Asteria 4X

Asteria 4X is a turn-based space strategy game in the tradition of Stars! (1995) including the retro Windows 95 aesthetic. Design your race and starships, build up your settled star systems, then expand across a randomly generated galaxy against computer empires. Win by exploring, exploiting, expanding and exterminating (4X), or by ascending past them all.

The core feel and gameplay of Stars! (1995) has been faithfully reconstructed, including the simple text interfaces, but enhanced with many additional sci-fi concepts, Star Trek inspired dilemmas, and some convenient features and optional automations. Meticulous gameplay and micro-management is possible but not required.

If it suits your custom race, all kinds of astronomical bodies can be settled or worked ranging from the very small like asteroid belts, small moons, or planetoids to the very large like supergiants, neutron stars, pulsars, magnetars, or even black holes. Distributions of astronomical bodies match our real universe but weighted: so the ludicrously rare magnetar is only rare in Asteria 4X, and the ludicrously common brown dwarf is merely common in Asteria 4X.

Spend points in the race editor to define their traits, strengths, and weaknesses, or start with one of many prebuilt races. Research hundreds of new technologies to fit onto dozens of hull layouts in the ship designer: scouts, freighters, miners, terraformers, minelayers, bombers, warships and starbases. Terraform hostile worlds, mine distant asteroids, and build ring worlds and stargates. You'll neutralize grey goo, dominate sandworm planets, build Dyson swarms, disarm alien mausoleums, and smash planetary bodies into each other (end game). Random events appear sometimes, inspired by 100 Star Trek inspired dilemmas, each one a text choice with small consequences for your empire. AI opponents come in five difficulties from Baby to Expert.

We loved playing Stars! (1995) many years ago. We hope that you enjoy this faithful homage and extension to that unique classic.