Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions represents a more cooperative-centric installment in the beloved survival space simulation Astroneer, set to be released on Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC sometime next year.
Initially unveiled during the recent flurry of announcements featured in this week’s Switch 2 Direct presentation, Starseeker is described as “a new game set within the Astroneer universe that emphasizes exploration, collaborative adventures, and teamwork.” It’s essential to note that both developer System Era Softworks and publisher Devolver Digital clarify that Starseeker is “not an Astroneer sequel or Astroneer 2,” rather a distinct game that will coexist with Astroneer, which “will continue to receive updates and additional content for years to come.”
Even though Astroneer offers co-op gameplay, which many consider the best way to enjoy the game, Starseeker appears to be entirely centered around cooperative interactions. The game’s description highlights: “Players will collaborate with the entire crew aboard the space station to achieve planet-wide objectives across a variety of star systems using advanced technology.”
Steam tags suggest a single-player mode is available, but the primary emphasis seems to be on collaborative play. According to System Era, the namesake Starseeker acts as “the heart” of this new experience, serving as “an ever-evolving space station where players convene to strategize expeditions, enhance their abilities, and socialize with fellow players.”
The current description on the game’s website does not provide extensive details regarding gameplay mechanics, nor does the announced trailer, but preliminary indications suggest support for cooperative play involving up to four players during expeditions. However, within the Starseeker hub, it seems like a considerable number of players can be observed, hinting at the possibility of larger-scale multiplayer experiences than what Astroneer currently offers. We will continue to monitor for any further updates.
Hands-on Preview of Nintendo Switch 2: Following four hours of interaction, it’s evident that this is a significant advancement.