Starbound

 PC
User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 508 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 306 out of 508
  2. Mixed: 130 out of 508
  3. Negative: 72 out of 508

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  1. Noggu
    May 19, 2023
    8
    Starbound is just on its own a whole another universe where you can build or conquer anywhere you want, create your own colonies. And enjoy the deep, sci-fi experience.
  2. VendonJura
    May 10, 2023
    10
    Really nice Terraria like game. Lots of fun to play. However, as in any survival game, you have real problems when it comes to hunger and the UI is extremely small. However, the game is still great.

    I've now spent a few hours in the game and I really have to say that this is one of the best games I've played in 2022. The game is just awesome. ✅ A lot to do ✅ NPCs on most planets ✅    Really nice Terraria like game. Lots of fun to play. However, as in any survival game, you have real problems when it comes to hunger and the UI is extremely small. However, the game is still great.

    I've now spent a few hours in the game and I really have to say that this is one of the best games I've played in 2022. The game is just awesome.

    ✅ A lot to do
    ✅ NPCs on most planets
    ✅ These NPCs often even have quests
    ✅ Many NPCs in space or on planets sell or buy things
    ✅ A lot of items that you can use well
    ✅ A lot of recipes you can find. Example 1. You collect a mushroom and learn a recipe such as Boiled Mushrooms.
    ✅ You have several classes that you can play
    ✅ Ingame commands for players who would like to test something or play as admin
    ✅ Achievements
    ✅ Sounds are good
    ✅ Great atmosphere
    ✅ Many skills such as those from Metroid. I won't say what it is because it would be a spoiler ;)
    ✅Many different animals 7 creatures
    ✅You can also capture animals, just like in Pokemon

    ❌ Unfortunately no minimap, at least I haven't seen it.    … Expand
  3. PotatoePink
    Jan 31, 2023
    8
    Without mods this game is just ok but with several mods it is a very good game.
  4. gravehaven
    Sep 25, 2022
    9
    So much fun. 2d minecraft with spaceships, how could you possibly go wrong? Really fun with friends too.
  5. Tabbou
    Sep 2, 2022
    8
    Nice game lot of thing to do : fight, collect, build, do some quests, equip, upgrade, grow crops, space travel etc...
    The thing is there is TOO MUCH objects to collect, assemble and craft, you have to spend hours just to make 1 good equipement or find 1 good weapon.
    Good that there is easy access to admin console tho, it can save you hours without ruining the fun if you use it from time    Nice game lot of thing to do : fight, collect, build, do some quests, equip, upgrade, grow crops, space travel etc...
    The thing is there is TOO MUCH objects to collect, assemble and craft, you have to spend hours just to make 1 good equipement or find 1 good weapon.
    Good that there is easy access to admin console tho, it can save you hours without ruining the fun if you use it from time to time only    … Expand
  6. BrotherMan
    Jun 11, 2022
    8
    Starbound is exactly what a space adventure should be. There is so much stuff to do and the playability of the game is really good too. Recommended to people who would like to experience a new universe with charming artstyle and a what seems like an infinite collection of cosmetics and building blocks. Terraria but in space but also better :)
  7. MisterSlick
    May 15, 2022
    8
    A fine game that, though it feels a bit unfinished, can be one of the most addictive games possible. The story telling is nice, though a little wonky at times, and fun weapons ranging from pistols to assault rifles to giant hammers and swords to rocket launchers. It may look like space Terraria, but it is far from it. The modding community also adds a lot if you feel it is unfinished andA fine game that, though it feels a bit unfinished, can be one of the most addictive games possible. The story telling is nice, though a little wonky at times, and fun weapons ranging from pistols to assault rifles to giant hammers and swords to rocket launchers. It may look like space Terraria, but it is far from it. The modding community also adds a lot if you feel it is unfinished and can easily fill in the gaps. I only wish I could pet the Fluffalos.… Expand
  8. Tjerum
    Feb 14, 2022
    10
    For me one of the best games of all time.
    It is a combo from Terraria and No man sky but better.
  9. cylentstorm
    Dec 5, 2021
    8
    Starbound (in its final form) is a fun 2D sci-fi take on the whole "survivalcraft" sandbox craze from years ago, with an emphasis on exploration and adventure. Building and crafting options are extensive, but are mostly optional in comparison to something like Terraria (which is still incredibly fun to this day.)

    In spite of Starbound's checkered development history led by Chucklefish    Starbound (in its final form) is a fun 2D sci-fi take on the whole "survivalcraft" sandbox craze from years ago, with an emphasis on exploration and adventure. Building and crafting options are extensive, but are mostly optional in comparison to something like Terraria (which is still incredibly fun to this day.)

    In spite of Starbound's checkered development history led by Chucklefish founder and exploitative punk Finn Brice, the game is still well worth playing and exploring--even in 2021.    … Expand
  10. nomeoriginale
    Aug 6, 2021
    8
    очень хорошая игра с хорошим саундтреком (довольно грустным) , сюжет плохой , но в этой игре сюжет - не главное.
    игра похожа на террарию.
  11. jackrabbitt64
    Jun 4, 2021
    10
    This game gets flack for stuff that has been resolved years ago. This is one of those games that you play for 2 weeks straight then don't touch for a year and then you do it again. Beyond that, there are massive array of mods to enhance the experience to the point that its almost a new game. However the base game is nothing to scoff at, it is full of NPCs and a amazing bunch of in-depthThis game gets flack for stuff that has been resolved years ago. This is one of those games that you play for 2 weeks straight then don't touch for a year and then you do it again. Beyond that, there are massive array of mods to enhance the experience to the point that its almost a new game. However the base game is nothing to scoff at, it is full of NPCs and a amazing bunch of in-depth and interesting races. The exploration is amazing and the progression is perfect. Upon each playthrough you WILL find something new, whether it is big or small it will be something interesting and worthwhile. BUY THIS GAME, it is worth it, especially with friends.… Expand
  12. Joe_Sanderson
    May 17, 2021
    8
    It's safe to say that Starbound is one of the best games of its kind. I've sunken close to 500 hours into this game, and since its first early access stages it's improved tenfold. However, I do have to admit that the game is best played with mods, so steam is where you should be buying it. Admittedly the story is a bit tiring at times, but what I like is that you're not actually requiredIt's safe to say that Starbound is one of the best games of its kind. I've sunken close to 500 hours into this game, and since its first early access stages it's improved tenfold. However, I do have to admit that the game is best played with mods, so steam is where you should be buying it. Admittedly the story is a bit tiring at times, but what I like is that you're not actually required to play it, you can mess around and progress normally without doing any missions. Modders have already fixed most of the gripes I have with this game, and if you have an issue look it up on the Steam Workshop and no doubt there will be a mod for that exact issue!… Expand
  13. TinyTin
    Oct 15, 2020
    9
    Music in this game is masterpiece, it really make me to find these theme and hear again. Other things like graphic and mechanic, storyline some are good some bad but overall, it's fantastic .
  14. DingerDonger
    Jun 30, 2020
    8
    Ah, Starbound. Before I begin this review let me say that I've put in around 500 hours since the game's initial early access release on Steam.

    This is by far my favorite sandbox game. The music, the art, the different races, and the overall theme are all things I love. The story quests are a little weak in my opinion; I love the idea but playing them more than once is such a drudgery.    Ah, Starbound. Before I begin this review let me say that I've put in around 500 hours since the game's initial early access release on Steam.

    This is by far my favorite sandbox game. The music, the art, the different races, and the overall theme are all things I love. The story quests are a little weak in my opinion; I love the idea but playing them more than once is such a drudgery. My other complaint is that character builds aren't very customizable as there are only a few gear slots that determine everything about your character. Not even the race of the character makes a difference, which is a bit of a downer.

    Also, don't forget to save planets; it's nearly impossible to relocate a planet you've been to if you don't save the coordinates (which is thankfully easy to do). I haven't given the new endgame bounty stuff much of a shot but it looks great.

    Starbound is absolutely worth picking up, even after all these years, if you enjoy sandbox games. You will never run out of places to explore.    … Expand
  15. Welbar
    May 9, 2020
    8
    Очень интересная и привлекательная 2D песочница, чем-то напоминающая террариа. Только в отличии от террарии в игре меньше контента, но это исправляется модами. Еще в качестве минусов хочу сказать что очень редко выходят обновленияОчень интересная и привлекательная 2D песочница, чем-то напоминающая террариа. Только в отличии от террарии в игре меньше контента, но это исправляется модами. Еще в качестве минусов хочу сказать что очень редко выходят обновления
  16. DragonHeart000
    Feb 12, 2020
    10
    If you're a fan of Terraria then you'll love this game and despite what people say, they have some heavy differences. Starbound has a large focus on exploration and items whilst Terraria is more focused on boss fights. Both are excellent games in their own ways.
  17. Logonic
    Feb 9, 2020
    10
    Игра замечательная как для созидателей, кто может построить собственную колонию, так и для разрушителей и любителей экшена. С обновлением 1.14 в игре появился новый сюжет и возможности. Все это подталкивает игрока на новые приключения.
    В рецензиях с низкой оценкой от пользователей большинство плохих оценок стоят за неоправданные ожидания, а все баги и неприятности, найденные в 2014-2016    Игра замечательная как для созидателей, кто может построить собственную колонию, так и для разрушителей и любителей экшена. С обновлением 1.14 в игре появился новый сюжет и возможности. Все это подталкивает игрока на новые приключения.
    В рецензиях с низкой оценкой от пользователей большинство плохих оценок стоят за неоправданные ожидания, а все баги и неприятности, найденные в 2014-2016 годах давно исправлены.
    В игру советую заходить с друзьями, так намного веселее и интереснее, но если такой возможности нет, то в starbound вас всегда развеселят забавные диалоги и фразы персонажей.    … Expand
  18. HondaSalesman
    Feb 7, 2020
    10
    This is a late review but all of the gripes from early patches in the games life have been revisited, with more content being added on a somewhat regular basis. The game-play is fun and engaging, with the movement getting better and better as you progress throughout the game. It's non-linear story is, while not the most original, is fun and unique in it's own sort of way. All and all it'sThis is a late review but all of the gripes from early patches in the games life have been revisited, with more content being added on a somewhat regular basis. The game-play is fun and engaging, with the movement getting better and better as you progress throughout the game. It's non-linear story is, while not the most original, is fun and unique in it's own sort of way. All and all it's just a fun crafter that you can spend hour after hour enjoying.… Expand
  19. adrenilinmatt
    Nov 17, 2019
    10
    why is the user score for this game so low lol, i see that most of the negative reviews are from release date when the game was unfinished early access. this is ridiculous reason to rate a game 0/10.

    heres a 10/10 to counter the ridiculously low scores.
  20. JiggyOfficial
    Dec 2, 2018
    9
    Definetely in my top 10 favorite games of all time. The exploration and adventure aspect of the game is on point, the story is very entertaining, the survival side of the game is not easy but not too challenging and the new content that gets added every month or so makes it even better of a experience. The crafting is perfect, not too demanding neither too easy again. Basically this gameDefinetely in my top 10 favorite games of all time. The exploration and adventure aspect of the game is on point, the story is very entertaining, the survival side of the game is not easy but not too challenging and the new content that gets added every month or so makes it even better of a experience. The crafting is perfect, not too demanding neither too easy again. Basically this game is perfect for a person that likes adventure because of the massive universe you are dropped into and left free to do whatever you want. I absolutely love the game and it's experience!… Expand
  21. memoriter
    Nov 28, 2018
    8
    Starbound is a game dear to my heart. It has all the warmth and magic of my SNES favorites in an expansive, seemingly-endless sci-fi universe ready to be explored, conquered, and colonized. The controls are smooth and easy to master. The graphics are simply charming, and the soundtrack is pure magic. For such an inexpensive product, Starbound really is a wonderful experience. If you likeStarbound is a game dear to my heart. It has all the warmth and magic of my SNES favorites in an expansive, seemingly-endless sci-fi universe ready to be explored, conquered, and colonized. The controls are smooth and easy to master. The graphics are simply charming, and the soundtrack is pure magic. For such an inexpensive product, Starbound really is a wonderful experience. If you like pixel games, then this might be the one for you. Have fun.… Expand
  22. RustyHeart
    Oct 23, 2018
    10
    I'm really flabbergasted to see a 7,2 for user score. I suppose it's votes during early access. But Starbound changed since this period. It became a really complete game. Pixel art is marvelous. The story is cool and you've some greats awesome updates ! Like Mechas and spaces stations. You've such possibilities to have fun, especially with your friend.
  23. Hecatone
    Aug 22, 2017
    9
    This is one of the best games I've ever played. It's easy to get absorbed into this procedurally created world and all its oddity. Most of the poor reviews on here are about the game not having been completed and should be updated.
  24. Lhetre
    Jun 18, 2017
    10
    Amazing game, so much todo, so much to explore, so much to build. Possibly better than Terraria - advice may vary.
    PS Look at the date of the reviews, the game has deeply changed as of version 1.7, June 2017, and is still being updated with content.
  25. ANDRESF2033
    Jun 17, 2017
    10
    LA VERDAD YA HE JUGADO TÍTULOS PARECIDOS DE CRAFTEO COMO TERRARIA PERO NUNCA ME LLAMARON MUCHO LA ATENCIÓN , STARBOUND LO TIENE CASI ABSOLUTAMENTE TODO, DESDE MECÁNICAS DE ATAQUE HASTA AUTOS VOLADORES, ES UN BUEN JUEGO SI QUIERES PASAR UN BUEN RATO DE AMIGOS. PERO ES EL MEJOR SI QUIERES CREAR EL MUNDO QUE SIEMPRE SOÑASTE
  26. Vasot
    Jun 10, 2017
    9
    After the developer decided to release Update 1.3 (The Spacefarer expansion update) the game has become really awesome. Not only you can explore planets but you can also explore space and space stations. The game now is really huge with plenty of things to do also there is a significance gameplay improvement all around with the latest patches. The game is huge and very entertaining it'sAfter the developer decided to release Update 1.3 (The Spacefarer expansion update) the game has become really awesome. Not only you can explore planets but you can also explore space and space stations. The game now is really huge with plenty of things to do also there is a significance gameplay improvement all around with the latest patches. The game is huge and very entertaining it's one of the best indie games despite the low quality graphics… Expand
  27. Game_Chip
    Mar 20, 2017
    9
    Really cool game! I love the story a lot and I love that you can explore other unknown planets just like Mass Effect. In my opinion I think this game is a combination of Minecraft, Terraria and Mass effect! (In a good way) Love the art style, really shows that pixel-based games can turn out to be amazing games! I give this game a 9/10!
  28. neowiz73
    Jan 18, 2017
    10
    Amazing 2D story driven sandbox game, similar to terraria but you are able to explorer a limitless amount of planets that have a very wide variety of creatures, biomes and landscapes. with a lot of hidden dungeons and treasures to find, even recover old artifacts from fossil locations.
    You can meet NPCs that are interested in being a crew member of your ship that will help enhance your    Amazing 2D story driven sandbox game, similar to terraria but you are able to explorer a limitless amount of planets that have a very wide variety of creatures, biomes and landscapes. with a lot of hidden dungeons and treasures to find, even recover old artifacts from fossil locations.
    You can meet NPCs that are interested in being a crew member of your ship that will help enhance your team if you choose to have them along or just leave them on the ship to continue to enhance your ship in various ways.
    a lot of random side quests can be gained from the various NPCs that dot all of the planets.
    Build anything like you can in minecraft but with a lot more variety of block types and furnishings to add a lot of appeal to the decor. then you can add people to each building or house and create your own civilization.
    with the update of 1.2 you are now able to terraform any biome into whatever biome you like.
    there seems to be more updates to come and more fun to be had in the coming months and years.    … Expand
  29. c0b4ltl1ghtn1ng
    Jan 9, 2017
    8
    I've been with Starbound since the late Koala stages (they named their beta stages after animals, instead of 0.1 or 0.38) and I say 'pick this one up' as much as I did back then.

    If you've played Terraria, then you're already in a familiar field: 2D Minecraft-like, except this one is a bit more floaty. The Combat can seem kinda slow and unbalanced at times (in both directions, mind) but    I've been with Starbound since the late Koala stages (they named their beta stages after animals, instead of 0.1 or 0.38) and I say 'pick this one up' as much as I did back then.

    If you've played Terraria, then you're already in a familiar field: 2D Minecraft-like, except this one is a bit more floaty. The Combat can seem kinda slow and unbalanced at times (in both directions, mind) but the real area Starbound shines is the exploration.
    Beam down to a Planet, scour it for ores and/or treasures, or just enjoy the scenery above and below ground all the way to the Small Meteorites orbiting the atmosphere above or the planet's molten core bellow. When you're finished, tell Scotty to beam you back up, find a new planet, and repeat.

    Of course, the game does still have it's faults.
    During it's Beta phases, there was no real goal in how to progress through the game, aside from 'get the bestest gear ever.' Now that it's released we finally have a story driven plot:
    Some big tentacle monster destroyed Earth, and you gotta stop it form destroying the rest of the universe, somehow. Sounds Noble, right?
    Unless you focus on the story, it can get outright forgotten about. That's a good and bad thing: There's so much to do anyway, but it's part of the game that just feels lackluster compared to everything else. It can easily be plowed through in a few hours, although there was a recent update that adds post story content. I've not checked that out yet

    Apparently some people have been having problems just running the game since it's official release. I do not know why, it's always run smoothly for me. Try running it in a different display mode, is what I'd suggest (if windowed, try fullscreen, etc).

    And the mods, oh golly the mods. At once point the Devs made it a clear goal to make the game as easy to modify as they possibly could, and it still shows today. As of right now, Starbound's Steam Workshop has a little over two Thousand separate mods for it, although totaling to 3500. The second number, however, includes the outdated mods that were abandoned due to a dry update period.

    Overall, I say get this game, and get a friend or two to get this game, too. The vastness of space is best explored with buddies.    … Expand
  30. failboy84
    Jan 7, 2017
    10
    amazing game.... there's not much to be said as I haven't really played hundreds of hours (yet) but from the first intro I can tell its already an awesome game. the soundtrack is literally epic, and I don't use that word lightly or often, but in this case its fitting. Every new track I hear is well timed with the games cutscenes and events and sends shivers down my spine.

    The graphics    amazing game.... there's not much to be said as I haven't really played hundreds of hours (yet) but from the first intro I can tell its already an awesome game. the soundtrack is literally epic, and I don't use that word lightly or often, but in this case its fitting. Every new track I hear is well timed with the games cutscenes and events and sends shivers down my spine.

    The graphics are awesome (for a 2d tile based game) and the particle effects add a lot to the scene (rain is especially nice looking, when its wind for example).

    but the main thing that seems to keep me hooked is the sheer volume of content... there's just SO MUCH. I played a while online with my brother (who has played a lot more of the game than I have) and he has an amazing arsenal of bizarre and interesting weapons, all very different from each other.

    My only issue with the game is the performance. I couldn't get the 64bit version to launch and the 32bit version I can play never gets above 50fps on my machine (which isn't a beast pc but can play AAA titles just fine.) however for this game, anything above 30fps really is fine, is still looks smooth and doesn't feel choppy at all...

    so to sum up..... I got several new AAA games for Christmas this year and yet starbound is the game I will be playing for 2017.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

54
#54 Best PC Game of 2016
32
#32 Most Discussed PC Game of 2016
74
#74 Most Shared PC Game of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Everyeye.it
    Oct 24, 2016
    82
    Starbound is one of the very few games that gets both "open world" and "sandbox" done right. The amount of activities available is astounding and the best part is you can avoid them all, if you wish to do just that.
    Read full review
  2. CD-Action
    Oct 14, 2016
    85
    The price to fun ratio is amazing, but Starbound’s biggest advantage is the freedom it offers. I took a long break from Elite Dangerous to play this indie gem – it’s that good! [10/2016, p.58]
  3. Games.cz
    Sep 19, 2016
    70
    Starbound is not as polished and debugged as other games, and sometimes it may seem repetitive. But compared to more "modern" sci-fi games its explorative, almost melancholic spirit and emphasis on building catches your heart. Spare a few hundred hours of your time, the ultimate boundary once again calls for the survey.
    Read full review
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