Command the Galaxy in Sid Meier's Starships

Step into the role of a galactic commander in Sid Meier's Starships, an adventure-driven strategy game from the legendary designer behind the Civilization series. Set in the universe of Civilization: Beyond Earth following the age of the Seeding, this title offers a standalone experience that expands upon its predecessor's lore. Your mission is to lead a fleet of powerful starships through deep space, protecting planets and their inhabitants from the looming threats of Space Pirates, powerful Marauders, and other hostile factions.

As you navigate the cosmos, you are tasked with building a planetary federation to secure your homeworld and preserve your vision of humanity. Whether you aim to conquer the greatest galactic threats, unite diverse worlds under a single banner, or push the boundaries of scientific discovery, every decision carries significant consequences for the future of the galaxy.

Tactical Space Combat and Ship Customization

The heart of the gameplay lies in its intense, turn-based tactical combat. Players maneuver their fleets across a hexagonal grid, utilizing asteroids, debris, and planetary bodies as cover to outmaneuver opponents. The game features dynamically generated maps and mission types, ranging from destroying enemy fleets and eliminating rogue AI droids to escorting cargo freighters through dangerous sectors.

A standout feature of Sid Meier's Starships is the modular spaceship design. You can create a highly customized armada that fits your specific tactical needs by upgrading various ship traits and components. While players can interact with their bridge crew to gather intelligence on enemy strength or upgrade their fleet, the true depth comes from managing your resources and preparing for the next encounter.

Exploration, Diplomacy, and Management

Beyond the heat of battle, the game emphasizes exploration and planetary management. As you "planet hop" through the galaxy, you will encounter unique worlds, each offering distinct abilities to enhance your Federation. You can build improvements on these planets to increase your resources and expand your influence across the stars.

However, commanding a fleet requires careful management of your human resources. Traveling to new worlds and engaging in combat causes fatigue among your ten-person crew. Managing this fatigue is critical; as crew members grow tired, their performance during missions declines, forcing you to decide between pushing for one last objective or sending your crew on "shore leave" to recover—a move that ends your turn and allows enemy factions to advance.

Key Features

  • Modular Ship Design: Create a fully customizable fleet with ships tailored to your strategic goals.
  • Tactical Combat: Engage in mission-based combat on dynamic maps featuring wormholes, debris, and varied victory conditions.
  • Galactic Diplomacy: Build a planetary federation, gain the trust of new worlds, and manage the expansion of your influence.
  • Strategic Depth: Choose from various leaders and affinities (Purity, Supremacy, or Harmony) to customize your playstyle.
  • Connected Universe: Features cross-connectivity with Civilization: Beyond Earth for an expanded sci-fi experience.

Who Is This Game For?

Sid Meier's Starships is ideal for fans of turn-based strategy and science fiction who enjoy short, impactful sessions of tactical gameplay. If you enjoy the "board game" feel of condensed strategy and prefer a more approachable experience than the sprawling complexity of traditional 4X games, this title offers a satisfying way to engage with galactic conquest. It also appeals to players who enjoy deep customization and the thrill of exploring unknown territories.

Platform Availability: PC, macOS, and iOS