- The Pedigree: A new standalone journey within the beloved Astroneer universe.
- The News: Open Beta pre-registration is officially live via the Triple-i Initiative showcase.
- The Gameplay: Focuses on 4-player co-op exploration with a massive orbital hub, the ESS Starseeker.
- The Platforms: Launching in 2026 on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2.
The stars are calling once again. Devolver Digital and Seattle-based developer System Era Softworks have officially opened pre-registration for the Open Beta of their next sandbox odyssey, STARSEEKER: Astroneer Expeditions. Revealed with a vibrant new trailer during the Triple-i Initiative event, the game promises to take the “intergalactic handyman” vibe of its predecessor and scale it up for a new era of co-op discovery.
A New Chapter in the Astroneer Universe
While STARSEEKER is not a direct sequel to the 13-million-player hit Astroneer, it shares the same colorful, stylized DNA.
- The ESS Starseeker: Instead of starting on a lonely planet, players are crew members of the ESS Starseeker, a massive orbital space station. This serves as a social hub where you can customize gear, upgrade equipment, and coordinate missions with other players.
- Collaborative Community: The game emphasizes collective progress. While you explore individual planets, the entire Starseeker community works toward massive shared goals that unlock new sectors of the galaxy.
Planet Tephra: A Living, Breathing Ecosystem
The latest trailer, “Wildlife of Tephra,” gives us a first look at the game’s debut planet. Unlike the somewhat desolate landscapes of the first game, Tephra is teeming with strange life:
- Carrotlings: Adorable, carrot-shaped creatures that populate the fields.
- Grabcrabs: Rugged crustaceans that carry valuable resources on their backs. Players can choose to avoid them, trade with them, or carefully extract the items they carry.
- Dynamic Interactions: Wildlife isn’t just window dressing. Every creature has a role in the ecosystem, acting as either a helpful ally or a dangerous environmental hazard, depending on how you approach them.
Quick Specification: STARSEEKER: Astroneer Expeditions
| Category | Details |
| Developer | System Era Softworks |
| Publisher | Devolver Digital |
| Genre | Space Sandbox / Action-Adventure / Co-op |
| Platforms | PC (Steam), PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2 |
| Release Window | 2026 |
| Beta Platforms | PC, Xbox, PS5 |
| Player Count | 1–4 Player Co-op |
| Official Site | starseekergame.com |
A Powerhouse Partnership
System Era Softworks was founded in 2014 by a group of industry veterans from EA, Ubisoft, Valve, and Disney. Their success with Astroneer led to their acquisition by Devolver Digital in 2023, in a deal valued at up to $40 million. This acquisition turned System Era into a first-party studio for Devolver, fulfilling a partnership that was nearly a decade in the making.
Despite the focus on STARSEEKER, the team has confirmed that the original Astroneer will continue to receive updates, ensuring the veteran community isn’t left behind as they venture into this new frontier.
How to Join the Open Beta
Aspiring explorers can sign up for the beta now on the official website. The beta will be available for PC (Steam), Xbox, and PS5 users, offering a first-hand look at the co-op mechanics and the diverse biomes of Tephra.
Official Steam Page: STARSEEKER on Steam
