What are the pros of Starbound?

The game features a massive and dedicated modding community that significantly expands content and replayability.. Offers a vast, exploration-focused sandbox experience with a cozy and relaxing vibe.. High potential for long-term play, with many dedicated players logging over 1,000 hours.. Features a robust character creator and a unique sci-fi setting with diverse races..

What are the cons of Starbound?

The developers have abandoned the project, leaving the game with unpatched bugs and performance issues.. Significant negative sentiment exists regarding the developer's historical treatment of staff and contributors.. The main story campaign and combat mechanics are frequently described as shallow or poorly executed.. Technical instability leads to frequent crashes and optimization problems for many users..

Starbound

You’ve fled your home, only to find yourself lost in space with a damaged ship. Your only option is to beam down to the planet below, repair your ship and set off to explore the universe...

90%

Very Positive

DeveloperChucklefish

PublisherChucklefish

Release DateJul 22, 2016

-50%

$14.99$7.49

Peak Players88.4K

Metacritic81

PlatformsWindows · macOS · Linux

AI Review Summary

Starbound is a vast 2D space exploration sandbox that offers immense longevity and a cozy atmosphere, particularly for players who engage with its extensive modding community. While praised for its creative freedom and scale, the game is heavily criticized for being abandoned by its developers, leaving behind unpatched bugs and a lackluster main campaign.

Pros

The game features a massive and dedicated modding community that significantly expands content and replayability.95%
Offers a vast, exploration-focused sandbox experience with a cozy and relaxing vibe.85%
High potential for long-term play, with many dedicated players logging over 1,000 hours.90%
Features a robust character creator and a unique sci-fi setting with diverse races.70%

Cons

The developers have abandoned the project, leaving the game with unpatched bugs and performance issues.95%
Significant negative sentiment exists regarding the developer's historical treatment of staff and contributors.80%
The main story campaign and combat mechanics are frequently described as shallow or poorly executed.75%
Technical instability leads to frequent crashes and optimization problems for many users.70%

Notable Mentions

Reviewers frequently express a desire for a 'mixed' rating option due to the game's polarizing state.
The game is often compared unfavorably to Terraria in terms of long-term developer support.
Much of the game's current value is attributed to the 'Frackin' Universe' mod and other community efforts.

Confidence: 82%

Based on the 98 most relevant reviewsGenerated on Jul 19, 2026

Game Vitals

Live snapshot

Player Activity

Current peak

850

Peak · last 90 days

1.3K

All-time peak

88.4K

Price

Current price

$14.99$7.49-50%

Lowest tracked

$4.49since Apr 15, 2026

Review Sentiment

Launch week

—

Last 30 days

23%

All-time positive

90%

Review Statistics

Total Reviews123.3K

Positive: 110.9K (90%)Negative: 12.4K (10%)

Reviews from Steam Deck

Dev Response Rate

315h

Avg Playtime at Review

88%

Credible Reviews