Space Engineers 2

Developer: Keen Software House
Release: Jan 27th 2025
Platforms:
Action
Indie
Simulation
Strategy
Early Access
Promising
Creative
Improved Physics
Incomplete
Performance Issues
Space Engineers 2 Poster

" Innovative space sandbox with powerful building tools but limited features and performance issues "

Space Engineers 2 Review

Space Engineers 2 is currently in early alpha, showing significant promise as a sequel to the original. Players appreciate the improved visuals, smoother controls, and the new unified grid system that enhances building mechanics. The game features weekly updates with new blocks and steady progress toward survival mode and other core gameplay elements. However, it remains a tech demo with many essential features like survival, multiplayer, and mod support still missing. Development is active, with Keen Software House committed to delivering a rich sandbox experience that expands on the original’s foundations. While the game is not yet complete, the community is optimistic about its future potential. Some players recommend buying early to support development, but others advise waiting until more content is added. Performance issues and limited content currently hold the game back from being fully enjoyable, but the foundation and roadmap inspire confidence for long-term growth.

Highlights

Players praise the game’s stunning graphics and improved physics, particularly the dynamic destruction and voxel deformation system. The unified grid system and modular building tools receive strong acclaim for enhancing creativity and ease of use. The developers’ consistent weekly updates and clear roadmap toward survival mode and new gameplay features are also highly regarded. Fans of the original enjoy the familiar yet refined mechanics and are excited about upcoming additions like water, colonization, and modding support. Overall, the game is recognized as a promising and visually impressive sandbox with a solid engineering foundation.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the lack of core gameplay modes such as survival and multiplayer, making the current experience feel incomplete and shallow. Many players note the limited variety and functionality of blocks, with some essential systems like production and weapons not yet working. Control issues, such as unresponsive ship rotation and input lag, frustrate users. Performance problems, including crashes and poor optimization on certain hardware, are also reported. The high price relative to the current content level is a frequent complaint, with some considering it overpriced for an early alpha. Several players recommend waiting for more substantial updates before purchasing.

Pros

  • Stunning graphics and improved dynamic destruction system enhance immersion.
  • Unified grid system allows for more detailed and flexible building.
  • Modular building tools simplify ship design and creativity.
  • Consistent weekly updates demonstrate active developer support.
  • Improved controls and UI compared to the original game.
  • Potential for deep survival and colonization gameplay in future.
  • Physics system realistically models momentum and impacts.

Cons

  • Lacks survival mode and multiplayer, limiting gameplay options.
  • Very limited block variety and many non-functional blocks.
  • Control issues including unresponsive ship rotation frustrate players.
  • Performance problems and crashes on certain hardware reported.
  • High price not justified by current content level.
  • Game feels like a tech demo rather than a full release.
  • No mod support available yet, reducing replayability.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

The ultimate space sandbox, reimagined. Unleash your creativity with powerful building tools, explore the mysterious Almagest system, and uncover its captivating story. Join the Early Access and shape the future of space engineering!

Release Date Jan 27th 2025
Publisher Keen Software House
Developer Keen Software House
Platforms

User Reviews

Mostly Positive (1,364)
79% Positive 21% Negative