Astroneer: Explore a Sandbox Space World and Build Physic Bases

Astroneer is a sandbox space exploration and survival game set in a colourful, procedurally generated universe. Players take on the role of an Astroneer, tasked with exploring planets, gathering resources, and building bases in a physics-driven world. With a strong emphasis on creativity, cooperation, and open-ended discovery, Astroneer offers a relaxing yet engaging sci-fi experience where players shape the landscape and forge their own adventures.

Plot and Setting

Set in the 25th century Age of Intergalactic Discovery, Astroneer drops players into a solar system filled with alien worlds, each with unique biomes, challenges, and secrets. As an interstellar pioneer, the goal is to explore planets, harvest resources, research new technologies, and establish bases—all while surviving harsh planetary conditions.

Though the game lacks a traditional linear narrative, environmental storytelling, hidden artefacts, and monolithic alien structures hint at a deeper history of the universe. Players gradually uncover remnants of an ancient civilization and unlock the mysteries of the enigmatic Gateway Network scattered across planets.

Gameplay Mechanics

Terrain Deformation: Players wield a powerful terrain tool that allows them to dig, shape, and sculpt the landscape, offering unprecedented freedom in modifying the world.
Base Building: Modular structures can be placed, expanded, and customized to support survival, research, and automation.
Exploration and Survival: Oxygen and power management are crucial as players venture into caves, mountains, and exotic biomes filled with hazards.
Resource Gathering and Crafting: A variety of resources can be mined and refined to build vehicles, power sources, and advanced technology.
Vehicle and Space Travel: Rovers, shuttles, and rockets enable travel between planets, allowing for deep-space exploration and settlement expansion.
Multiplayer Co-op: Up to four players can team up to build, explore, and terraform planets together.

Themes

Exploration and Discovery: The game captures the thrill of space exploration, offering a universe filled with possibilities and unknown wonders.
Creativity and Engineering: Astroneer encourages problem-solving and experimentation, allowing players to construct elaborate bases and transportation systems.
Survival and Sustainability: Managing oxygen, power, and resources reflects the real-world challenges of space colonization.
Isolation vs. Cooperation: While the game can be played solo, cooperative play highlights the importance of teamwork in interstellar survival.

Visuals and Audio

Astroneer features a low-poly, vibrant art style, making it one of the most visually distinctive sci-fi sandbox games. The color-coded environments, dynamic lighting, and smooth animations create a visually relaxing and immersive world.

The soundtrack, composed by Rutger Zuydervelt, enhances the sense of wonder with ambient electronic melodies that complement the game’s peaceful yet adventurous atmosphere. The subtle sound design, from the hum of oxygen tethers to the distant rumbles of planetary storms, adds to the immersion.

Have you played Astroneer? What’s your favourite part of it? We’d love to hear from you.

Other things you might want to know: