Astroneer is a sandbox adventure game developed by System Era Softworks, where players can explore space, visit unique planets, and follow mission objectives to receive rewards or to advance the completion of the game. Astroneer is available across multiple platforms, such as PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch, and is cross-platform for those who enjoy playing in multiplayer or co-op mode. Recently, a stand-alone DLC expansion was released in November 2024, attracting new and returning players to the game with the prospect of a new planet, new game objectives, and new challenges. If you have an interest in exploration games or enjoy outer space, this might be the game for you.

What is Astroneer?

Astroneer is what some would say is the space version of Minecraft. Players can craft, create, and build while also exploring and reaching the end of the game. Like Minecraft, Astroneer allows users to play in creative mode, rather than in the default survival mode. However, unlike most sandbox or exploration games, Astroneer doesn’t seem to have any lifeforms in the game beyond plantations (some hazardous) or fellow players. While it can be a relief to some gamers who prefer the peaceful atmosphere as opposed to seeing monsters and other wildlife, other players may feel the game is lacking.

In this game, you are, as the title suggests, an Astroneer who has been sent to explore the uncharted territories of space to unearth rare discoveries and understand the mysteries of the universe. The player begins on Sylva, the first planet you are introduced to, and is greeted with mission objectives that guide you along the way while also rewarding you with schematics and modules that you may need. While the missions are useful for gaining free modules that are otherwise difficult to craft or find early in the game, they are entirely optional. Players are free to simply run off and explore the planet or join their friends and do as they please.

Players don’t have to play the main game if they have either already done so, or if they want to try something new. Astroneer offers challenge presets in the starting menu of the game, allowing players to test out the new difficult modes. However, if players wished to make their own, or wanted to make the game easier, then custom games are the perfect fit. Astroneer has a custom game configuration, where you can alter the settings of your game to your desire.

What Do You Do In Astroneer?

As you progress through the game, you will find yourself traveling to other planets and moons. The main objective in the game is to ‘awaken’ every planet, which you do by activating a Gateway Chamber before heading to the center of the planet to find the Gateway Engine. Every planet and moon has a required resource that is needed to unlock the core and to receive a Geometric Triptych, and while you technically only need one to simply ‘awaken’ the planet, it’s best to get two, as you need one for the Unidentified Satellite.

The Unidentified Satellite once traveled via space shuttle for the first time, giving players the ability to teleport between planets if their cores are activated. With the cores open, players can also use the Odd Stone in the Gateway Engine to teleport to any of their active Gateway Chambers. This makes for easier travel and saves players the need to craft more Solid Fuel Thrusters or refuel their Hydrazine Thrusters for their shuttles, unless it’s a new planet they have yet to reach the core of.

While unlocking planets is one of the main grabs of the game, there are a few other missions that can bring enrichment to the game, such as collecting galastropods, or building train stations. If that’s not up to anyone’s speed, limited-time EXO events are also up for players to enjoy whenever they come around.

Everyone Wants A Pet Snail

Galastropods, or space snails, were introduced to Astroneer with the Nintendo Switch release of the game in 2022. The player is given the task of installing a xenobiology lab on their home planet and scanning five galastropod shells left behind by the planet’s specific snail. When the requirements are met, the player is given a terrarium and has to fill it with the appropriate resources to make it habitable for our new friend.

After the terrarium is complete, the player is to attach a Small Squeaker Horn or Small Trumpet Horn, and music will begin to play. The music will draw out the Galastropod, and the player is to select a dance emote after approaching. The Galastropod will tunnel away and the player is required to dance yet again. Some Galastropods take up to 3 dances before they will finally accept the player. When this is done, the player has to hold down ‘Befriend’ and the Galastropod will enter the terrarium.

After submitting the Galastropod to the Xenobiology lab, the player will learn its buffs, as well as its favorite foods. For instance, Sylvie, the Sylva Galastropod, will light up the area when given food. This buff will last 10 minutes if it’s an ordinary plant, whereas when given its favorite food, the buff will last 30 minutes.

The Galastropods come in all designs and are equipped with special buffs, and they make great and cute companions. The player can carry them with them in their backpack, or they can keep them slotted in the Xenobiology Lab. The Galastropods also have their own unique animations when you pet them, such as Sylvie playing ‘Peek-A-Boo’ or Stilgar scratching his head.

Space Can Be A Runway, Too

Like some sandbox games, players have the option to customize their Astroneer. With palettes, space suits, hats, face coverings, and visors, you can mix and match your outfits to see what suits you best. If that’s not enough, the more you progress in the game, the more you begin to unlock customization options. For instance, when activating a planet’s core, you will receive the color scheme and suit for that specific planet, and if you have activated a moon’s core, you will receive a suit palette and a visor color.

Occasionally, EXO events will reward players with new outfit assets as well, and if that’s not enough, players also have the option to buy outfits in the shop. Customization is everyone’s best friend, and who says you couldn’t look good for your space adventure?

Glitchwalkers DLC, ***Potential Spoilers***

As said above, a stand-alone DLC was released in November 2024, titled Glitchwalkers. Players are introduced to a new system and planet, known as Aeoluz. On this planet, we learn that a member of the ESS Elysium had taken over the planet after a crash. The player is greeted by Frank, and has to help restore the planet and save it from Bl!tz’s hacking.

The DLC introduces storms to the game that persist even outside of the extra content and provides new challenges for the players. Luckily, the expansion exists on its own, so no one has to worry about it conflicting with their main saves.

Final Thoughts

I adore this game. I have played it since the Nintendo Switch release, and needless to say, it’s an engaging game. With missions and events, you’re entertained for hours and even days. It’s a good game to even zone out, too, if you prefer something relaxing. I highly recommend playing it or even checking it out from YouTubers who might have played it. If you love space or exploration, this game is for you!