Astroneer was and still is an amazing game. We remember spending hundreds of hours just digging holes and stringing together oxygen tethers. Building massive bases with our friends? That too, was priceless! System Era Softworks accomplished a pure, zen-like freedom with that title. In a lot of ways, it was a hangout game where we could just exist. We fully expected STARSEEKER: Astroneer Expeditions to deliver a relaxed continuation of those space adventures. Instead, we got thrown onto a hostile rock where 02 is a precious commodity. The devs took a cozy universe and turned it into a timed extraction loop. Is it cool to replace building sprawling bases with quick co-op drops? Let’s find out together, right after the trailer jump.
Gasping For Air
STARSEEKER: Astroneer Expeditions is in Early Access, meaning nothing in the game is fully set in stone. We found out early on that talking to crew members is strongly encouraged. They give you unique missions that earn reputation, cool rewards, and trading opportunities. The moment we deploy to Planet Tephra, the only available planet right now, we start exploring.
Tephra is undeniably gorgeous. Split into five massive landmasses, we scan items surrounded by sprawling oceans, dense jungles, and the newly added Tangle region, all littered with old EXO Dynamics wreckage. Scanning reveals useful information and earns Bytes to help craft gear. Blueprints are also important for making tools and equipment.
The first thing we printed was an EXO Multi-Tool. With this device, we dug up terrain and collected resources. We say “dig up,” but it actually helps us carve tunnels and new paths. The digging and collecting are so fast that it felt like Minecraft on steroids. The tool works very well and is satisfying to use. If we happen to dig too big of a hole, we can easily climb out. The climbing mechanic reminded us of Genshin Impact, where you can scale any vertical surface if you have enough stamina.
Oxygen plays a crucial part here. O2 acts as an extraction timer. Every expedition is capped at around 30 minutes, but the tank actually empties much faster than that. It burns down even quicker when we sprint, dig, or use our tools. Once that bar gets thin, we have no choice but to head back to orbit. Otherwise, we die, lose all our gathered loot, and our gear gets damaged.
That single change will decide whether you stick with the game or move on to something less intense. We really didn’t mind it. We saw it as neither limiting nor frustrating. Those 20-something minutes of focused pushing, completing objectives, and scrambling to safety provided a sharp excitement that never dulled.
Hit Me Baby One More Time
Combat has changed as well. By introducing a thrown-item mechanic, we can now sedate threats. We toss items from our backpack to knock creatures out cold. This creates a brief stun window to grab nearby loot or slip past without wasting precious air. Some creatures only attack when provoked, while others attack on sight. In situations like these, an air blast can knock enemies back or launch us out of danger.
Even though it is in Early Access, STARSEEKER: Astroneer Expeditions shows a lot of promise and offers exciting adventures. We were constantly checking the Planetary View map to track extraction points, planning our route like we were in a weird extraction shooter that looks and moves like a sandbox. It is weird, but in a good way.
We played it solo, and it felt punishing at times. For us, the pressure never stopped. However, we watched videos of co-op gameplay, and pooling resources with a full squad looks amazing. Tossing items across the map to struggling teammates and reviving downed buddies looks great. We wish we had experienced that camaraderie. Maybe soon.
Orbiting An Identity Crisis?
STARSEEKER: Astroneer Expeditions is a very different game. Honestly, we love the direction the devs are taking, even though we do miss the quiet moments. It is refreshing to see how a relaxed, but beloved sandbox can fit into a timed extraction loop. The solo experience is intense but very fun and rewarding, whereas playing with a full squad over a few beers seems like a genuinely good time. We have the beers, and we are willing to share. So, if you need a buddy to play this together, drop us a comment and we will gladly join your adventure. Cheers!
- Developer: System Era Softworks
- Publisher: Devolver Digital
- Platforms: Windows PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2
- Release Date: June 11, 2026 (Early Access)
- Genre: Action-Adventure / Co-op Multiplayer Extraction
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