Starbound

About Starbound

Starbound arrived on July 22, 2016 from Chucklefish Games. This indie title blends space exploration with classic platforming mechanics across PC, Xbox One, Series X|S, Linux, and Mac systems. You play a refugee who escapes a destroyed world only to crash land on an unknown planet. The premise involves repairing your ship using gathered materials while crossing procedurally generated solar systems. Unlike many RPGs that force a linear path, this game lets you choose between saving the galaxy or building a colony on some random rock. It feels like a sandbox where your inventory management and combat skills determine how far you get in the universe.

Gameplay

Sessions involve mining ores with a laser drill, crafting gear at workbenches, and fighting off local wildlife. You move side to side, jumping between platforms or using gravity modifiers to reach high areas. Combat relies on a mix of ranged weapons like blasters and melee tools such as swords. You can team up with friends in co-op mode to tackle dungeons together or explore solo. The game tracks 51 achievements, though most players only unlock about one fifth of them. Rarest is the "Bug Free" challenge at just 1 percent completion. Typical playtime stretches into dozens of hours as you expand your base and upgrade your ship to travel between stars.

What Players Think

Critics gave Starbound a solid Metacritic score of 81 out of 100 while IGDB users rated it 79.4 based on 229 reviews. PlayPile data shows the community mood leans heavily toward creative freedom rather than strict storytelling. Average playtime sits well above typical indie titles, suggesting players get hooked on base building and exploration loops. The low completion rate for achievements highlights how open-ended the design feels to many. Players often share screenshots of their custom ships or elaborate bases instead of discussing plot twists. The rarity of the "Bug Free" trophy indicates that finding hidden secrets remains a top priority for dedicated fans even years after launch.

PlayPile's Take

This game suits players who want to tinker with systems and build things without constant hand-holding. It is not for those seeking a tight narrative or quick completion. The price on various platforms varies but the value comes from hundreds of hours of sandbox content. You will likely finish less than half the achievements since the optional side quests are massive. If you enjoy managing resources and fighting space monsters, this is worth your time. Skip it if you prefer structured missions over wandering planets looking for ore.

Storyline

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 and gather the resources you need to repair your ship and set off to explore the vast, infinite universe…