or design your own to lead into the stars; interact, negotiate and forge allegiances on your way to victory
- Expand your empire and colonize all kinds of planets, terraform and populate them and build them into specialized centers of trade or industry
- Research and unlock an array of technologies to improve your military and industrial capabilities
- Control your ships with classic real time strategy commands or jump into the fray by taking direct ‘arcade’ control of any ship in your empire
- Create your unique ship designs with the modular ship design system and determine your own fate in battle
- Create custom fleet formations and set rules of engagement in the easy-to-use fleet editor
- Steal technologies, incite rebellions, or rob your enemies blind with a rich agent-based espionage system
- Deploy ground troops from orbit to defeat the enemies’ last planetary defenses in ground combat
- Explore the rich universe that comes alive with random events, remnant elements, hidden treasures, deep space terrors and late-game threats
Are these done yet?
Last evaluated Jun 28, 2026
Something about this evaluation looks wrong Report illegal or harmful content