New Stars News

Public playtesting has started, and access will be granted in small increments. The game will improve based on player feedback during this period. The bug reporting UI has also been added to efficiently report bugs or suggest feedback in-game.

[h3]Bug Reporting/Feedback UI[/h3]
New bug reporting UI where you can suggest feedback or report bugs.



[h2]Public Playtesting[/h2]
I expect public playtesting to last at least a few months, provided it is constructive towards improving the game, and it will be the last step before early-access. The intent is to use feedback to make the right improvements / bug fixes to the game.

[h3]Before You Playtest[/h3]
PC Requirements: You must have a GPU with at least 1GB of dedicated VRAM, otherwise the game will probably crash while starting a game.

[h3]What is the current state of the Game?[/h3]
- Multiplayer is disabled for the until it's playable.
- There are currently 93 known bugs, none of are known to crash the game, but that may change.
- Some special abilities may not work in some scenarios (i.e. raze colony / peacekeeping).
- Ship modules may not be 100% balanced.
- If the game randomly stops responding to input, saving and reloading the game will likely fix it, but this should not happen often.
- Switching scenes between main menu and game constantly may cause thought provoking bugs to occur.
- Save the game may result in corrupted saves due to unaccounted for serialization issues, later in the game.
- The 'Cobalt' UI apparently does not go well with the game, so it's experimentally a cyan background colour.
- The animated combat needs a lot more polishing, although there have been improvements since the last trailer.
- Player leaders are placeholders, and will hopefully be improved in the near future, although getting multiplayer to work is a higher priority.
- Tips are being improved to be more beginner friendly, so feedback on tips would be helpful.

TL;DR
Overall, the game should be playable to the end-game years, although timing/pacing tweaks may be needed since the end-game has little playtesting. Expect bugs although they will be fixed eventually. Getting the core gameplay right and is the main priority for now.

[h3]What can I give feedback on?[/h3]
Here are some questions that you can give feedback on. Note that feedback is optional, but it will help inform future updates into improving the game.

Questions:
- Do you know how to play the game based on the tutorial?
- Does the game feel fun to play once you know what to do?
- What is the your favourite mechanic, and why?
- What is the mechanic that needs the most improvement, and why?

Changes may be made based on feedback to further improve the game.

[h3]Where can I give feedback?[/h3]
The preferred method is via the game 'Report Bug' button in the game pause menu, via Steam discussions, or via Discord.

[h3]How can I join the playtest?[/h3]
Via the Steam store page. Access will be granted in small increments.



[hr][/hr]
[h3]Stay tuned for more updates...[/h3]
Feel free to comment your suggestions below.

🪵 View the Changelog: newstarsgame.com/changelog.
🕹️ Playtest New Stars: adamjr.xyz.
⭐ Wishlist New Stars to support development.

This page is intended to be a development preview, which may not reflect the final state of the game.

Credits:
- Star satellites icon by Lorc under CC BY 3.0

In the first part of the 'Celestial' update, new animations compliment new special abilities added in the previous update, among other animations such as building starbases and more.

[h2]4 New Origins![/h2]
Aetheric Sanctifiers, Stellar Nomarchs, Spice Lords, and Abyssal Nomads have been added.
These are available to a wider range of playmodes.



[h2]Ubiquity: Fleet Formations[/h2]
Fleet formations have been implemented, and work well with fleets with ships of the same type.



[h2]Ubiquity: Animations[/h2]
Build animations have been added to the game as they were on the TODO list since January.



[h2]Ubiquity: Asteroid Belts[/h2]
Because why not?



[h2]Seamless: Fleet Animations[/h2]
Lets you know what fleets are doing, without needing to check the fleet panel.



[h2]16 New Achievements[/h2]
There are now achievements for winning a game with each origin type, and playmode.
There are now 46 total achievements.

For the full list of changes, view the changelog.

[hr][/hr]
[h3]Stay tuned for more updates...[/h3]
Feel free to comment your suggestions below.

🪵 View the Changelog: newstarsgame.com/changelog.
🕹️ Playtest New Stars: discord.io/adamjr.
⭐ Wishlist New Stars to support development.

This page is intended to be a development preview, which may not reflect the final state of the game.

Credits:
- Star satellites icon by Lorc under CC BY 3.0

The biggest New Stars update is here. It combines two large updates into one. 'Interstellar' is for the 8 new playmodes, special abilities, and unique buildings. 'Cobalt' is for the new futurized and animated UI. Here is a detailed changelog of the update.

[h2]Added[/h2]

[h3]Interstellar: 8 New Playmodes[/h3]
Government types are now called 'playmodes' because governments have 2 special abilities or unique origins, and their own unique builiding.

[h4]1. Megacorporations[/h4]
The power of a megacorporation lies not only in economic might but also in their ability to manipulate politics, negotiate lucrative deals, and establish monopolies.

• Ability: ORDER OF BUSINESS (Purchase rights to build on foreign colonies).
  
• Ability: FORM MONETARY UNION (Gives economic bonuses).
  
• Building: LOGISTICS OFFICE (Collect foreign system resources).
  

[h4]2. Peacekeeping Pacifist[/h4]
Peacekeeping pacifists assert their influence on others by enforcing their peace plans. They may peacefully interfere in wars by sending their own peacekeeping fleets to protect star systems.

• Ability: GALACTIC HARMONY ENFORCEMENT (Fleets can peacekeep in systems).
  
• Ability: PEACE CONVENTIONS (Truces last twice as long).
  
• Building: PEACEKEEPER ACADEMY (Love thy neighbours).
  

[h4]3. Alliance Builder[/h4]
The Alliance Builder is a diplomatic powerhouse, specializing in forging alliances, maintaining diplomatic relations, and leveraging collective strength for mutual benefit.

• Ability: UNITE THE GALAXY (Form alliances/unions with clans).
  
• Ability: FORM DIPLOMATIC UNION (Gives opinion and defensive bonuses).
  
• Building: UNITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS (Love thy allies).
  

[h4]4. Cooperative Militarist[/h4]
Forging a unique path between cooperation and aggression, the Cooperative Militarist emerges as a formidable force on the galactic stage.

• Ability: A UNITED FRONT (Invite other empires to wars).
  
• Ability: FORM MARTIAL UNION (Gives leader ability to build union fleet).
  
• Building: FORGE MATRIX (Ship building on steroids).
  

[h4]5. Hegemonic Subjugator[/h4]
A dark and formidable force rises with the advent of the Hegemonic Subjugator.

• Ability: IMPERIAL HOLDINGS (Build on subject colonies).
  
• Ability: CLAN SERVITUDE (Integrate star clans).
  
• Building: IMPERIAL CITADEL (Love thy overlord).
  

[h4]6. Xeno Exterminator[/h4]
The Xeno Exterminator embodies a relentless and genocidal crusade against all non-native lifeforms in the galaxy.

• Ability: PURGE DOCTIRNE (Raze worlds).
  
• Origin: SHATTERED WORLD (Spawn with additional military fleet).
  
• Building: GENE CLEANSING FACILITY (Cleanses sinful aliens).
  

[h4]7. Extreme Isolationist[/h4]
In the far reaches of the galaxy, the Extreme Isolationist emerges as a testament to the power of seclusion and self-sufficiency.

• Ability: SOLITUDE IMPERATIVE (Builders can destroy system connections).
  
• Origin: FORGOTTEN OUTPOST (Start with additional colonist).
  
• Building: SECLUSION NEXUS (Start with additional colonist).
  

[h4]8. Silent State[/h4]
The Silent State wields influence in the galaxy through covert operations and manipulation of behind-the-scenes politics.

• Ability: GALACTIC STEALTH IMPERATIVE (Stealth fleets).
  
• Origin: SHADOWY NEXUS (Start with intel bonus).
  
• Building: STEALTH OPERATIONS CENTER (Hide colony from other empires).
  

[h3]Interstellar: Unions[/h3]
Unions are galactic federations, and allow specialized alliances with their own bonuses.

[h4]1. Economic Union[/h4]
Gives economic modifiers to members.

[h4]2. Diplomatic Union[/h4]
Gives diplomatic, and defensive modifiers to members.

[h4]3. Martial Union[/h4]
Allows the leader to build union fleets. Gives offensive modifiers to members.

[h3]Interstellar: Origins[/h3]
[h4]1. Lost Colony[/h4]
Start with one additional population, housing building, and minerals building.



[h4]2. Shattered World[/h4]
Start with a full gunboat fleet.



[h4]3. Forgotten Outpost[/h4]
Start with an additional colonist fleet.



[h4]4. Shadowy Nexus[/h4]
Start with intel of 3 nearby empire capitals.



[h3]Fleet: Quantum Distortion[/h3]
- Basically a 'jump drive'; Allows travel without using known routes in a limited radius.
- Counters extreme isolationists and allows travel between isolated clusters.
- Has it's own technology which is unlocked after frigate ships.



[h3]New 'Cobalt' UI[/h3]
- The UI has been 'futurized' with animations.
- Cobalt is the name of the primary colour of the UI.

[h4]New Main Menu[/h4]
- Select empire icon replaces randomization.
- Select species avatar replaces randomization.
- Select playmode with description panel.



[h4]New Settings[/h4]
- Customizable keybinds.
- A lot more graphical customization
- Detailed summary of each settings input.



[h4]New Everything[/h4]
Every UI panel has changed, so you will have to play the game for yourself to see it.



[hr][/hr]
[h2]Changed[/h2]
[h3]Tweaks[/h3]

• Special resources are more equally distributed across the map.
  - Void worlds now generate much more often, as antimatter was extremely rare.
  - Class O stars have a higher chance to spawn.
  
• Most base resources have been increased from +5, to +10 per month.
  - Momentum at the start of the game is now faster, as it took a while to get started previously.
  
• Peaceful clans now have one agenda.
  - This is so you can now meet conditions for open-borders with peaceful clans.
  
• Colonists now take 180 days to build, instead of 60.
• Game duration now affects logistical pacing.
  - Time to build fleets or colony buildings is scaled based on duration.
  - Resource costs are not currently affected, although this may change.
  - Exploration is constant on all speeds.
  
• Starter colonies, regardless of origin, start with an additional food building and 2 population.
  - Like in Civilization, colony starvation is localized to the colony.
  - This means that if a colony has a food deficit it will slowly lose population.
  - The extra population ensures that food is produced immediately.
  
• Each population uses 0.25 food instead of 1 food.
  - This means each food building job supports 4 population.
  

[hr][/hr]
[h2]Fixed[/h2]

• AI military now works with merge/split.
  
• Game lacked special abilities or unique playstyles (i.e. all governments were too similar).
  
• Colony building is unbalanced (numbers need tweaking).
  
• Fleets go hidden in wormhole systems.
  
• Star system simulation have some graphical issues (lighting, star graphical artifacts etc.)
  
• Monthly updates are laggy and unoptimized, especially with AI.
  
• Simulated combat is inconsistent, and buggy.
  
• Seamless claims now fill correctly.
  

and many more random bugs...

[h3]Thank you for 937 wishlists![/h3]
It turns out I was reading that the game had '20' wishlists for most of the year, when in fact it was almost 50x higher. This update would not have been possible without your support.

[h2]Future Updates[/h2]
New Stars has been in intensive development for almost 16 months, which includes almost 3,000 hours of development (according to Steam). This game was originally planned to take one year or less, for an early-access release, but the scope of the game was extended largely due to increased interest in the game. This means the game is better than originally planned.

Now, there are a few more features to work on before and during early-access:

• Fleet Formations - not yet implemented.
  
• Improved VFX and SFX - more animations, better animated combat etc.
  
• Animated Avatars - these will probably be the most expensive assets, but the current placeholder image avatars are unanimated and uncool.
  
• Multiplayer Support - not fully implemented; focusing on core single-player gameplay first.
  

After adding these features, plus or minus multiplayer support, and the gameplay is deemed stable and is enjoyable during public playtesting, with validation of core areas of the game, it should be ready for early-access.

In the December 2022 trailer, '2023' was the intended release year for early-access. I still plan to stick with that year.

Changelog: newstarsgame.com/changelog

[hr][/hr]
[h3]Stay tuned for more updates...[/h3]
Feel free to comment your suggestions below.

🎮 Playtest New Stars: discord.io/adamjr.
⭐ Wishlist New Stars to support development.

This page is intended to be a development preview, which may not reflect the final state of the game.

Credits:
- Star satellites icon by Lorc under CC BY 3.0

The fourth and last part of the 'Interstellar' update focuses on isolationist empires. Separate yourself from unfriendly aliens by destroying connections to your systems with extreme isolationists, or stay hidden in stealth mode with silent states.

[h2]Extreme Isolationist[/h2]
In the far reaches of the galaxy, the Extreme Isolationist emerges as a testament to the power of seclusion and self-sufficiency.




[h3]Ability: SOLITUDE IMPERATIVE[/h3]
[h4]Builders can destroy hyperlanes, and vaporize portals.[/h4]

[expand]
Considerations:
- It takes one in-game year to destroy hyperlanes, wormholes, or whiteholes.
- Due to the immense energy required to alter the fabric of space, only one can be destroyed at a time.
Strength: Prevents fleets from advancing.
Weakness: Expensive; It also blocks travel for themselves.
[/expand]


[h3]Unique Origin: FORGOTTEN OUTPOST[/h3]
[h4]Start with an additional colonist fleet.[/h4]



[expand]

[/expand]

[h3]Unique Building: SECLUSION NEXUS[/h3]
This imposing structure represents a complete withdrawal from external influences and a commitment to self-sufficiency and autonomy.

[expand]


Jobs: Seclusionist (Produces: +1 Energy, +1 Minerals, +1 Metals, +1 Food, +1 Science)
Bonus: +100% Amenities, 100% Suitability. Additional +1 Power if built in colony adjacent to capital.
Restrictions: Non-stackable.

The Seclusion Nexus is a secluded and heavily fortified complex, serving as a retreat and refuge for the Extreme Isolationist government.

In their quest for isolation and independence, the Extreme Isolationist constructs the Seclusion Nexus as a haven of seclusion and self-sufficiency. This heavily fortified complex is hidden away from prying eyes, providing refuge and security for the government's leaders and select individuals. Within its walls, the Extreme Isolationist government can pursue their agenda of self-reliance, free from external interference. The Seclusion Nexus represents the government's commitment to maintaining distance from the outside world, embracing solitude, and safeguarding their unique way of life.
[/expand]

[hr][/hr]
[h2]Silent State[/h2]
The Silent State wields influence in the galaxy through covert operations and manipulation of behind-the-scenes politics.





[h3]Ability: GALACTIC STEALTH INITIATIVE[/h3]
[h4]Your fleets can activate stealth mode, making it invisible to other empires.[/h4]

[expand]
Considerations:
- Speed is halved while active.
- Stealth mode is ineffective during combat.
- Combat can still be triggered if an enemy fleet travels within combat range.
- Fleets in stealth mode cannot be seen by other empires whilst in unclaimed territory.
- Military and civilian fleets can activate stealth mode.
Strength: Element of surprise; hide your fleet actions and movement.
Weakness: In stealth mode, ships are slower and more vulnerable.
[/expand]


[h3]Unique Origin: SHADOWY NEXUS[/h3]
[h4]Start with intel of three nearby empire capitals.[/h4]



[expand]

[/expand]

[h3]Unique Building: STEALTH OPERATIONS CENTER[/h3]
This highly secure and secretive facility operates discreetly, hidden from prying eyes, and acts as the nerve center for the silent state's covert operations.

[expand]


Jobs: 1x Stealth Operative (Produces: +3 Science, -3 Energy)
Bonus: Conceals colony as an uncolonized world to other empires.
Restrictions: Non-stackable.

The Stealth Operations Center is a clandestine facility dedicated to covert intelligence gathering and espionage activities.

In the shadows of secrecy, the Silent State establishes the Stealth Operations Center to protect the colony's interests through covert means. This highly secure and technologically advanced facility houses skilled agents who specialize in intelligence gathering, sabotage, and espionage. Operating under a veil of secrecy, these operatives gather valuable information, neutralize threats, and advance the colony's agenda without attracting undue attention. The Stealth Operations Center embodies the Silent State's preference for subtlety and secrecy, utilizing covert operations as a means to maintain control and protect their sovereignty.
[/expand]

[hr][/hr]
[h2]Other Changes[/h2]
[h3]Peacekeeping Pacifist: PEACE CONVENTIONS[/h3]
Peacekeeping pacifists were missing something, so now truces last twice as long with peacekeeping pacifists.

[h3]Advanced AI Chat[/h3]
The AI now has 1200 different chat combinations, depending on the government type, attitude and relationship. This should add lots of depth to AI interaction.

[h3]Tweaks[/h3]

• Increased base monthly resources from +5 to +10
• Players start with 100 power, instead of 50

[hr][/hr]
[h3]Conclusion[/h3]
This was the 'Interstellar' update - the biggest New Stars update. It was the most planned update and required the addition of hundreds of unit tests. Special abilities and bonuses mentioned are subject to tweaks. The update features will still need additional playtesting, along with some more AI tweaks.

More details including the changelog may be provided in the near future when the update is ready for closed-beta release.

[hr][/hr]
[h3]Stay tuned for more updates...[/h3]
Feel free to comment your suggestions below.

🎮 Playtest New Stars: discord.io/adamjr.
⭐ Wishlist New Stars to support development.

This page is intended to be a development preview, which may not reflect the final state of the game.

Credits:
- Star satellites icon by Lorc under CC BY 3.0

This is part three of the 'Interstellar' update. This part is focused on subjugation and violence. Imperial holdings provide a more fun way of taxing subjects. With Purge Doctrine, you can take revenge on aliens and enforce scorched earth tactics by literally destroying their planets.

[h2]Origins[/h2]
Origins decide what you spawn with, and allow you to choose the backstory behind your empire. Currently, only isolationist players will get their own unique origins as a second ability.

[h3]Any: LOST COLONY[/h3]
[h4]Start with 1 extra population, housing building, and amenity building.[/h4]

We, the survivors, unite under a resolute leader on a new horizon, committed to building a nascent empire in uncharted territories with hope and determination.

[expand]
Lore:
Emerging from the ashes of a destroyed homeworld, we, the survivors, find ourselves stranded on a new colony, the last bastion of their once-thriving empire. Led by a determined and resourceful colony leader, they stand together, ready to embark on a journey of rebuilding and advancement. With a sense of hope and determination, we plan to expand their influence to new stars, exploring the vast unknown and working towards reclaiming their old star system. The prologue sets the stage for our epic journey, as we strive to build a new empire from the remnants of the old and carve out a bright future among the uncharted realms of the cosmos.
[/expand]

[h3]Xeno Exterminator: SHATTERED WORLD[/h3]
[h4]Start with an exterminator fleet.[/h4]

Our homeworld, once prosperous, was ravaged by an alien menace, driving us on a relentless crusade for vengeance against all alien lifeforms.

[expand]
Lore:
Once a bastion of prosperity, our home world was ravaged by an enigmatic alien menace, leaving naught but a fragmented and desolate landscape. Scarred by immeasurable loss, we survivors, led by our former general, harness our anguish and forge a path of vengeance. Driven by an unyielding desire for retribution, we embark on a relentless crusade, seeking to exterminate all alien lifeforms, so that none shall suffer the same fate as our kind. Our shattered world stands as a somber testament to our past, fueling our relentless pursuit and rallying us towards a future shaped by ruthless determination.
[/expand]

[hr][/hr]
[h2]Hegemonic Subjugator: IMPERIAL HOLDINGS[/h2]
A dark and formidable force rises with the advent of the Hegemonic Subjugator.



[h3]Ability: IMPERIAL HOLDINGS[/h3]
[h4]Grants designated slots to build on subject colonies.[/h4]



[expand]
Strength: Gives more resources per slot than megacorporations; high reward.
Weakness: If subject becomes independent, slots are lost; high risk.

Considerations:
- 75% of resources goes to overlord.
- 25% of resources goes to subject.
- 2 slots are designated to overlord for each subject colony.
[/expand]

[h3]Ability: CLAN SERVITUDE[/h3]
[h4]Star clans can be integrated into your empire.[/h4]


Note that UI buttons are in the process of being tweaked so they look slightly different.

[expand]
Considerations:
- Costs power, and energy depending on system count.
- Must be have a neighbour system to the space clan to integrate.
- Works with all clan types: peaceful, and barbaric clans.
- If clans have allies (alliance builders), they cannot be integrated.

Strength: Prevents unnecessary military losses; easy real estate.
Weakness: Expensive; Is the cost worth the reward?
[/expand]

[h3]Unique Building: IMPERIAL CITADEL[/h3]
The Indoctrination Temple is a place of ideological indoctrination and submission, enforcing the hegemonic rule and prosperity of the imperium.

[expand]


Jobs: Propagandist (Produces: +4 Amenities)
Bonus: Removes all border friction for empires which are neighbours to the colony system.
Type: Non-stackable; Can only be build in capital.

The building accommodates numerous chambers dedicated to interrogation, brainwashing, and indoctrination, where dissidents are subdued and subjected to psychological manipulation to conform to the hegemonic ideology. Advanced technologies enable the subjugator government to maintain control over the colony's resources, economy, and infrastructure, exploiting them to fuel their insatiable thirst for power.
[/expand]

AI Behaviour:
Has max aggression, always looking for new subjects. Likes to build Imperial Citadels whenever possible.

[hr][/hr]
[h2]Xeno Exterminator: PURGE DOCTRINE[/h2]
The Xeno Exterminator embodies a relentless and genocidal crusade against all non-native lifeforms in the galaxy.



[h3]Ability: PURGE DOCTRINE[/h3]
[h4]Can raze occupied colony worlds.[/h4]



[expand]
Strength: Can permanently destroy colony worlds so nobody can use them, creating buffer area.
Weakness: Takes 1 year to destroy colony, so counterattacks can disrupt process.

Considerations:
- Razing colonies causes -100 'Genocide' opinion for all non-isolationist players.

I was considering whether to add a world destroyer ship, or manually destroying colonies. The latter option was a lot simpler and also acts as a foundation if I ever decide to add world destroyers in the future.
[/expand]

[h3]Unique Origin: SHATTERED WORLD[/h3]
[h4]Start with an exterminator fleet.[/h4]



[expand]
Considerations:
- Exterminator fleet is 5 gunboats (corvettes).
[/expand]

[h3]Unique Building: GENE CLEANSING FACILITY[/h3]
The Gene Cleaning Facility is a sinister installation dedicated to the eradication of alien species and the preservation of genetic purity.

[expand]


Jobs: 1x Genetic Engineer (Produces: +6 Food, -2 Energy)
Bonus: Increases pop growth in your own colonies, 'cleanses' population in occupied colonies.
Type: Non-stackable.

Considerations:
- Only occupied colonies are purged/cleansed of population.
- A non Xeno Exterminator government that fully controls the building gets a pop growth benefit.
- Effects only occur inside colony with building.
- Last population is kindly spared.
- This is a cheaper way to send colonies back to the stone age, without destroying planets.

Each month, in a foreign colony you occupy:

• 75% chance population is lost.
  
• 25% chance population is 'cleansed' and migrates to your empire.
  
• -5 Genocide opinion is triggered with all players for each population that is changed.
  

[/expand]

AI Behaviour:
Has max aggression, may declare wars without warning, or reason. Likes to build Gene Cleansing Facilities whenever possible.

[hr][/hr]
[h3]Other Changes[/h3]

Subject Resources
Suzerains give 25% of their resources, puppets give 50% of the their power to their overlord.

More updates are being worked on. There is still one more part of the 'Interstellar' update remaining. There have also been more changes for an unannounced update, which will completely change a different part of the game.

[hr][/hr]
[h3]Stay tuned for more updates...[/h3]
Feel free to comment your suggestions below.

🎮 Playtest New Stars: discord.io/adamjr.
⭐ Wishlist New Stars to support development.

This page is intended to be a development preview, which may not reflect the final state of the game.

Credits:
- Star satellites icon by Lorc under CC BY 3.0