Deal | Project Zomboid-like space RPG finally leaves Early Access with a launch discount

After nearly six years in Early Access, Ostranauts has an official 1.0 release on Steam. To celebrate the milestone, the space survival RPG is currently available at a 20% discount, reducing its price from $19.99 to $15.99, or the equivalent amount in your local currency. The promotion is scheduled to run until August 10. However, newcomers should be prepared for a steep learning curve, because it has been in early access for a while, so anyone jumping in fresh will have a lot of mechanics to catch up with.

Developed by Blue Bottle Games, Ostranauts drops players into a decaying solar system where Earth has long since fallen silent. Players begin with a ramshackle vessel purchased on credit and must earn a living by salvaging derelict spacecraft, trading components and taking on odd jobs while trying to survive the harshness of space. The game blends open-ended role-playing with simulation-heavy mechanics, encouraging players to carve out their own story rather than follow a set campaign path. If only one could say the same about a certain space-themed AAA release from Bethesda.

Ostranauts places a strong emphasis on ship management. Nearly every onboard system can be repaired, upgraded or replaced, from life support and power distribution to engines and navigation hardware. The game's mechanics make docking and fuel management just as important as scavenging. Players also have to monitor oxygen, food, injuries and crew morale while recruiting companions, maintaining relationships and gradually transforming a barely functional wreck into a capable home among the stars. Version 1.0 introduces a bounty system, adds Steam Workshop support and includes numerous quality-of-life improvements.

Gamers with less-than-stellar hardware will be pleased to know that Ostranauts is remarkably easy to run. The minimum requirements call for a 64-bit version of Windows 10, a dual-core 2 GHz processor, 8 GB of RAM, Intel HD 4600 graphics or equivalent, and just 2 GB of available storage, allowing you to run it on any PC built in the past decade or so. Valve also classifies the game as Steam Deck Verified, allowing handheld owners to jump into the game without much difficulty. 

Player reception has remained consistently positive throughout Early Access. The game currently holds a Very Positive overall Steam rating, with roughly 80% of more than 2,600 user reviews recommending it. Fans frequently praise its depth, storytelling and highly detailed ship simulation, with many comparing it to cult classics such as Project Zomboid, Kenshi and Dwarf Fortress. However, many reviewers argue the 1.0 release still needs additional polish, citing inconsistent NPC AI, inventory management issues and lingering bugs.

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