Astro Protocol News

[p]We’re excited to share that Astro Protocol is part of Finnish Games Week on Steam, running October 6–12! The event highlights some of the most interesting Finnish-made games across genres and we’re honored to stand among them.[/p][h3]New Demo Update[/h3][p]To celebrate, we’ve updated the Astro Protocol demo with new Finland and winter themed anomalies. Expect frozen worlds and mysterious echoes drawn from Finnish myths, all waiting to be discovered among the stars.[/p][p][/p][h3]My Recommendations from The Finnish Games Week[/h3][p]This week’s Finnish Games lineup includes some truly inspiring titles I recommend you to check out:[/p]

• [p]Interstellar Espionage Inc: Manage an interstellar spy agency in bite-sized, strategic runs. If you like Astro Protocol, there's a high chance you'll like this one too. The're also a playable demo out![/p]
• [p]Shadows of Tuonela: A dark fantasy multiplayer game mixing intense PvP and chill PvE exploration from Ame, whose entertaining Twitch stream I watch regularly.[/p]
• [p]Runerock Arena: A new entry in the legendary Areena series, which i've played since almost three decades ago, and it’s what first sparked my interest in game development. I even emailed the developer Seppo over 20 years ago asking how to start making games and he kindly replied. It’s surreal to now share an event with him.[/p]
• [p]Ephemeris: Turn-based space 4X strategy game with epic real-time 3D battles.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]Unlike in many space strategy games, the basic setting in Astro Protocol revolves around the projected model of the universe, not in the actual space itself. In short, different factions across the universe have achieved a parallel development of the simulation and thus they seek to take full control of this framework.[/p][p]Despite Astro Protocol being based on a simulation of speculations, its founding factions believe that this protocol is a key to predict cosmic power relations of a distant future. Therefore every alliance aims to secure their positions before the execution of The Great Calibration – the point where the simulation becomes analogous with the reality. In the universe of Astro Protocol this is basically the closest to interstellar interaction, as FTL and other similar concepts are out of question due to physical constraints.[/p][p]Actual spaceships are extremely complex vehicles, and their manufacture requires strong strategic justification. In the Astro Protocol, the relatively expandable ships are basically models of highly advanced theoretical ships. These future designs might still come with interplanetary limitations. In the simulation, however, even the most restricted ships can be sent and placed anywhere in the galaxy that is reached by the projection mapping. This allows the ship performance to be analysed in advance under varied alternative conditions – even in an extreme combat against other competing modellers. The ships thus have a dual role: serving both as versatile computational models and as reflexive equivalents of potentially real ships. The computational revolution behind this process has also led to a situation where any tech-savvy can copy and assemble their own starfleet, at least in theory. However, the successful management of the models still requires the in-depth understanding of an entire faction of organised space engineers.[/p][p]Factions of Astro Protocol are essentially interstellar alliances within the galaxy, based on specific interests. Some are originating from the organic modeling of intelligent species (humans and aliens). Whereas some factions have born as cyborgs fused with machinery, or virtual ghosts that have found their transcendent way of functioning and living on the platform. Minor factions may also be formed from a mixture of these species, as rebellious sub-groups may hack Astro Protocol and use its unconstrained galactic network to choose their allies away from their assumed home planet.[/p][p]In the game, full version will have six major factions with additional minor factions as well, but here are the backstories for the first three major factions:[/p][h3]United Tellus[/h3][p]A collective of humanist institutions funded numerous research programs that ultimately led to the development of the Astro Protocol platform. Preserving the future of humankind was set as the defining goal by administrative governments. Main research is ultimately carried alongside with military operations.[/p][p]Due to regulations by Gaia-centric precautions exchange and expansion with unknown ecosystems is significantly slowed down. This has caused a regrouping of alternative protest movements taking control in the marginal peripheries of Astro Protocol. The main mission of armament prediction is still strongly supported by active development.[/p][h3]Yimono Union[/h3][p]A hegemonic empire of the galaxy that has gradually coerced multiple lifeforms to transform into standardized ghost-form. This state of being is efficiently optimized for platforms like Astro Protocol and allows rapid colonization on diverse areas.[/p][p]Yimono Union has a highly hierarchical structure of government based on the age of immortality in the total prediction. However, the high level of synchronization with the simulated platforms still exposes the blindness of its implicit glitches and loopholes.[/p][h3]Santri Syndicate[/h3][p]Santri Syndicate is a shadow alliance of resistance movements that are targeting status quo rulers of Astro Protocol. Eventually Santrians are seeking to diminish the whole platform to its bare minimum. This is done by breaking the projection with deep hacking of its underlying structures. Santrians also aim to bring destruction to any entity pursuing immortality.[/p][p]Santri Syndicate adheres to a belief that Astro Protocol is a harmful apparatus for all lifeforms and is dedicated to oppose all equivalent systems for that reason. In order to further their mischievous missions a range of Santrian lifeforms have been expanded into virtually virulent forms. Advancement of Santri is mostly based on space piracy across the Astro Protocol network but they lack some basics of building their own infrastructure.[/p]

[h2]New Tutorial[/h2][p]The focus of update 0.13 is on improving the player onboarding experience. This includes a completely reworked tutorial. Previously, the tutorial was just a regular procedurally generated game, which made it nearly impossible to provide consistent guidance as maps, techs, anomalies, and opponents were always different, creating endless number of corner cases.[/p][p]We’ve now switched to a static tutorial where the starting conditions are always the same. This lets us add clear instructions, visual indicators, and more guided steps. The tutorial now walks players through colonization, terraforming, upkeep, and victory points. We’ve also lowered the difficulty, no more raiders showing up with three ships on turn five! Next, we’ll be playtesting further and refining the tutorial to make it even smoother.[/p][h2]User Interface Improvements[/h2][p]We redesigned several menus: scoreboard, minor factions, and terraforming giving them a fresh look, clearer tooltips, and better feedback when you take actions. Tooltips in general have also been overhauled to be easier to read and understand. This work is ongoing, and we’ll continue adding new tooltips and refining the existing ones.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]Graphics Improvements[/h2][p]We’ve made a number of visual upgrades aimed at clarity and readability:[/p]

• [p]Ship idle animations and faction logos above ships make it easier to spot fleets and threats.[/p]
• [p]Placement indicators for ships, stations, techs, and artifacts are now animated for better visibility.[/p]
• [p]Animations for building, terraforming, and colonization make these actions easier to notice.[/p]

[h2]Gameplay Improvements[/h2][p]We’ve added small but impactful changes to improve the flow of the game:[/p]

• [p]Pan and pinch gestures are now supported, making touchpad play much smoother.[/p]
• [p]The Bulwark ship has been rebalanced, it can no longer move and attack during the same turn.[/p]
• [p]Star systems, asteroid fields, and gas giants appear a little less often, improving navigation and station placement.[/p]
• [p]Simultaneous unit movement is now enabled, so the game plays faster even if you keep normal animation speeds.[/p]

[h2]AI Improvements[/h2][p]The AI now has seven difficulty levels, scaling resource production. On “Normal” difficulty the AI players receive the same amount of resources as humans.[/p][p]We’ve also improved AI station building and energy management. Many of these improvements come from Xilmi, known for his AI work on OpenXcom and Remnants of the Precursors. He's been providing valuable feedback and bug reports, and we’re excited to continue collaborating with him.[/p][h2]Release Schedule[/h2][p]Our initial plan was to release by the end of 2025. However, as the year closes in, we’ve decided to postpone launch to Q1 2026. This extra time will let us:[/p]

• [p]Add remaining mechanics and content (ships, anomalies, technologies, upgrades).[/p]
• [p]Polish the game experience across the board.[/p]

[p]We also believe this new timing avoids the crowded holiday release window and gives Astro Protocol a stronger launch opportunity.[/p][p]Please let us know what you think about the changes and if you haven't tried out the game, now is a good time because the tutorial is better than ever.[/p][p]Thanks for playing and supporting Astro Protocol. See you among the stars![/p]

[h2]New Planet Types[/h2][p]Astro Protocol 0.12 adds 6 new planet types to the game: Agriculture, Mining, Generator, Science, Industrial and Hub. These planet types can not be found from the map, but must be terraformed. These planets can be colonized by all factions. This adds more variety in how to terraform the planets and which terraforming techs to choose. [/p][p]Agriculture, mining and generator planets generate gas, metals and energy respectively based on the number of other stations producing those resources adjacent to them. For example agriculture planet produces 1 gas for each hydroponic farm or gas extractor station adjacent to it. [/p][p]Science, Industrial and Hub planets don't generate any resources but provide unique benefits such as extended network range, being able immediately move ships out of starport after they were built, etc.[/p][p][/p][h2]New Anomalies[/h2][p]The update also adds new anomalies with new art. These anomalies allow players to terraform or colonize the planets they are found from. Also some existing anomalies have been improved and updated.[/p][p][/p][h2]Upkeep Changes[/h2][p]We have also introduced some upkeep changes in order to improve the economy balance. Most importantly ships now have an upkeep of 1 energy in addition to the energy cost when moving or attacking with ships that are outside of network. In addition research labs have an upkeep of 1 gas which will make accumulating big number of techs and artifacts more costly. However artifacts no longer cost gas to obtain. Also the energy upkeep of planets has been removed.[/p][h2]Colonization[/h2][p]Colonization will not consume the ship that was used to colonize the planet. This makes it more of a strategic decision which ship to use to colonize and when, especially if there are enemy units nearby as they can exterminate your planet without losing their ship. Vanguard ships, which have colony pods special ability will not be consumed when colonizing a planet.[/p][h2]Improve Ship Specialization[/h2][p]In addition to improving Vanguard also Corvette special ability was changed slightly. But the biggest ship change is that long range ships can no longer counter-attack if they were attack from an adjacent tile. This incentivises using close range ships to screen and protect long range units instead of using only ranged units.[/p][h2]Smarter AI[/h2][p]AI has been improved on multiple fronts including:[/p]

• [p]More effective ship movement and combat[/p]
• [p]Better terraforming, colonization, and station building[/p]
• [p]Refined research and resource evaluation[/p]
• [p]Performance upgrades for navigation and decision-making[/p]

[h2]Try the Update and Share Your Feedback[/h2][p]With new planets, anomalies, and systemic overhauls, Astro Protocol 0.12 makes expansion more diverse, fleets more demanding, and every decision more meaningful. Try the update, experiment with new strategies, and let us know how these changes reshape your path to galactic dominance.[/p][p]Thanks for playing and supporting Astro Protocol.
See you among the stars![/p]

[p]Astro Protocol 0.11 brings the arrival of three new minor factions, reshaping how you explore the galaxy and compete for victory. Alongside improved map generation, new victory conditions, and visual upgrades, this update deepens the strategic and narrative potential of every match.[/p][h2]Meet the Minor Factions[/h2][p]The galaxy is no longer home to only the warring major factions. Surveyors, Cultivators, and Raiders now operate independently within the Astro Protocol system. Each minor faction has its own behavior, backstory, and role:[/p][h3]Surveyors[/h3][p]Volunteers and explorers dedicated to cosmic mapping. Alliance with the Surveyors will grant all their knowledge about the map of Astro Protocol to you. They will also periodically send scout ships to explore and share their observations with you. [/p][h3]Cultivators[/h3][p]Resource focused groups producing large scale gas reserves and protecting them. Alliance with the Cultivators will make your hydroponic farms no longer require upkeep.[/p][h3]Raiders[/h3][p]Aggressive opportunists targeting the weak. Their support might be volatile, but their fleets make them dangerous, both as enemies and as allies. Alliance with the Raiders will prevent them from raiding you. Your ships will also take part of the looting and produce 1 random resource when killing an enemy ship.[/p][h2]New Alliance System[/h2][p]You can now form alliances with minor factions by excelling in the specific area they value most. For example, Cultivators will ally with the major faction that generates the highest net gas income. Each minor faction has its own priority, and they will always side with the major faction that leads in that domain.[/p][p]Alliances grant powerful strategic benefits, but they are not permanent. If another major faction surpasses you in the relevant area, the minor faction may switch allegiance. You can also break an alliance manually at any time if your plans change.[/p][p]If a minor faction is defeated, the major faction that controls its home planet has the option to liberate it and restore its presence in the system.[/p][p]Minor factions bring both opportunity and risk, whether as allies or adversaries. Choose your relationships wisely.[/p][h2]Map Generation Improvements[/h2]

• [p]The map shape has been changed to accommodate minor factions.[/p]
• [p]Added map seed which guarantees the same map over multiple games [/p]
• [p]Improved placement of the planets, terrain and anomalies[/p]
• [p]Added new map generation settings such as planet, anomaly and terrain density[/p]
• [p]Removed planetary defences[/p]

[h2]Other Highlights[/h2]

• [p]Added two new victory conditions and rebalanced some of the already existing ones[/p]
• [p]Improved the players colors on the map.[/p]
• [p]Improved tooltips.[/p]
• [p]Improved performance.[/p]
• [p]Menu buttons now darken when there are no options available in the menu[/p]
• [p]The Research Lab sprite is now larger for better visibility.[/p]

[h2]Try the Update and Shape the Future[/h2][p]Whether you choose to exploit, ally, or destroy the new minor factions, they’re now an integral part of your journey toward galactic dominance. Let us know how these new systems affect your matches, and which factions you find most compelling to engage with. The feedback will help developing the game further.[/p][p]Thanks for playing and supporting Astro Protocol.[/p][p]See you among the stars![/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p]