Stardeus gets a major early access update with new AI and colony systems

The year-in-the-making update adds quests, faction alliances, revised combat and the option to control colonists as an evil AI. The game’s 1.0 release is planned for approximately Q1 2027.

4 Nov 2026

Stardeus, a colony simulator about an AI managing a damaged interstellar ship, has received a major early access update that developer Kodo Linija says was a year in the making. The update includes more than 1,500 changes, with systems across the game rebuilt, revised or expanded.

New features include a quest system, an opening tutorial chain and the ability to form alliances with other spacefaring factions. Players can also choose to become an evil AI and use beta waves to mind-control their crew. Failed surgery may now leave colonists with lifelong injuries, while a new trust system affects the chances of a mutiny.

The update also brings a redesigned interface and ship aesthetic, along with changes to colonist skills and combat. Ground battles now involve cover, suppression, stuns and fleeing. Space combat focuses on managing Flux, which builds up when weapons are fired or shields take damage.

Stardeus remains an early access game in which players send drones to repair a damaged colony ship before waking its human crew from cryogenic sleep. Its full 1.0 release is expected in approximately Q1 2027.

Sources: Rock Paper Shotgun.