Space Haven

Developer: Bugbyte Ltd.
Release: May 21st 2020
Platforms:
Indie
RPG
Simulation
Strategy
Early Access
Addictive
Creative
Atmospheric
Buggy
Unbalanced
Space Haven Poster

" Engaging indie RPG simulation with deep ship-building and resource management but tedious grinding "

Space Haven Review

Space Haven offers a unique blend of spaceship colony simulation with resource management, exploration, and combat mechanics. Players appreciate its ambitious scope and the depth of gameplay involving building, crew management, and trading, especially in sandbox mode. The game features a chill, atmospheric soundtrack and charming graphics that complement the space setting. However, many players find the game’s pacing slow and the difficulty balance inconsistent, with some describing it as either too easy or brutally hard. The resource scarcity and crew AI behavior, especially in emergencies, often lead to frustrating micromanagement. While the game is still in early access, some feel it lacks polish, with bugs and unclear mechanics detracting from the experience. Despite these issues, the game has a dedicated fanbase that enjoys its complexity and hopes for future improvements. Overall, Space Haven is seen as a promising but incomplete title that shines with potential but requires refinement to fully satisfy players.

Highlights

Players praise Space Haven's engaging resource management and ship-building mechanics, which offer a deep and rewarding strategic experience. The game's atmospheric soundtrack and appealing graphics enhance immersion. The sandbox mode combined with the storyline provides flexibility and depth, allowing players to explore and manage their crew effectively. Many enjoy the balance between exploration, combat, and colony management, finding the game relaxing yet challenging. Additionally, the game’s small installation footprint and the ability to avoid combat by diplomacy are appreciated features. Fans highlight the game's unique sci-fi setting and the continuous updates that improve gameplay over time.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the game's poor difficulty balancing, with some players finding it either too easy or frustratingly hard. Resource scarcity, especially for critical items like energium and food, leads to tedious gameplay loops and forced restarts. Crew AI and pathfinding issues cause characters to ignore urgent tasks like hull repairs or combat priorities. The slow pacing and micromanagement demands can make the game feel like a chore. Some players note the lack of clear guidance or tutorials, making it difficult to understand mechanics such as crew recruitment or resource consumption. Additionally, limited content updates and repetitive scenarios reduce replay value, and bugs occasionally disrupt gameplay.

Pros

  • Engaging and deep resource management and ship-building mechanics.
  • Atmospheric and chill soundtrack enhances the overall experience.
  • Appealing graphics that complement the sci-fi space theme.
  • Sandbox mode provides flexibility and replayability.
  • Balanced mix of exploration, combat, and colony management.
  • Small installation footprint makes it accessible.
  • Ability to avoid conflict through diplomacy adds strategic depth.

Cons

  • Difficulty balance is inconsistent, leading to frustration.
  • Resource scarcity forces tedious grinding and restarts.
  • Crew AI and pathfinding issues cause poor task prioritization.
  • Slow pacing and heavy micromanagement can feel like a chore.
  • Lack of clear tutorials or guidance on important mechanics.
  • Limited content updates reduce long-term replayability.
  • Repetitive scenarios and lack of unique faction rewards.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Embark on a space voyage with your ragtag crew of civilians in search of a new home. Build spaceships tile by tile, create optimal gas conditions, manage the needs and moods of their crew, encounter other space-faring groups, and explore the universe in this spaceship colony simulation.

Release Date May 21st 2020
Publisher Bugbyte Ltd.
Developer Bugbyte Ltd.
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (4,938)
86% Positive 14% Negative