StellarDrive (alpha)
A downloadable game for Windows and Linux
Gather materials, build a spaceship and explore procedural worlds. This is an early alpha of my game with the following features:
- Spaceship-building system using panels, cables & levers
- Realistic gravity simulation and planetary rotations
- 2 planets, a moon and a ring system to explore
- 1-4 players online co-op
- Beautiful programmer art
- Many bugs that I'm aware of and probably many more that I'm not
My goal is to create a seamless spaceship-building game where you manage fuel, oxygen, and warp capabilities to travel across the vast distances of a galaxy. If you want to follow along with the game's development, you can check out my social media:
- Discord: https://discord.gg/adA8nqqJ49
- Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/curiousowldev.bsky.social
- Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/curiousowl
- Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/a-curious-owl/
Requirements
GTX 1050 or higher
Laptops with integrated graphics will have a hard time with this game. Intel iGPUs are not supported.
Installation
Download the zip file, extract and launch StellarDrive.exe
Controls
While walking
- TAB: Open inventory
- 12345: Select tool
- L. Click: Use tool
- R. Click: With the build tool selected, opens the build menu
- F: Interact with ship part
While piloting
- Mouse: Change direction
- Q: Roll left
- E: Roll right
- Middle Mouse Click: Toggle free-look mode
While in EVA (outside in space)
- WASD: Horizontal controls
- Space: Move up
- Ctrl: Move down
Frequently Asked Questions
I can't see the planet or the trees. What's going on?
If you're running the game on a laptop, this is probably due to a bug with Intel iGPUs. There's nothing you can do right now, unfortunately.
Can I play creative?
Yes. Enable the dev tools in the options menus. After that, press F1 for fly mode and F2 for free resources. You can adjust the fly speed with the scroll wheel.
Where are my saved files located?
C:\Users\(YOUR_USER)\AppData\LocalLow\CuriousOwlGames\StellarDrive\saves
Is there a roadmap?
No, but you can check the Discord server for frequent updates on the game.
Download
Development log
- Version 0.6.4 and 0.6.5Dec 13, 2024
- Version 0.6.3Nov 04, 2024
- Version 0.6.2Oct 12, 2024
- Version 0.6.1Sep 20, 2024
- Version 0.6.0 DockingSep 17, 2024
- Version 0.5.7Jul 02, 2024
- Version 0.5.6Jun 13, 2024
- Version 0.5.5Apr 29, 2024
Comments
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Came across your game so me and my brother gave it a try. Safe to say we got lost in it for HOURS. I need you to finish this game PLEASE.
This looks really cool (havent played yet). def will buy it if its not like 30 bucks.
Ey quick question, do I need to use the tracker or can I just fly into the distance and perchance find another planet?....cuz I may just be flying into deep space rn LOL
There is only one other planet, so the chances you'll stumble upon it are extremely low hahaha
You can use the tracking computer, star map, or simply look for a little orange dot in the night sky.
okay I had a lil feeling that was going to happen. thats good to know hahaha, great game btw been enjoying it
how much will it cost when it comes to steam?
I don't know yet.
Just in case anyone is wondering and hasn't /can't check the dev's socials; progress is happening even though there have been no updates here (cf bluesky) - a lot of it seems to be graphical (a shame for us since we've older machines that won't like that and content is what we're lacking! ;) But then again this isn't an abandoned project unlike most on itch.io!
Thank you for your continued work Curious Owl! <3 :)
So glad to hear and leaves me even more excited! (hope to God this doesn't become paid even though dev deserves it ToT)
Edit: just found out itll be a paid game. But still totally buying >:3
Thanks for clarifying that! I should do announcements on Itch too to keep you guys in the loop.
The new version will be more demanding on your PC for sure. I'll see if I can add graphical settings to keep it playable for everyone.
Is there any reasearches to unlock besides the ones given to you from the start? And are there other systems if you go into outer space?
Also I cannot wait for more content in this game!
If only you knew how much I loved these type of space exploration games! I thank you so much for such an awesome game!
I wanted to suggest maybe a spacesuit of different tiers for longer times without the ship's oxygen source or even a tube that you can connect to the ship so you can be a certain distance from your ship also allowing us to pull ourselves back to the ship using it or a seperate item that we can use to pull us back to the ship.
Hi! Thanks for your comment <3
I don't plan to update this alpha for the time being, as I'm focused on a Steam page + demo. You can look forward to the demo for different content & visual improvements!
I took note of your suggestion on your other comment for spacesuits/tubes when you're outside in space. Thanks.
Will there be keybinds and HOTAS/controller compatability?
I plan to do customizable keybinds. Controllers or hotas might come later, but they're not my focus right now.
hi i was wondering can you add a mod feature and where are my save games stored?
Hello! Thanks for the modding suggestion. You can find your save files here:
C:\Users\(YOUR_USER)\AppData\LocalLow\CuriousOwlGames\StellarDrive\saves
Add a late game craftable item that allows you to pick up ships and rotate them, because i flip my rover over and now i cant flip it back
also add a rope that you can attach to the outside of the ship in space to do repairs and fuel without drifting away
another suggestion, with the targeting computer make it a thing with pages and arrows you click, or a scroll list
i have a suggestion from my friend, and it was to add a friend system to join people, with a simple 4 digit passcode
also on itch there should be a planning board so we can see what all you are planning
and maybe also add some item giving commands and attach a pdf on itch and bluesky that has command syntax :)
Hi :) Thank you for your suggestions! I took note of them.
For giving an item, you can either use the free build cheat with F2 (you have to enable dev tools in the options menu first) or you can edit your save file located in "C:\Users\(YOUR_USER)\AppData\LocalLow\CuriousOwlGames\StellarDrive\saves"
how do i stack items?
You can't manually stack items right now. You could drop your item in a chest and then shift + click it to retrieve it. It will automatically try to stack if iirc.
Can you add 10 player multiplayer pls
Thanks for the suggestion! The game won't prevent you from having 10 players, but it is not very optimized for that. You might encounter issues like high bandwidth usage and lag.
That's why I recommend sticking to 4 players for now, even if the game has no hard limit.
Will there be a Mac version?
Mac support is not planned at the moment.
You misunderstood me, I hope you translate it correctly. ( Будет ли когда-то Mac версия? )
Am I the only person who thinks this is a ripoff of Space engineers? I'm not saying it is, I'm just saying it looks a lot like it
its free, and this is an alpha version, so you have no clue what is in stock for us in the future
This game is insane ! Im surely gonna buy the full version on steam when it come out
Thank you <3
It's going to be soooo atmospheric and authentic in VR!
I hope we will live not only to see the release of the game, but also to fully support VR.
Thank you for your comment! I'm not prioritizing VR right now, but it might be a possibility in the future. I'll keep that in mind.
can we expect further updates in the future?
I'm currently focused on a Steam version and its demo. You can look forward to those for new content :)
im looking forward to new stuff
When are you expecting to release this game
I don't know yet, but you can check my Discord or bluesky for development progress :)
Can't wait for more content and/or planets (even if the ground generation is a bit sparse and the ring belt a little too busy! ;)
how much do you think you will make this game when it releases?
I don't know yet.
if this becomes a steam game, i am 100% buying it on release day, pre-ordering it if possible
Thanks! That means a lot <3
Hello, Damn it, this was the coolest game I've ever seen on ITCH.IO, I wish you success in the development of the project! Hello from Russia!
Thank you!
would the steam version be free?
I intend on making it paid, but you'll be able to keep playing this version for free :)
I want to release a demo too at some point. It will be similar to this, but with improved visuals.
Played this game like forever ago, and though there hasn't been updates lately, glad to see you're still active in responding to questions and such!
I've got a couple of questions to ask myself
1. Is it possible to implement a VR mode to the game? Would make for an incredibly surreal experience!
2.
Unless you're on hiatus,(lol, my bad, didn't even check bluesky till now) when do you expect the next update to be released?Hi. Thanks for checking out the game. You can check the Discord too for development progress.
1. VR might be possible, although it's not something I'm planning at the moment.
2. I'm currently focusing on polishing and setting up a Steam page for the game. The next playable version will probably be a demo once that is done.
please add auto saves i worked on a map for 3 hours and the power went out and when it came back it was all gone 😞
Noted :)
thank you a head of time
i love your game and was wondering if you could add the ability to make a rover i think that would be fun. ps i play your game every day with my friends ❤️
Thank you for your comment & suggestion! I'm glad you guys are enjoying the game :)
Очень хорошая игра, прямо сейчас она еще сыровата, однако, уже может затянуть на часок-два, желаю чтобы автор доделал свою игру, и еще, добавь буры для астероидов, и в целом больше механизмов, удачи друг :3
Thank you <3 the bug you're facing with the environment not showing is due to Intel integrated GPU. Until I manage to fix the issue, you can try on a better PC if possible.
I really love this game and think it has a lot of potential! I would also love to see a painting mechanic so you can make your spacecraft look better.
Thank you for your comment and suggestion :)
just played this game with my friend for a while earlier.
and holy goodness it is Amazing, Can't wait to see how it turns out in the future!!
I'd give it a Solid 10/10, an honest one
Thank you so much!!! I'm glad you guys enjoyed it <3
Do you think it would be appropriate to add remote control devices to the game?
It might work in the game. Thanks for the suggestion :)
are there more planets than just the three you see when you use the targeting computer?
The 3 you see are the only ones in the game currently.
i really like the game pls keep updating it, and if you add like logic gates where you can make a program like a autopilot with sensors and idk how but having real crashes, of course this for further updates
I would also like to see logic gates
I'm currently working toward a Steam release :) you can check my social media links on the page for short progress gifs.
I took note of the logic gate suggestion. It's something I want to look into :)
Здравствуйте а будет ли релиз в стиме платным?Либо же игра будет являться бесплатной?(Это лучшая игра по постройке кораблей,и космосу в которую я играл)
what material is used to unlock fuel systems? and where is it found
You can find it on the red planet. It's a bit hard to see so you'll have to fly around and look carefully.
the game does not let two people pilot/co-pilot the same craft at the same time, even with different functions attached to the side panel of the advanced control panel
Yeah, only one person can control a ship at a time right now
C'est normal que je ne vois pas le sol mais que les rochers au loin sur un sol transparent comme si je marchai sur du vide... ? svp répondez moi... D'ailleurs, est ce possible de faire un live twitch ou youtube sur ce jeu ?
Le jeu ne supporte pas certains PC comme les portables avec un cpu Intel intégré. Ça fait que le sol et les arbres n'apparaissent pas.
broo this game is sick!!!!!!! how its only 80mb
Thank you!
The planets are procedurally generated, meaning the game doesn't store any terrain/map. Those 80mb are basically only textures, meshes & sound effects.
its amazing bro! when you will update it? my and my gang love this!
I'm currently doing a big push of polishing to get a Steam page up for the game. You can check my Discord or Bluesky for progress images.
The next playable build will probably be a demo with all the new models & textures.
i joined in discord and im big fan of your game! god luck with development im with you all the time!
Best space game I've ever played. It would be nice to add more things and electronics. For example, when you make a large station, you can make one section with an air generation system and then conduct a supply system through all the corridors and rooms. And if possible, in the near future I would like to see a force field for space station hangars, it's just that right now I'm building a huge space station and all the time running from one part of the hangar to another to build up and make a sealed space takes a lot of time. And most importantly, please add running, preferably with stamina. 12/10
Thanks a ton for your comment <3 I took note of your suggestions too :)